Energy gels specialist GU Energy Labs has announced that Reid Swanson and Tory Jackson have joined the company. In his new position as Director of Sales, Swanson will be responsible for continuing the company’s aggressive growth plan and will oversee the development of new sales channels and opportunities.
As the Business Development Manager, Jackson will focus on the Health, Vitamin and Nutrition categories.
Swanson brings to GU a unique skill set, combining Fortune 500 corporate sales experience as well as top-ranking endurance racing success. From 2007 to 2008, he worked as a Strategic Account Executive for Oracle Corporation, following years of executive-level sales service in other high-tech companies such as Xilinx, Hitachi America, Samsung Semiconductor and Mitsubishi.
Swanson also holds a deep background in the sports industry, as he joins GU after serving for over four years as the Director/Project Manager for Tri California Events.
Swanson also served as a Regional Sales Manager for CytoSport Beverage Company from 2005 to 2007, helping the company develop and launch their beverage line to the sport and nutrition channels. He is a Pepperdine graduate and a USA Triathlon Certified Coach and eight-time Ironman finisher. As a nationally-ranked triathlete, he represented the US at the 2004 World Triathlon Championships.
Jackson has been working in the outdoor industry for over 13 years, with experience in both marketing and sales. He began his career at GU as a Marketing Manager, where he was responsible for the communications efforts, marketing collateral and website content and design. He then moved to Marmot where he stayed for seven years.
As the Marketing Manager, Jackson was responsible for the strategic brand development and execution. Most recently, Jackson was the Sales Manager for Sugar Bowl. While there he contributed to the growth of sales, increased paid skier visits and worked with retailers to develop and implement specialty programs to help increase sales.
“Reid and Tory are both absolutely a perfect fit with GU,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Christian Johnson, “Reid has killer track record in sales, and Tory really knows the landscape of our core audiences and has a deep knowledge of our brand.”
