GU Energy Labs hired four new staff members to bolster its Operations and Sales Teams. In the recent months, GU welcomed Gina Lopez, Demand Planner in Berkeley, Amanda Basham, Colorado Field Representative, Danielle White, New England Sales Representative, and John Palabrica, Pacific Northwest Sales Representative.
Gina Lopez, a longtime consumer and fan of GU Energy gels, relocated from the U.S. Virgin Islands to work for the company. With over 10 years of progressive merchandising experience, including project management, trend analysis, and forecasting, she brings great experience to take on the complexities of planning for both GU’s in-house production of gels and for production outside of GU’s Berkeley facility, such as hydration products, chews, and stroopwafels.
Amanda Basham hails from the outdoor industry and is an experienced competitive trail runner who just finished fourth place in the prestigious 2016 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. Before GU, Amanda worked as a social media specialist in running and women’s training expert at NIKE, Inc. before joining the Nathan Sports team as Western Regional Tech Representative. Amanda works closely with GU Representatives in Colorado to drive engagement at retailers. Amanda concurrently trains and competes, and is a running coach with Carmichael Training Systems.
Danielle White is an active cyclist, a Category 1 mountain biker, races road and cyclocross, and is continuing her education in sports nutrition. Danielle uses her passion for sport and over six years of relevant industry experience to drive sales in the New England region. Prior to joining the GU team, Danielle had sales roles with Belmont Wheelworks and various local bicycle retailers, and was an Account Manager for Blue Marble Brands.
John Palabrica joins GU to support retailers and sales growth in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. John has deep industry experience and previous represented multiple brands, including GU, at Far West Associates. John has also worked as a Product Line Manager at Fit Right and Chief Purchasing Officer at Fleet Feet, where he consistently grew sales.
“Even though we know that proper nutrition makes a big difference in the performance of endurance athletes, we still find both new and seasoned athletes who don’t know about sports nutrition products developed especially for their benefit, or who don’t consistently use these products to their benefit,” said Blair Clark, President, GU Energy labs “We’re expanding our team in Colorado, New England, and the Pacific Northwest to provide greater service to our retail partners and to get our message out: eating is training and we believe GU products can help athletes striving for their best yet.”
