National meeting highlights sales success, supplier collaboration
NEWTON, IA — The Vernon Company marked another successful sales year by recognizing its top account executives, honoring its top 25 performers and celebrating milestone achievements across its sales team during the 2025 sales year.
Special awards were given to AEs who went above and beyond during the year. The top prize was awarded to Burke Buchanan, who was named Account Manager of the Year. Buchanan is a third-generation Vernon sales rep, joining the company in 1992.
Buchanan said the achievement reflects both personal goals and the team supporting him.
“It feels fantastic that I can set higher goals and achieve them. I know there are a lot of folks who are proud of this accomplishment, but I couldn’t do it without the support and help from the home office,” Buchanan said.
The Team Player Award recipient this year was Mindy Benson. This award is voted on by Vernon’s corporate home office staff and given to the AE who exemplifies a collaborative, supportive attitude with fellow AEs and Vernon team members.
Vernon also recognized two AEs with the Reaching New Heights Award. The awards went to Kay Thomson and Bill Porter. Adam Worrel received the Rising Star Award, making an instant impact after joining the company in January.
Four new awards were added at this year’s meeting to further recognize the growth and success of Vernon’s AEs. The Driven to Succeed Award was given to Stella Brock, the Industry Award went to Mitchell Barker, and the Grit & Growth Award was given to Jennifer Crowder.
A special award was added to recognize a rep whose work outside of the sales realm hasn’t gone unnoticed. Luke Sigle received the Humanitarian Award, honoring Sigle and his family’s work through the Mighty Micah Foundation, a nonprofit that provides aid to families navigating a NICU stay. The program has helped dozens of families, including three Vernon home office employees.
Lisa Hubbard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said the recognition Vernon’s AEs received during the event helps them feel seen and valued not only for their sales results but also for the hard work they put in during the year.
“Their success represents dedication, integrity, deep relationship-building and teamwork. I hope they walk away proud of their accomplishments, confident in their impact and motivated to continue leading by example for the rest of the team,” she said.
The Vernon Company also honored its top supplier partners at the meeting. Vernon’s Executive Team and Account Executives vote on the top supplier awards for the year. Gemline was selected as Supplier of the Year. The award was accepted by Regional Sales Manager Beth Sheffer, Inside Sales Representative Niki Davis and Director of Sales Mark Lange.
For individual supplier awards, Venus Thom of Koozie Group was named Account Manager of the Year, for the second consecutive year. Marissa Holman of SanMar received the Customer Service Rep of the Year.
Lisa Hubbard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, emphasized the importance of Vernon’s supplier relationships.
“Recognizing our supplier partners is both important and genuinely rewarding because they’re an extension of our team,” she said. “Our success is built on strong, trusted relationships, and NSM gives us the chance to celebrate partners who consistently show up, innovate and invest in us the same way we invest in them.”
Vernon’s Marketing Department added honors for suppliers who have gone above and beyond to support the company’s marketing efforts. Starline received the Marketing Synergy award, accepted by Vice President of Strategic Accounts Brian DeBottis and Inside Sales Representative Elle Robertson. The Engagement Excellence was awarded to Goldstar, accepted by Regional Sales Manager Denise Hearn and Vice President of National Accounts Keith Lofton.
The Vernon Company announced these honors during its annual National Sales Meeting, held April 14–16 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas. The event was attended by more than 150 account executives, supplier partners and members of the corporate office team to celebrate the past sales year’s success.