MINNEAPOLIS, (April 2, 2007) – Ardea Beverage Company, makers of airforce® Nutrisoda®, announced today that Rick Parano has been hired as senior vice president of sales. Ardea also announced five key additions to the sales team including Dean Bambrick, Western divisional sales director, Dave Mill, Eastern divisional sales director, Megan Fisher, regional sales manager for California, Jeff Anderson, regional sales manager for the Pacific Northwest and Brad Rufty, eastern zone manager food service & specialty segments. These new hires signal strategic national ambition expansion plans for airforce Nutrisoda.
Rick Parano was previously vice president, director of convenience and petroleum at Arizona Beverages, where he established himself has a key management figure for all convenience store activities. Parano has extensive experience in the beverage industry, which includes employment at Castle Springs, Canada Dry Bottling, Purity Water Company and Musco Food Corporation. Parano received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at St. Peters College in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Ardea’s sales team gained five new, highly qualified industry leaders including Dean Bambrick, who has been hired as the company’s western divisional sales director. Bambrick comes to Ardea from IZZE Beverage Company with an impressive sales record. Bambrick attended National University in San Diego, Calif.
David Mill, also formerly of IZZE Beverage Company, will serve as Ardea’s new Eastern divisional sales director. Mill has a rich background in sales and management from his experience at IZZE Beverage Company, Garelick Farms Corporation and Clearly Canadian Corporation. Mill attended Salem State College in Salem, MA.
“Nutrisoda is taking off, but our future growth is dependent on the right sales team with the right altitude to accelerate it,” said Joe Heron, founder and president of Ardea Beverage Company. “With the cumulative beverage industry experience of these sales professionals, we have perfect leadership to guide our national expansion.”
About airforce® Nutrisoda®
Introduced in 2004, airforce Nutrisoda, targets on-the-go, nutritionally-aware people who also enjoy new experiences and discovering new products. Each of the eight flavors within the portfolio feature striking packaging and contain vitamins and minerals formulated to achieve a specific wellness benefit. The products have zero sugar, zero aspartame, zero sodium and zero to few calories, appealing to fashion & health-conscious consumers. The Nutrisoda line includes: Immune, Energize, Flex, Focus, Calm, Radiant, Slender and Renew.
airforce® Nutrisoda® is available nationwide at select retail stores, fine grocers, national airports, hotels, cruise lines, restaurants, clubs, spa locations and online. With a strong commitment to social and environmental causes, airforce Nutrisoda tastes good, looks good, and does good. Call us the Good Soda.
About Ardea Beverage Company
The Ardea Beverage Company is dedicated to the development and marketing of nutrient enhanced sodas that deliver a health and wellness benefit in a safe, delicious and convenient format. The company is based in Minneapolis, Minn.
For more information please visit, www.nutrisoda.com