Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis is a dynamic and results-driven CPG sales executive with more than 30 years of experience building, scaling, and positioning some of the most recognizable beverage brands in the natural, specialty, and conventional retail markets. A proven innovator and authentic leader, Mark has built his career at the intersection of entrepreneurial hustle and strategic vision — consistently delivering transformational growth for the brands he serves. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, he brings a rare combination of start-up energy and enterprise-level execution to every role he takes on.

Mark’s professional journey began in 1992 at The Coca-Cola Company, where he spent 15 years developing national agreements with the largest specialty retailers and food service accounts in the country, selling beverages through non-traditional outlets and laying the foundation for a career defined by breaking new ground. During this time, he also served as Director of National Accounts for Glaceau Vitamin Water and Smart Water, joining the start-up team that built and positioned the brand for its landmark $4.1 billion cash acquisition by Coca-Cola in 2007 — one of the most celebrated exits in beverage industry history.

Following that success, Mark took on the role of National Sales Director at Boxed Water Is Better, where he led the charge to disrupt the bottled water category. He personally secured retail authorizations at major national partners including Target, Whole Foods, Meijer, Sprouts, CVS, and HEB, while simultaneously building a national DSD network and establishing partnerships with UNFI and KeHe. He also secured airport retail distribution through Paradies Lagardere, HMS Host, and The Grove — expanding the brand’s reach into high-traffic, high-visibility locations across the country.

From 2009 to 2017, Mark served as National Director of Food Service and On-Premise at Bai Brands, where he was a founding member of the team that launched the brand and built it into a household name. During his eight-year tenure, Mark personally secured landmark food service accounts with some of the world’s most prestigious companies, including Google, Nike, Facebook, Apple, Bank of America, Indeed, and Dell. He managed strategic relationships with Aramark, Sodexo, and Compass Group, led a team of eight regional sales managers against a $30 million revenue target, and delivered over $57 million in total revenue contribution — exceeding targets year over year. Bai Brands was ultimately acquired by Dr Pepper Snapple Group for $1.7 billion in 2017, a testament to the brand-building work Mark and the team executed from the very beginning.

After Bai, Mark brought his expertise to Lucky Jack Coffee as VP of Sales, where he designed and implemented a comprehensive sales and organizational strategy for the cold brew organic coffee brand. He led the brand into the Food Service and On-Premise channel with a focus on higher education, healthcare, business and industry, and hospitality, while gaining strategic alignment with Aramark, Sodexo, Compass Group, and Canteen Vending.

As Chief Sales Officer at Ounce Water, Mark secured retail authorizations at Stop & Shop, HEB, Fresh Thyme, Earth Fare, and Nugget Markets, built a DSD network spanning 23 states, and opened nine new distribution centers in just 18 months — driving a total revenue increase of $3.6 million during his tenure.

Most recently, Mark has served as National Sales Director at Once Upon a Coconut, a premium coconut water brand with a philanthropic mission. In his first year alone, he delivered one of the most remarkable growth stories in the natural beverage space, growing annual sales from $1.9 million to $15.6 million. He secured nationwide retail placement at Sprouts — coming off the innovation center with record velocities of 22.2 units per store per week — along with authorizations in 253 Whole Foods locations, and placements at Walmart across 3,000 stores, Kroger, Publix, HEB, Meijer, CVS, Giant Eagle, and numerous regional chains. He also built a distribution network through the AB Network across 27 states, managed UNFI and KeHe partnerships, and collaborated with the Shark Group and Daymond John to amplify the brand’s national profile.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mark is a servant leader in the truest sense of the word. He volunteers regularly at the Welcoming Center at Vineyard KC-North in Kansas City and is deeply motivated by his faith, his family, and his commitment to serving others. He believes that great leadership requires as much curiosity and humility as it does strength and confidence — and that the most lasting business relationships are built on character, integrity, and the willingness to simply pick up the phone.

Mark Ellis is not just a sales executive — he is a brand builder, a team developer, and a tireless advocate for the missions and people he chooses to represent.