Tony Gaines

Appointed Chief Executive of Stewart’s Enterprises (SEI), an alcohol beverage business, based in the United States. Tasked to utilize my executive skill set to work with this amazing company and people with household name brands consumers recognize. Hard Rock is recognized around the world for having outstanding cocktails and a Live Louder attitude. Stewart’s Root Beer and Orange Cream have been around for over 100 years and the brand continues to be aspirational in the carbonated beverage field. Tasked with launching RTD cocktails, Hard Sodas, and Seltzer's around the world.

I Started ADG2 as a Consumer Goods Consulting Company to utilize my 30 Years of CPG and Executive Management experience to help Start-ups to Fortune 500 companies navigate the retail landscape. After managing as many as 2,700 people down to an Individual Contributor; $8 Billion in revenue to $2 Million and from carrying a bag to CEO, I wanted to utilize that experience to help others be as successful as I have been in my career. I am my most passionate at watching people, CPG companies and retailers grow to their full potential.

As my first Client of ADG2, my role was to take this amazing start-up and product (Feel Free) to its full potential. Successfully built a DSD program nationwide to execute its sell through and educate the consumer on its benefits as well as a leadership team to execute the vision.

Nature's VIP is a holding company focusing on the current trend of clean health, beauty and better for you products as it’s hard to ignore the positive impacts the right products can make on our health. Nature's VIP is best known for their wide variety of subsidiary brands such as HillTop Meds, Aktive Today, PEAAK, Aktive Farms, Canine Best Delights Charge and Hall Global. Each subsidiary has quickly become a leader in their own segment with different products and markets served, but they’re all focused on creating the highest quality products that include clean ingredients in addition to items with Hemp extract. As CEO, I have the responsibility to run the day to day operations of the company including all Personnel, Strategy, Marketing and Sales.

Manage 2000 Sales and Business Development team members in executing sales and marketing programs within the Convenience, Drug, Value, Pet Specialty, Military, Inside Sales and Specialty Channels representing over $8.6 Billion in retail sales. Work with leading CPG companies in all categories on their go to market strategies. Lead M&A aquisition targets and the management of a convenience food service broker system. Develop and set the strategies for our Tele-Sales department to assist our business partners in capturing missing sales from smaller retail and wholesale partners.

Successfully took a start up E-Cigarette company to one of the largest in the country. Upon the sale to Japan Tobacco in 2015, developed an industry leading salesforce that expanded distribution to over 40,000 regional and national accounts. Managed and developed sales strategies, KPI's and talent management to obtain national sales targets all while hitting EBITA goals.

Oversaw 87 Sales and Category Management team members in developing sales and marketing programs with 26 key national accounts representing over $3 Billion in retail sales. Worked with Innovation teams in developing new items for the channels. Assist with pricing and product management teams on pricing and line extensions. Manage (3) Drug, (2) Dollar and (7) Convenience Sales teams managing KPI’s, RPI’s, share reviews and marketing plans. Oversaw a $7 MM sales expense and marketing budget. Managed the direction and layout of key trade shows and industry events. Developed and managed top level relationships within the small format channel. Reviewed sales plans, share and direction with senior leadership on bi-weekly basis through SPR process.

Oversaw Product Development, Marketing Initiatives, Category Management, Sales Forecasts and Budgets for the National Launch of Walgreens and the $106MM Convenience Channel. Managed the call and category management activities of 23 direct and indirect Account Managers. Set the direction for the Distributor Management teams on execution within the Convenience Channel and Walgreens.