Product Center Making It In Michigan

Keynote Speaker

Marcus Reliford Jr.

Marcus Reliford Jr is more than just a seasoned leader; he's a catalyst for growth and success in the grocery retail industry. Throughout his career, Marcus has showcased his leadership acumen and ability to manage diverse teams effectively. During his tenure, Marcus has led and managed over 1000 associates consistently fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.  His strategic approach to training, merchandising, and community engagement has consistently yielded tangible results, including significant increases in sales and operational efficiency. With over 18 years of immersive experience with corporations, Marcus has honed his skills and insights, making him a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs navigating the corporate, distribution, and retail landscape. 

As the founder of Reliford Investments, a consulting firm for artisanal product-based food businesses, Marcus’ greatest asset is his ability to forge genuine connections and tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each business owner he mentors. He doesn't just offer expertise; he invests time to understand their aspirations and challenges, building trust that forms the foundation for fruitful collaborations and ultimate success. 

Marcus's pride lies in serving his community of entrepreneurs, witnessing their growth and success as he passionately guides them towards their fullest potential. Marcus serves as a Small Business Service (SBS) consultant where he develops food programming for the Food and Beverage team at TechTown Detroit. His commitment to integrity, honesty, and genuine care has earned him a sterling reputation in the market, built on strong relationships and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Panelists

Kris DeAngelo

Kris DeAngelo is the Associate Director for the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations at Michigan State University, a private practice attorney with 23 years of experience, and a food law consultant. Ms. DeAngelo teaches graduate courses in Wine, Beer, and Spirits Laws and Regulations, Food Laws and Regulations in Canada, Food Laws and Regulations in China, FSMA Produce Safety Law, and Regulatory Leadership. She speaks on the topic of food law both domestically and internationally for food companies and industry associations. Ms. DeAngelo holds an LLM in Global Food Law from Michigan State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from the University of Michigan, and a law degree, magna cum laude, from Michigan State University. As a former community college anatomy and physiology professor and national board-certified high school science teacher, Ms. DeAngelo is passionate about teaching and helping students learn and apply science and law to their professional lives. She lives with her husband on a farm outside Ann Arbor with horses, miniature silky fainting goats, chickens, ducks, and highland cattle. In her spare time, she is working on a horse-related patent and visits her daughter, who is in medical school in the Caribbean to scuba dive.

Dan Andaloro

Dan Andaloro is the General Manager for TI Spices / AMAC Specialty Foods in Clinton Township, Michigan, overseeing buying, the sales staff, and key account calls.  Dan has over 35 years’ of experience in the CPG Industry, working for a global direct manufacturer, national food broker, and his current role with a Michigan-based distributor.

Rhea VanAtta

Rhea grew up in Lansing and has been self-employed since 1987 Prior to opening the store, Rhea had developed many relationships with local farmers and makers when helping to source produce from local farmers markets for the food bank. She opened the Old Town General Store (OTGS) in the spring of 2013 after being part owner of another business for 23 years. OTGS started out as a local-centric specialty grocery store with Rhea purchasing seasonal produce and other products from as many local sources as possible. Over the years, she had to adapt to what folks wanted which were all the same choices the larger grocery stores offered. The concept of buying and selling locally-produced products remains the driving force of her business. OTGS is best known today for its amazing gift baskets filled with Michigan products. Rhea has also been very active in school gardening programs, community beautification programs, and recycling programs.

Bill Reiffer

Bill Reiffer is the Vice President of Purchasing at Harvest Health Foods. With over 20 years of experience in the natural foods industry, Bill has a passion for sourcing innovative health-related products that meet Harvest Health Foods’ high product standards. His goal is to cultivate a relationship between brands, retailers, and consumers, that ensures mutual benefit and shared growth.

Jody Daenzer

Jody Daenzer has over 25 years of experience in the Retail Industry with roles in Store Leadership, Human Resources, Merchandising, and most recently as Local/Natural/Multicultural Specialist for the Kroger Company of Michigan. She was raised on a family farm in Frankenmuth, MI and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Agri-Business and Food Systems Economics & Management. Jody has a passion for people and has worked with agricultural communities, both here and abroad, building infrastructure for sustainable growth. For the past 23 years, she has been working with International Students at Oakland University and serves on the board of Directors for International Oasis.

Ederique Goudia

Ederique “Chef E” Goudia is not just a chef; she’s a connector, weaving the rich tapestry of Detroit’s food scene with a deep commitment to equity, culture, and community. Her work is rooted in the belief that food is more than sustenance—it’s a vessel for preserving history, addressing systemic inequities, and building connections across diverse communities.

As the manager and business coach for the Shed 5 Incubator Kitchen at Eastern Market, Chef E collaborates with local organizations like TechTown Detroit, Michigan Good Food Fund, and Make Food Not Waste to uplift underrepresented voices in the food industry. Her advocacy spans critical issues such as child nutrition, food security, food waste reduction, fair wages, and mental health support within hospitality—areas that are often overlooked but essential to creating a more just food system.

Chef E’s impact resonates far beyond Detroit. Her work has been highlighted by National Geographic, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Eater, Edible WOW, and NPR. She has shared her culinary expertise on Fox 2 Detroit and contributed recipes to publications like the James Beard Foundation’s A Plate at the Table, Hour Detroit, and Eating Well. Through her agency In the Business of Food (IBF Detroit), she empowers minority-owned and
under-resourced food businesses with tools and resources to thrive.

A proud alumna of the James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellowship and its Boot Camp for Policy and Change, Chef E continues to push boundaries. Chef E has also presented at the Culinary Institute of America’s International World of Flavors Conference and guest lectured at the University of Michigan’s Food Literacy for All series. In 2023, she delivered a keynote address at the Detroit Food Policy Council Summit. She also serves on the board of directors of several local non-profit organizations: Detroit Food Academy, Eastside Community Network and the Villages CDC. Through her work, Chef E redefines what it means to be a chef—not just as someone who feeds people but as someone who nourishes communities and inspires systemic change.

Tim Kainu

Tim Kainu is a veteran in the specialty market industry. Tim has spent his entire career with Westborn Market and now leads a large team of managers and associates in a highly creative, fast paced, merchandising driven organization. His responsibilities include but not limited to, new item selection, margin review, product performance reviews, vendor relations, visuals standards, customer service standards and many financial performance key milestones. Tim started at Westborn Market back in 2002 and has held many positions along the way. He understands all aspects of retail operations which has enhanced his focus and impact on the specialty grocery and dairy categories. Under his watchful eye, these categories have blossomed and sales have exceed 18 million in 2020. He is an asset in daily operations and is a key director helping guide the company into the future.

Chris Monette

Personal:
• Love the outdoors! Skiing in winter, and camping in summer!
• Been a foodie since a young age, spending time with my grandmother learning to cook since age 5.
• Married 20+ Years.
• 2 Children ages 12& 16 (Tyler & Erin)
• 2002 Oakland University – Bachelor’s Degree Human Resources

Professional:
25 year career in the Food industry
• 1990- 1999 Various restaurant positions held.
• 2000 - 2009 Pic-A-Deli Café & Catering (Owner/Operator)
• 2010 - 2015 Retail Management (Deli/Bakery Dept Mgr, Store Director) Various Organizations, Busch’s, Meijer, Independent Stores.
• 2015 - 2020 Lipari Foods – Category Product Manager – Deli
• 2020 – 2023 Lipari Foods – VP Deli Division
• 2023 – Present Lipari Foods – VP Deli & Food Service Division

Jason Parks

Jason Parks, a 4th generation Northern Michigander, grew up enjoying the rivers, lakes, and beaches of the area. He graduated from Traverse City Central High School and attended both Albion and Northwestern Michigan Colleges. Throughout his education and beyond, Jason worked for local restaurants and retailers including multiple management positions with Schelde Enterprises. In 1998, Jason moved to Colorado and spent six years working for Whole Foods Market in Boulder, one of the top volume locations in the company. The love of freshwater and family brought Jason back to northern Michigan and the restaurant industry. He opened and led the second Traverse City location of Grand Traverse Pie Company for seven years before joining Lucky’s Market as the beer and wine manager, then grocery department manager. As grocery manager, Jason led his team in the transition to new ownership when Oryana Natural Foods Cooperative purchased Lucky’s Market Traverse City. In his current position as Category Manager, Jason is responsible for product selection, pricing, margins, promotions, and displays for the grocery and wellness departments of both Oryana locations. Jason is happily married to his wife, Kellie, and has a son in middle school (#sportsdad). They have two dogs and two cats and love the quality of life they enjoy in and around the pinky of the mitten. 

Travis Reams

Travis Reams is a Supplier Inclusion Manager at Midwest retailer Meijer, Inc., the Grand Rapids, Michigan based retailer that operates more than 500 supercenters, Meijer Grocery, neighborhood markets and Express locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. He currently leads the Meijer Grow Academy where he mentors emerging local and diverse suppliers along their journey partnering with the company. Reams is also a member of the MOSIAC and Meijer Pride Team Member Resource Groups, committed to community, advocacy and education for multi-cultural and LGBTQ+ team members and allies respectively. He is a 2022 FMI Food Retail Leader Certificate recipient and served as a 2023 FMI Food Retail Leader Facilitator. Reams also serves as a committee member of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Our LGBTQ Fund. Prior to joining Meijer, Reams served in various roles at Pier 1 Imports, JC Penney and Charming Charlie. 

Rebecca Stephens

Rebecca has held leadership positions in retail operations for twenty years in both big box conventional and natural focused retailers, with the most recent 9 years at Fresh Thyme Market.  As a Store Director for Fresh Thyme Market for eight years, she was passionate about bringing local products into their stores to represent and support the communities they serve.  Knowing infrastructure was needed, she presented a path forward to build a robust Local Program with Fresh Thyme Market and started in her current role of Local Program Manager in 2022.  She leverages both her MBA and retail operations experience to assist local brands and store operations in building win-win-win relationships that benefit their team members, brand owners and customers.