Farmer Brothers Hires Experienced CFO Fisher
Farmer Brothers, a leading roaster, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and allied products, has appointed Vance Fisher as chief financial officer. Brad Bollner, who has served as the company’s interim CFO since August 2023, will remain with the company as its vice president of finance.
“Vance is an experienced CFO with a proven track record of helping organizations grow revenue and EBITDA,” said Chief Executive Officer John Moore. “We are excited to have him join our leadership team as we continue to unlock the full potential of our direct store delivery (DSD) network and drive strategic, long-term growth. We are also especially appreciative of Brad’s diligence and contributions throughout our recent transition.”
Fisher, who has more than 25 years of financial leadership experience, most recently served as CFO of Nothing Bundt Cakes, where he helped triple the company’s EBITDA in as many years. He has also previously served as CFO of Dunn’s River Brands, a DSD food and beverage company, and Daisy Brand, where he helped drive revenue and profitability growth by four-fold during his nine-year tenure.
Fisher holds bachelor’s degrees in both accounting and finance from the University of Oklahoma.
“Farmer Brothers has long been regarded as an industry leader and expert in coffee and I am excited to be joining the company at such a pivotal time as it refocuses on its DSD business,” said Fisher. “I look forward to working with John and team to build on recent success as the company focuses on further improving our cost structure, generating revenue and driving top line growth.”
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Community Coffee CEO Belanger to Retire
Community Coffee, based in Baton Rouge, La., announced that CEO David Belanger, a member of its board of directors, intends to retire with a target date of June 28, 2024. Belanger has served as CEO since 2012. He joined as director of operations in 1998.
Belanger will work with the board of directors to ensure a seamless transition and will remain CEO and member of the board until his successor is onboarded. The Board has initiated a search process to identify Belanger’s successor.
Matt Saurage, chairman of the board of directors stated, “On behalf of the Saurage family and the board of directors, I want to thank David for his 25+ years of service to Community Coffee Company, to our customers and to our employee-family. Under David’s leadership, the company has more than doubled in size and our brand is stronger than ever. David has an unwavering commitment to our values and has instilled a culture of excellence in everyone, both personally and professionally. As a result, we are well positioned for continued growth and expansion.”
Belanger said to employees, “I’ve been blessed to be part of this incredible company and it has been an honor serving you since joining the company in 1998. Together, we have expanded on the company’s history of success while positioning for an even brighter future. I believe that now is the right time to begin the search for a new CEO who will continue that journey with you all. While the search for my successor is underway, I remain committed to working alongside you and our board of directors to further our strategy while ensuring a seamless transition.”
Founded in 1919, Community Coffee, is the nation’s #1 family-owned premium retail coffee brand. The company is an importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffee products available online and in retail stores and businesses nationwide. Community Coffee offers whole-bean, ground, single-serve, freshly brewed and ready-to-drink options. Founded in Baton Rouge, the company remains true to its purpose of bringing joy to those who help communities thrive with programs supporting teachers, military service members, first responders and farmers, among others.
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Black Rifle Coffee Changes Management Team
Black Rifle Coffee, a rapidly growing and mission-driven premium coffee company founded to support veterans, active-duty military, and first responders and serve a broad customer base by connecting consumers with great coffee anCd a unique brand experience, announced changes to its management team to strengthen its ability to drive profitable growth and serve customers. The company is also reaffirming 2023 full-year financial guidance previously provided on May 11.
Chief Marketing Officer Chris Mondzelewski has assumed the newly established role of president of Black Rifle Coffee. In this role, Mondzelewski will take on the responsibility of overseeing BRCC’s day-to-day operations, alongside his current duties as chief marketing officer. Mondzelewski joined BRCC in May following a nearly 12-year tenure at Mars, where he most recently led growth initiatives for the Global Petcare business as chief growth officer. Additionally, Mondzelewski will assume many of Chief Operating Officer Toby Johnson’s responsibilities, as she is departing the company to pursue other opportunities after building the foundation for BRCC’s entry into the FDM channel with bagged coffee and scaling the RTD coffee business in convenience stores.
The company also announced that, effective Aug. 13, Greg Iverson will step down from his role as chief financial officer and return to the education sector. Mark Weinsten, an experienced financial executive, will serve as the company’s interim CFO. Weinsten has been working closely with BRCC’s management team on various operational and productivity initiatives since February 2023 and his financial expertise, familiarity with BRCC’s operations, and experience serving in interim roles, including as CFO, position him to lead BRCC’s finance team during this interim period. The company is conducting a search for a permanent CFO.
“I want to thank Greg and Toby for the positive impact they have had on Black Rifle as we have transitioned from the private to public markets. The continued evolution of our management team and organizational structure will further leverage the strengths and expertise of the exceptional leaders we have within the organization, drive enhanced cohesion across our operations and create better opportunity for future growth,” commented founder and Co-CEO Evan Hafer.
Co-CEO Tom Davin commented, “Chris joined BRCC earlier this year and quickly made a positive impact on the Company. His appointment as president is recognition that his deep business and strategic expertise extends well beyond marketing, which is why we are expanding his scope to leverage his business development and operational capabilities. Our business continued to perform well in Q2, and I look forward to working alongside Chris and Mark and the rest of our Board and leadership team as we continue to capitalize on our strong brand momentum to drive industry leading growth in both revenue and profitability.”
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