Tierra-Derco International appoints key management positions
Jasper – Tierra-Derco International (TDI), a forerunner in supplying innovative products to the garden center industry, has appointed two key management positions.
Karen Mehringer has been named Home Shopping & National Accounts Manager, and Paula Schmidt has joined the company as Marketing and Customer Service Manager.
In her newly created position, Mehringer will concentrate on developing and strengthening relationships with TDI’s home shopping and internet accounts. She will also be exploring additional business opportunities by researching prospective areas of growth and gaining knowledge of the systems and processes unique to each company.
Mehringer has been with TDI for 10 years and has held various roles during her career, including her most recent role as Marketing and Customer Service Manager. Prior to TDI, she worked in sales, customer service, and management positions at Kimball Electronics, was an instrumental member of several implementation teams for upgrading operating systems, and held a key role in development and training of the ISO 9000 program.
Schmidt’s focus will be to develop and implement marketing and sales strategies, oversee communications and service efforts, and provide industry outreach through various mediums including catalogs and brochures, website and social media campaigns, industry conferences and events, and ongoing branding promotion.
Prior to joining TDI, Schmidt was a creative catalyst and innovation strategist for Chicago-based Bamboo Worldwide. She spent over 10 years at Kimball International working as a Market Research Manager and, more recently, as the Director of Market Communications for Kimball Office. In her career, Schmidt has worked with a variety of Fortune 100 to 1000 companies to leverage innovation, branding, and customer connections in a full range of industries.
“As TDI continues to expand and grow, we have recognized the need for more focus and leadership in specific areas of our business. Karen has a wealth of knowledge and experience in regards to TDI products and the customers we serve. She is the right person to take on this challenge to expand growth opportunities and build relationships in the home shopping segment of the market,” stated Mike Bartley, General Manager of TDI. “Paula’s background in customer experience, branding, and communications provides us with the tools necessary to further strengthen our position in the garden center industry. With the recent acquisition of Stone Age Creations, our products and services are expanding to meet ever-changing needs, and Paula’s experience will add invaluable insight into developing strategies and creating a cohesive portfolio that complements the gardening community.”
“I am thrilled about moving into this new role. There are tremendous opportunities in the home shopping channel, and I am anxious to use my product and customer knowledge to grow and build this sector of our business,” Mehringer commented.
“Exciting transformations are taking place at Tierra-Derco and the garden center industry is taking notice. I’m eager to apply my experience and knowledge to support TDI’s mission of providing relevant solutions, forging new relationships, and continuing to build awareness of our brands,” said Schmidt.
About Tierra-Derco International (TDI)
A national distributor of tools, accessories, and accents, Tierra-Derco has been a forerunner in supplying innovative products to the U.S. Garden Center industry for over 15 years. TDI has built its reputation on quality and design, and is the exclusive source for Stone Age Creations, DeWit, Peacock, Worth, Garden Girl, and Rostaing brands. Primary customers are Independent Garden Centers and Hardware Co-Ops throughout the United States, as well as many web-based and catalog retailers. To learn more, please visit www.tierraderco.com or call 800.992.1220