Our People
Our People
Christina Bayon, National Act Sales Mgr - Foodservice
Christina.d.bayon@izze.comI have: I have a wonderful husband, an adorable son, a dog and 2 cats.
I identify with: A good work ethic and those that can relax.
My childhood was spent: Not relaxing. I spent my summers fixing up homes with my family in Michigan. My dad bought and sold houses. The family helped fix them up.
Which led to: Michigan State University. Those houses paid for my college so I can't complain. And eventually to Colorado where I began learning how to relax. Still on the quest.
Last great book I read: A tie between "The Little Yellow Book of Yes Attitude" and "The Secret."
Because: The message of both is "Never say no, or you can't," "If you project positive thoughts out to the universe, the universe will listen and send positive outcomes your way."
Most humbling moment: The birth of my son.
5 things I can't live without: A raggedy, hole filled MSU sweatshirt I refuse to throw away, wine, cereal, snowshoes and TV.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Anything from Sting.
If I could I would: I would take a sabbatical and live in Alaska for the summer.
Lonna Borden, CFO
lonna.borden@izze.comI have: A husband Mark, two dogs, friends and family that are amazing.
I identify with: The saying "get busy living or get busy dying." (Someone really cool taught it to me.)
My childhood was spent: Frolicking in the California sunshine.
Which led to: My love for the outdoors and beverages from Napa.
Last great book I read: "Not Fade Away: A Short Life Well Lived".
Because: A good friend said it will change my life, and it did.
Most humbling moment: Realizing I had met my match.
5 things I can't live without: My family and friends, Weezie and Cody, Pete's Coffee, Halloween, and the mountains.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Rusted Root - When I Woke.
If I could I would: I would take my dog weezie to Disney land.
Chuck Engle, VP of Sales
chuck.engle@izze.comI have: A great family that supports me in all I do.
I identify with: People who value their sense of humor.
My childhood was spent: Skiing in the Colorado Rockies.
Which led to: Skiing on the lakes of Texas...gotta have boards on the feet somehow!
Last great book I read: "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson.
Because: It proves that history is stranger than fiction.
Most humbling moment: Losing a game of one-on-one basketball to my 12-year-old daughter!
5 things I can't live without: My family, IZZE Sparkling Blackberry, sports, coffee and vacations.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Chris Isaak - The Baja Sessions.
If I could I would: I would slow the journey down a little. Life goes by awfully fast!
Jeremy Fancher, Category Analyst
Jeremy.Fancher@izze.comI have: A wife, two sons, a dog and an oppressive mortgage.
I identify with: My name, a fingerprint, retinal scan or Government issued card.
My childhood was spent: In motion, always going somewhere or doing something.
Which led to: Bumps, bruises and broken bones.
Last great book I read: Forgotten Founders.
Because: It provided a unique perspective on the design and intent of the U.S. constitution.
Most humbling moment: The day I accepted as fact that there is a creator and that I am not it.
5 things I can't live without: Love, O2, H2O, a Pulse, and Neurological Impulses.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: I don't play any instruments, let alone play them while drinking IZZE.
If I could I would: The fifth amendment protects my right to leave this question unanswered.
Jim Fiolka, Regional Sales Mgr - Midwest
james.fiolka@izze.comI have: A wife and two kids.
I identify with: the Midwest - simple, big cities Available when in the mood for crowds, suburbs and rural areas when not in the mood for crowds.
My childhood was spent: Playing sports and working in a liquor store.
Which led to: Continued interest in sports and a career in beverages after college.
Last great book I read: "Never Die Easy" biography about Walter Payton.
Because: I love the Chicago Bears and had the honor of watching Walter Payton's football career.
Most humbling moment: watching a friend in college go through cancer treatment and eventually losing his life to the disease.
5 things I can't live without: My wife, son, daughter, friends and pizza.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Beverly Hills.
If I could I would: I would give anything to give my wife and kids everything they need to be happy for the rest of their lives without spoiling them.
BJ Grattan, Division Mgr
bj.grattan@izze.comI have: A great life - the best fiance, good friends, a fun job and a big, supportive family (including spouses: 10 brothers and sisters, 8 nieces and nephews, 1 living grandparents, 23 aunts and uncles, 48 first cousins, and 2 amazing parents).
I identify with: Richard Simmons.
My childhood was spent: Playing soccer, Marco Polo, street hockey, whiffle ball, manhunt, quahoging, and fighting my brothers and sisters for the prize in the bottom of the cereal.
Which led to: Playing soccer / snowboarding / golfing whenever possible.
Last great book I read: The Hardy Boys' The Missing Chums.
Because: Frank and Joe searching for their boys Chet and Biff - enough said.
Most humbling moment: Watching the news every night and realizing my problems are usually too trivial to worry about.
5 things I can't live without: The first-thing-in-the-morning cup of Coffee, sunflower seeds, flip-flops, my iPod and to keep it at 5, quahogs or steamers.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Your Gold Teeth II (not I) by Steely Dan, or anything by Spinal Tap. I've always been knocked out by their exuberance, their raw power and their punctuality.
If I could I would: Win the lottery, I'd spend the rest of my life volunteering, playing sports and coaching.
Darin Gruenhaupt, Dir of Foodservice
Darin.gruenhaupt@izze.comI have: An awesome family including a wife that I?ve been married to for over 16 years and three boys ages 8-12 years old.
I identify with: My German heritage, music, family, nature and a strong Midwestern work ethic - ?work hard and play harder.?
My childhood was spent: Growing up in a small town in Northeastern Iowa called Waukon which has one stoplight and approximately 3,000 people. It is a rural community that revolved around farming and light manufacturing. Life was easy-going and from an early age I worked at the local grocery store, mowed lawns and did odd jobs for cash. I rode my bicycle across Iowa 4 different years on RAGBRAI and really enjoyed the free spirit that comes with childhood.
Which led to: Getting an undergraduate BA degree at the University of Northern Iowa in 1988 and a MBA from the University of Denver in 1993. I met my wife during college in Iowa and I followed her to the mountains in Colorado.
Last great book I read: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".
Because: My family loves Harry Potter and it is simply fun reading with lots of intricate details.
Most humbling moment: Watching my 6 month old son almost die from Meningitis in 1997 OR visiting East Berlin in 1984 while communism was active and the Wall was still holding people back in a time warp of sorts.
5 things I can't live without: Family / Friends, 4 wheel drive vehicles, Music, Outdoors Activities (camping, hiking, biking, fishing etc.) and a BBQ Grill.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Any songs from the Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, Pink Floyd, U2 or Led Zeppelin depending upon my mood. I love drinking IZZE Grapefruit and IZZE esque Black Raspberry.
If I could I would: I would quit my job and split my time between the mountains in Colorado, traveling in the US and abroad and volunteering my time to help those that are less fortunate.
Amy Harris, Finance Operations Accountant
amy.b.harris@izze.comI have: A husband, Daniel, and we have been blessed this past year with our son, Noah.
I identify with: People who love to laugh! I can honestly say that my family makes me laugh every single day.
My childhood was spent: Growing up in Alabama with a family that loved to fellowship and laugh. Our home was always open to our friends and extended family. The weekends were reserved for God first, family second, and of course, college football.
Which led to: An amazing appreciation for my family, good ole' Southern football, and an awesome four years at the University of Alabama. Roll Tide!!
Last great book I read: A Touch of Grace, by Lauraine Snelling.
Because: I love the author and we could all use a little more grace and kindness in our lives.
Most humbling moment: When my son was born. There is nothing that compares to the moment you realize you would do anything, no matter what the cost to yourself, for someone else.
5 things I can't live without: The Lord, my family, music, Alabama football, and Southern BBQ
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Casting Crowns.
If I could I would: I would have my parents and sibling all in the same city again.
Meg Heitlinger, PR Mgr
meg@izze.comI have: A Netflix subscription.
I identify with: My mom and dad.
My childhood was spent: Reading books, riding horses and dreaming big!
Which led to: A move to Colorado with my wonderful husband.
Last great book I read: Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella.
Because: Tiffany & Co, wedding planning and shopping!
Most humbling moment: Getting married.
5 things I can't live without: Good stationery, pizza, my husband, Starbuck's non-fat vanilla latte and the change of seasons (so much to do - ski, bike, ride, shop!)
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Gomez.
If I could I would: All the languages and customs. It would be kind of like being on the Amazing Race.
Jim Hunt, Regional Sales Mgr
jim.hunt1@izze.comI have: A really big appetite.
I identify with: People who enjoy life.
My childhood was spent: Making a lot of mistakes and learning things the hard way.
Which led to: Thinking things through and making more calculated decisions as an adult.
Last great book I read: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
Because: It made me think about all of the little things in life.
Most humbling moment: Every time I have that dream about being at school in my underwear.
5 things I can't live without: The beach, NY Pizza, The Gym, Imported Beer and BBQ.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Anything by Sublime works well.
If I could I would: I would sleep in a hammock on the beach every night; and never sit in another traffic jam.
Andrew Jaffe, Marketing Mgr
Andrew.jaffe@izze.comI have: A loving wife and family.
I identify with: Simplicity.
My childhood was spent: On the water.
Which led to: My love for surfing.
Last great book I read: "It's Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong.
Because: Lance's story is inspirational whether you're an athlete or not.
Most humbling moment: Ironman.
5 things I can't live without: My wife, family, friends, my flip flops and toys (bikes, surfboards, snowboards).
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Bob Marley.
If I could I would: I would build our dream home...just not sure where yet.
Scott Larson, General Office Assistant
scott.w.larson@izze.comI have: A passion for new experiences, and a short attention span.
I identify with: Making mistakes. You learn more after you've had to pick yourself up.
My childhood was spent: In the hills outside of Denver.
Which led to: My inability to leave Colorado, and my passion for being outdoors.
Last great book I read: Let my People go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard.
Because: Yvon talks about how following your passions with a consciousness about your actions and surroundings can allow you to create great things.
Most humbling moment: Witnessing the passion for life the people in Tanzania have.
5 things I can't live without: My board, bike, music, books and a drink with my friends
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Old and in the Way, or Common - Finding Forever.
If I could I would: I can.
Kelli McCusker, CMO
kelli@izze.comI have: 14 adorable and fun nieces and nephews!
I identify with: Independent thinkers.
My childhood was spent: Riding my schwinn with the flowered banana seat around the neighborhood.
Which led to: Riding my Klein around London, Seattle, and now Boulder.
Last great book I read: The Fountainhead.
Because: My peep, Matt, told me it would change my life.
Most humbling moment: My trip to South Africa.
5 things I can't live without: Family, Friends, Bike, Ipod and TV.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Ringside.
If I could I would: I would take the time to write that screenplay already.
Michelle Morovitz, VP National Accts
michelle.morovitz@izze.comI have: A 101-year-old house in Denver.
I identify with: People that are open-minded and live life to the fullest.
My childhood was spent: swimming, riding my bike, playing with my friends...simply having fun!
Which led to: Doing my first triathlon at the age of 37...and continuing to have fun!
Last great book I read: "Ask and It Is Given" by Ester Hicks.
Because: You can have anything you want for yourself and your life, you just have to "ask" then get out of the way and let God do his work.
Most humbling moment: Completing the Harvest Moon Half Ironman.
5 things I can't live without: My Bible, my road bike, my Nikken products, my family and my friends.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews, and some good 80s tunes...IZZE must be mixed with my favorite vodka.
If I could I would: I would work for six months and then travel and ride my bike for the other six months.
Ryan Senalik, Regional Sales Mgr - Northern CA
ryan.senalik@izze.comI have: A very supportive husband, mom, dad, brother and friends. Each and every one of them has contributed to my happiness in this world, especially my love for dogs.
I identify with: Dog lovers. Never met one I didn't like. We enjoy exchanging stories about our pets as if they were kids...well aren't they?
My childhood was spent: with ice cream, toys, my little bro and all good kid memories. It was also spent moving. We moved Moving several times (from So. Cal. to Ohio to Nor. Cal. and back to So. Cal., then back again to Nor. Cal.)
Which led to: Seeing and understanding how different people are and how they are all the same, too.
Last great book I read: "Marley and Me".
Because: I rescue and foster dogs, specifically white Boxers, both the good and bad. Therefore, the book was really funny as I have had some really BAD ones that I still love completely. Don't ask me why.
Most humbling moment: Walking into the SPCA to retrieve a rescued dog.
5 things I can't live without: My husband, my pups (Raymond and Georgie), my best friends, the SF Giants and of course...an IZZE every morning.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Anything new country. I love Keith, Toby, Faith, Tim and all the rest.
If I could I would: ---
Michelle Stanley, Administrative Assistant/Office Mgr
michelle.k.stanley@izze.comI have: All that I need.
I identify with: More to strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman.
My childhood was spent: Picking rocks in my grandpa's field and slicing deli ham in my dad's butcher shop.
Which led to: The dislike of rocks and deli ham.
Last great book I read: "How to Hear from God".
Because: We all need to learn to listen to what God is telling us, not what the world is telling us.
Most humbling moment: When I gave my life back to Christ.
5 things I can't live without: My Bible, praise & worship music, toothpaste, toothbrush and cleaning supplies.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: WOW Gospel 2006, Casting Crowns - Lifesong & Voice of Truth.
If I could I would: I would travel and visit every place in the world.
Alli Tool, National Sales Mgr - Natural Channel
Allison.tool@izze.comI have: A wonderful fiance, 3 very cool dogs and a great family that includes 13 nieces and nephews.
I identify with: Dogs...and positive people who like to laugh and have a passion for food.
My childhood was spent: Growing up in Ft. Collins as an only child with 5 brothers and sisters.
Which led to: "Spreading my wings" and moving around the country for a few years, then coming back to what is most important.
Last great book I read: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Because: The main character/author falls in love with a pizza.
Most humbling moment: Watching the birth of my niece.
5 things I can't live without: Besides people...Mexican food, homemade mac and cheese, really great red wine, my Blackberry and my watch.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: Tool, Aenema; A Perfect Circle, Thirteenth Step; Evanescence, Fallen.
If I could I would: I would hire someone to clean up after me in the kitchen and make the bed!
Sal Totora, VP of Operations
sal.tortora@izze.comI have: A beautiful family.
I identify with: Creative thinkers that find unique ways to get things done.
My childhood was spent: On the Florida beaches.
Which led to: Metting my wife on Daytona Beach.
Last great book I read: Culture Warrior.
Because: Of O'Reilly's interesting perspective!
Most humbling moment: The birth of my children by far.
5 things I can't live without: My family (3 of them), my bike, my swim goggles.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: If I did, anything U2, but I like to enjoy my IZZE in peace.
If I could I would: I actually do - enjoy every day!
Charlie Wolff, Regional Sales Mgr - Southern CA
charlie.wolff@izze.comI have: Three wonderful children (Savannah 9, Dillon 7 and Gavin 18 months).
I identify with: People who work hard and play hard.
My childhood was spent: Playing baseball.
Which led to: Managing my sons baseball team and sharing what I know with all the kids.
Last great book I read: "Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars" by Rick Hill.
Because: I am a huge Cincinnati Reds and Pete Rose fan. Pete Rose holds more major league records than any other player.
Most humbling moment: The births of my children.
5 things I can't live without: My family, cell phone, computer, tequila and Pepsi.
Song or album I play while drinking IZZE: "What's My Age Again" by Blink 182.
If I could I would: I would play Major League Baseball for free.
