Ken Wilmes

Background

About Ken Wilmes

Ken is originally from the Midwest and the youngest of 11 children. He started his career out of college in New York with a private equity group acquiring smaller companies and centralizing management. Although this experience was priceless, he also learned what ‘not to do’ as this entity did not have a clear strategy, lacked leadership alignment, and misused capital. It went through bankruptcy in a very short period.In 2002, Ken joined Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) and had a very successful 15-year career as Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager. He directed all merchandise activities including assortment management, promotional activity, pricing, product development and global sourcing with oversight of 8 direct reports including Vice Presidents-Divisional Merchandise Managers, and the Vice President of Product Development and Sourcing. In 2017, Ken and his family moved to Colorado where he started a consulting company focused on developing consumer brands. He worked with many leading companies across several industries including Frictional World as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing. Frictional World had distribution of Outdoor Power Equipment into Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Tractor Supply Company, Canadian Tire, and Amazon. Ken managed national accounts, initiated on-line sales strategies, created marketing campaigns, developed 2 international brands, and negotiated 3 license agreements.In 2019, Ken entered a partnership with Paul Emig to create Ozark Brands, Inc. Ozark Brands is a privately-owned consumer packaging company focused on ‘home fragrance’ products with manufacturing and distribution in Central Missouri. Ozark Brands acquired McCall’s Candles in 2019 and Heartland Fragrance in 2020. McCall’s Candles has been in the market since 1998 and Heartland Fragrance was established in 1983. The company has also developed 3 new brands: Krackle Candles, Get Lit, and Annabel Lee Candles. Brand strategy includes distribution through national chains, independent retailers, and direct to consumers. Private label customers include Loreal, Pacha, Kirkland’s Homes, Companion Candle, and Tractor Supply Company. Ozark Brands has a solid track record of growth with a strong bottom line and is positioned for continued success. Ken along with his wife Dawn have sole ownership in MWCR, LLC. MWCR has holdings in commercial real estate. Ken has served in leadership positions on many non-profit boards and is seeking board positions for either private or public companies to best leverage his lifelong experience.