Brandi Ponce
President/CEO
Brandi has enjoyed over fourteen years’ experience in the Natural Industry, with a previous career in finance and technology. Brandi first became interested in the world of natural and organic products when seeking healthier options for her family.
While learning more about the importance of a natural lifestyle, Brandi felt compelled to make a career change, and accepted a job with Sprouts here in Phoenix. Brandi's time with Sprouts led to an eight-year tenure at New Connections Marketing Group. She began as a field representative, and was quickly promoted to Key Account and Territory Manager for the Southwest. Brandi has been privileged to work with many of the biggest and best brands in the industry such as: Alaffia, Derma e, Andalou Naturals, Bio K Plus, MyChelle, Tera's Whey, Kiss My Face, EO, Tea Tree Therapy, Pure Essence, Vitality Works, Nutiva and Weleda.
Brandi and her team strive daily to provide a level of customer service rarely seen anymore. She understands that the most important job of any broker is to not only sell product onto the shelves, but make sure it continues to sell once there.
Brandi is happiest outside, hiking or kayaking with her husband & two grown sons.
Meet the Team!
At Red Rock Sales - We are proud to be a family business!
Jeff Ponce
Managing Partner & Director of Grocery/Frozen/Perishable
Jeff Ponce has an amazing 30 years of experience in the natural products industry! Beginning with his first job at a Boney's in San Diego at the young age of 15, Jeff continued working in natural food stores while earning his Bachelor's degree. In 2005, Jeff accepted a field rep position for New Connections Marketing Group in Arizona. Jeff was quickly promoted to Brand Manager, and then onto Regional/Key Account Manager. Jeff had been overseeing the Sprouts Key Account for over 12 years for the Grocery, Frozen and Perishable Division. Jeff also managed the Texas division of NCM where he called on Whole Foods for his clients.
Jeff has proudly represented some of the most successful and influential brands in the industry including; Amy's Kitchen, Chobani, Lifeway, GT's Kombucha, Nature's Path, Udi's Gluten Free, Guayaki, and the list just goes on!
Jeff is an amazing manager who endears himself to his team, helping them grow and succeed. The natural products industry is Jeff's home and expertise like this is hard to come by.
Jeff is happiest in the ocean and will do just about anything to get back in the water! Mountain biking and hiking with his family & loyal rescue dog, Ally, are a close second.
Julie Stull
Territory/Key Account Manager AZ & UT
With a background in technology sales and teaching, not to mention a Bachelor's Degree in microbiology, Julie brings the best of both worlds to Red Rock Sales. Julie specializes in staff training and field execution.
Julie began her career in natural as a field representative for New Connections. Immediately recognized as a rising star, she was quickly promoted to Retail Sales Supervisor, and then to Key Account/Business Manager where she managed the Sprouts Farmer's Market, Harmon's and Fresh Vitamin's Key Accounts.
Julie has invaluable relationships with her accounts both big and small, and is known for "always getting the YES!" Her organizational skills and attention to detail are second to none!
Julie is also a concert harpist and proud mother to two very accomplished daughters, Samantha & Ashley.
Sue Alverson
Territory/Key Account Manager
Southern CA
With a background in Film Editing and a degree in Theatre Arts, Sue discovered her love of a natural lifestyle and sales later in life. Wanting to escape the hectic world of filmmaking, she took some much-needed time off to stay home and raise her daughter. Always the multi-tasker, Sue started a clothing company with her business partner Ellen. Sue found herself overseeing the sales side of things and immediately knew she had found her calling!
When Weleda approached her to work their Southern California trade shows and events, she jumped at the chance. Sue excelled in this role and shortly was promoted to outside sales rep for all of Southern California. Within six months Sue had produced double-digit growth, especially in her Whole Foods. Building lasting relationships with her Independents, Sue conveys true passion for her brands, as well as an amazing work ethic that inspires us all!
A true people person, Sue's energy is contagious. Whether out in the field educating staff, interacting with clients, or of course, closing sales.
Sue is happiest on the tennis court playing with her team, reading a good book or driving along the gorgeous California coast. Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her beautiful daughter Samantha, her sweet dog Bisou, and her husband Tim.
Sue Alverson
Territory/Key Account Manager
Southern CA
Coming from the world of Film Editing and with a degree in Theatre Arts, Sue discovered her love of a natural lifestyle and sales later in life. Wanting to escape the hectic world of filmmaking, she took some much-needed time off to stay home and raise her daughter. Always the multi-tasker, Sue started a clothing company with her business partner Ellen. Sue found herself overseeing the sales side of things and immediately knew she had found her calling!
When Weleda approached her to work their Southern California trade shows and events, she jumped at the chance. Sue excelled in this role and shortly was promoted to outside sales rep for all of Southern California. Within six months Sue had produced double-digit growth, especially in her Whole Foods. Building lasting relationships with her Independents, Sue conveys true passion for her brands, as well as an amazing work ethic that inspires us all!
A true people person, Sue's energy is contagious, whether out in the field educating staff, interacting with clients, or of course, closing sales.
Sue is happiest on the tennis court playing with her team, reading a good book or driving along the gorgeous California coast. Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her beautiful daughter Samantha, her sweet dog Bisou, and her husband Tim.
Sondra Peterson
Sales Representative
Arizona
With over six years’ experience in supplements, personal care and the natural foods channel, Sondra Peterson brings a diverse skill set to Red Rock Sales. Her former work as a brand ambassador, store associate and sales representative bring the perfect mix of experience and talent needed for success in the field.
With an Associate of Arts and Applied Sciences degree, as well as a Paralegal Certification, Sondra enjoyed a previous career in the legal field before moving into sales. She has made the transition look easy, using her attention to detail and exceptional follow-up as her calling card. Sondra has exceeded the expectations of our clients and has earned the love and respect of her retail accounts.
Sondra is the proud mother of her adorable son Roman, who is just about to turn three. Free time at home is precious, and is spent snuggling, doing puzzles or playing outside with her son. Sondra loves a good workout, beautiful Arizona sunsets, and is currently working on mastering sign language.
Deanna Smiley
Territory/Key Account Manager
Southern CA
Having grown up in a health-conscious family, Deanna knows the benefits of eating clean, taking supplements, and caring for her body. In 2002, she began working at Mother’s Market & Kitchen in the Body Care Department, where she loved being able to share with others her love of a healthy lifestyle.
She soon met her husband, started a family, and in 2006 left Mother’s to start a demo career in order to spend time with her young son. In 2009, she joined Saffron Sales & Marketing as an Orange County Sales Representative. Deanna worked with top-tier industry supplement and body care brands, and her amazing attitude and sales skills were a killer combination in the field. When Ridgeline Sales bought Saffron, she stayed with the company until joining Red Rock Sales & Marketing in 2019.
Deanna has been married to her husband, Aaron, for 15 years. They are raising 3 wonderful children together, plus a pug named Opie. Deanna is most at home at the beach or on a hike. Deanna enjoys painting, a good book, and spending time with family.
Austin Kopp
Field Merchandiser
With previous positions at Amazon, Costco and Sprouts Farmers Market, we are thrilled to have Austin on our team in the role of field merchandiser. Merchandising helps our team at the most vital level. Helping with resets, executing audits, and capturing promotional tags for clients, are only a few of valuable services a merchandiser provides. Austin can also be seen volunteering on the floor during busier times, or helping a department work through a heavy delivery of products. This builds goodwill at store level and is greatly appreciated by the staff and store management.
Austin prides himself on making sure our client's products look their best. From proper placement to promotional execution, this ensures the best possible sales.
Austin is also a very talented vocal impressionist, and hopes to work as a voice actor in the future. Ask him to do any voice from Donald Trump to Mickey Mouse!!