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STON, Wash., June 11, 2024 – Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the number one sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, today announced the promotion of Veronica Blankenship to Chief People and Communications Officer and Ryan Quinlan to Senior Vice President of Sales.
Blankenship, previously the Executive Vice President of People at Talking Rain, will oversee all aspects of human resources, culture, and corporate communications at the beverage company.
As a member of the company’s executive team, Blankenship will continue to strengthen the beverage company’s reputation, strategically align its philanthropic giving, and attract and retain the right talent to enhance Talking Rain’s culture and meet its growth objectives. Blankenship’s guidance will ensure that Talking Rain continues to be an employer of choice and a voice for good in the industry.
“I am impressed by how Veronica has evolved her career at Talking Rain, spearheading important initiatives and celebrating a culture of diversity and equity that strives to make all Rain Makers feel valued,” said Ken Sylvia, Chief Executive Officer at Talking Rain. “With her remarkable ability to forge connections between our brand and our people, Veronica will continue to excel in her new position.”
A Rain Maker since 2010, Blankenship has steadily progressed as a dynamic leader, assuming greater responsibility in every aspect of human resources, from payroll and benefits, to eventually directing the People department. Blankenship has been a strong champion for strengthening diversity and advancing women into leadership positions at the company. Talking Rain’s leadership team is currently 47% female, and the company is a frequent “Washington’s Best Workplaces” honoree.
In tandem with the company’s record marketing investments in 2024, Blankenship and her team have focused on building out Talking Rain’s corporate social responsibility platform and promoting greater community involvement by Rain Makers.
Talking Rain currently partners with four national non-profits whose work supports people across a full spectrum of life stages and experiences from pre-teen girls and young adults, to military veterans and those affected by cancer. Through an array of models, the organizations’ missions share common threads in support of healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity helping the world live life in full flavor.
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Ryan Quinlan Promoted to Senior Vice President, Sales at Talking Rain® Beverage Company
Ryan Quinlan began his career at Talking Rain Beverage Company over a decade ago, as a Market Manager in the Midwest. During that time, Ryan helped build out an expansive DSD network and expanded business on regional & national accounts.
As Director of Sales, Ryan’s leadership led to the significant growth of our Food Service team, which more than doubled sales in just two years. In 2017, he was responsible for the successful test launch of Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, now found in every major retailer where Sparkling Ice is sold. Quinlan founded the Sales Mentor Program in 2019, developed with Talking Rain’s People Team, and is now the foundation for a company-wide manager mentorship program.
“Ryan’s strategic partnerships with both customers and team members, along with the cultivated growth in his team’s leadership, have been and will remain crucial to our brand’s success. His commitment to accountability is unparalleled, and those familiar with his work recognize Ryan as the epitome of excellence,” said Adam Lapp, Executive Vice President of Sales at Talking Rain Beverage Company.
In his new role as SVP, while leading our entire East Coast sales team and the Trade Marketing team, Ryan will ensure TRBC’s continued success in the future.
Learn more about Talking Rain at https://www.talkingrain.com.
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About Talking Rain® Beverage Company
Talking Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the #1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in +Caffeine and +Energy). Talking Rain drinks have zero sugar, are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too.
For more information, please visit https://www.talkingrain.com.
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Media Contact:
Annie Alley
Firmani + Associates