Newport International Expands Sales Force While Other Seafood Companies Cut Back

St. Petersburg, FL, May 05, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Newport International, the home of Jack’s Catch® brand of seafood products, announces the addition of five new sales managers and the promotion of Gary Lanoue to Vice President of Operations.

The changes come as part of a product diversification plan put into effect in 2010 by the company. Newport International now markets Chilean salmon, South American and Asia shrimp, tuna, swai (pangasius), tilapia, grouper, pollock, and Canadian lobster meat, in addition to its core crabmeat products.

Craig Hospodor, VP of Sales for the company, explains the plan as “At a time when most companies may be planning cut-backs, Newport is doubling its efforts to reach out to new customers, improve our service to current customers, and offer new and exciting products we’ve never had before...”

The changes are as follows:

Gary Lanoue, promoted to Vice President of Operations.
Mr. Lanoue is charged with managing the company’s procurement, import, warehouse, logistics, and sales support operations. Mr. Lanoue has held several positions within the company. Prior to joining Newport International, he worked for Sysco Food Service Corporation, Performance Foodservice, and most recently Agar Supply Co.

David Kirpich, joins the company as Sales Manager.
Mr. Kirpich comes to Newport International with an extensive background in seafood. His career traces back to being a deckhand on a fishing vessel and a corporate officer at International Oceanic Enterprises. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Kirpich worked for Expack Seafood Inc.

Dennis Sullivan, joins the company as Sales Manager.
Mr. Sullivan joins Newport International after 30 years of working in the seafood industry. He has held positions in both, the retail, and the foodservice side of the business. Most recently, he worked as an independent contractor for Heron Point Seafood Inc.

David Bacon, joins the company as Sales Manager.
Mr. Bacon’s career includes working for Michaels Foods Inc. and Contessa Food Co. He ascended the ranks from Sales Representative to National Sales Manager and later Director of Sales. His knowledge and experience will be instrumental in developing their distribution program business.

Dan Halpin, joins the company as Sales Manager.
Mr. Halpin started his career in the seafood department of A&P Supermarkets, one of the country’s largest retailers. Throughout his 30 years in the business, Mr. Halpin has successfully marketed to retailers and foodservice distributors alike. He has an extensive background in Salmon sales, both fresh and frozen. His focus with the company will be on growing sales in the Midwest region of the US. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Halpin worked for Sano Seafood Corp. and Multiexport Foods Inc.

Thomas “Tommy” Henry, joins the company as Sales Manager.
Mr. Henry has worked in the seafood industry since graduating from college in 2008. He is a second generation seafood professional. Mr. Henry has been reared in the seafood world. He worked for The Great Fish Co. prior to joining Newport International.