Phil Costello
Founder and Managing Partner
Phil’s entire career has been selling Consumer Packaged Goods. Starting with a decade of retail experience in stores with Safeway and Save Mart and another decade with General Mills before finding his home in the food broker community. Phil holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from California State University, Fresno. Outside the office he enjoys golf, fishing and hanging out with friends and family.
Steve Martinez
Founder and Managing Partner
Steve has served many years in the food brokerage business and has a diverse background of selling in multiple categories. As one of the founding members of the Performance Group, in 2002, he has focused on Confection and Snacks. In 2014 he was elected to the Candy Hall of Fame and was recognized by the National Confectionary Association for his performance. Outside of the business, his family comes first, then a passion for coaching high school basketball, golf, and travel.
Julie Adam
General Manager
Julie has extensive experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry joining the Performance Group in 2006. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of California East Bay. Also a self-proclaimed foodie, she enjoys dining out, cooking, crafting, reading, and spending time with her family.
Caleb Siegel
Director of Sales
Caleb has over 30 years of experience in the grocery food industry. Caleb joined the Performance group in 2021 bringing with him his strong industry relationships, diverse background and knowledge of retail store operations, data analytics and category management. In his down time, you will find Caleb fishing, golfing, and traveling the west with his wife and family.
Ken Moore
Senior Business Manager
Ken joined the Performance Group in 2013 and looks forward to developing his brands. Ken’s professional passion lies in helping his teammates grow their category and brand knowledge with using data-based intelligence. Ken graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1989 with a degree in Psychology. However, he considers North Dakata State University his Alma Mater spending three years there while competing on their Swim Team. Ken’s interests outside of work is enjoying music and wine with family & friends, swimming, running, and cycling. having completed a Half Ironman in July of 2024
Dave Gonzales
Senior Business Manager
Dave is a graduate of San Jose State University. He has been in the broker industry for over 30 years. Prior to joining the Performance Group, Dave worked for several national brokerages gaining experience as a Key Account Manager, Schematic Specialist, District Manager, Sales Manager, Business Development Manager (Safeway Team) and Sr. Business Manager. Dave has represented companies Frozen, Dairy and Grocery. During those times when Dave is not working, he helps his wife raise puppies for Canine Companions and volunteers his time in the community coaching girls’ softball and is a member of the Fremont Elks.
Nick Yee
Senior Business Manager
Nick has extensive experience from several aspects of the industry beginning with managing large portfolio clients at a National Brokerage, continued growth on the manufacturing side as a Regional Account Executive of the West, gained additional perspective as a manufacturer National Account Manager, and joined The Performance Group in 2020. In his free time, he enjoys sports, the outdoors, being active, travel, and the passion to find new dining experiences and eateries. Nick and his dog Nala are always up for the adventure.
Adam Martinez
Business Manager
Adam’s career in the food industry began after graduation from Sacramento State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in business finance. Adam gained experience in the finance department with distributors before joining The Jelly Belly Company in 2016. He joined the Performance Group as part of the retail sales team before moving into his current business manager role. Adam loves coaching basketball, traveling abroad and snowboarding in his free time. He and his wife coach high school girls’ basketball together and have even gone snowboarding in the French Alps.
Philip Costello
Business Manager
Philip has worked in the grocery industry for over 9 years. He graduated from University of California Davis with a bachelor’s in economics in 2016. He joined the Performance Group that same year. For the past 3 years he has held the role of business manager partnering with brands across several grocery categories. In his free time, he enjoys nature, exercise, and spending time with friends/family.
Dawn Stuer
Retail Sales Manager
Dawn has been in the grocery business since 1980. She has worked in many roles during her career to include Retail Merchandiser, Key Account Manager, Brand Manager and Retail Operations. Dawn currently manages Retail Operations. Dawn enjoys nature hikes, gardening, and cooking.
Diane Colli
Office Manager
Diane has been with The Performance Group since 2006. Diane leans on her experience in store operations as well as category management to guide her current role as Office Manager overseeing the Customer Service team. Diane and her husband Bob enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren while hanging out on the lake but has a deep passion for crafting.
Stacy Humes
Administrative Assistant – IT Support
Stacy has been working in the grocery sales industry for most of her life. She joined the Performance Group as an Administrative / Customer Service Assistant for the confection team in 2004. In addition to her brand responsibilities, she manages the Performance Group’s EDI and IT needs.
Terri Perry
Administrative Assistant
Terri joined the Performance Group in May 2017 as an Administrative Assistant. She has an extensive background in Customer Service and client support. Terri brings 17 years of experience in the automotive industry with certifications in sales, service and a master’s in Customer Service with Lincoln Motor Company as Customer Relations Manager. Terri has a passion for working with others and growing relationships in both the workplace and personal life. When not in the office you will find her enjoying family camping trips, off road ATV riding and endless BBQs with her husband, their children, their spouses, and new grandchild.
Jacklynn Nino
Administrative Assistant
Jacklynn joined The Performance Group in 2022 as an administrative assistant. She is well versed in the frozen and grocery departments. She attended Fresno City community college as well as California State University Fresno.
Michele Sequeira
Administrative Assistant
Michele has been in the industry for over 10 years, working primarily in the “candy world.” Michele also has experience in operations within the Home Improvement industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santa Clara University. Michele and her family are avid sports fans and enjoys spending time fishing and hiking.
Celeste Gebo
Administrative Assistant
With over twenty years in the grocery industry, filling a variety of roles from category planning at Safeway, to field merchandising, dairy/refrigerated/frozen category analyst and administrative assistant at the Performance Group. Her humor and enthusiasm keep her grounded, and her eagerness to learn new processes helps her and those around her grow. She attended California State University East Bay and Chabot College. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, live music, and cuddling her bulldog Snowy.
Jeff Morrison
Customer Sales Manager
Jeff has over 48 years of experience in the grocery industry. He began his career working in local stores working his way up to management positions. Jeff has been working is sales for the last 38 years calling on a variety of retailers and distributers. Jeff enjoys walking among the Trees while playing something he calls golf.
Rich Mott
Customer Sales Manager
Rich earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from California State University Sacramento. He is a performance-driven sales professional with 30+ years of experience in the Nor Cal CPG Food Industry. Rich’s career has provided him with experience in retail operations, retail merchandising and category management, manufacturer sales, as well as client services and sales at the Performance Group Rich enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and their two Children. Rich also volunteers his time coaching and supporting youth baseball in his hometown.
Ken Morgan
Customer Sales Manager
Ken has over 40 years of experience in the packaged food industry, retail sales, and manufacturing. He brings expertise in product development, supply chain management, and strategic planning. Ken’s comprehensive experience energy and passion brings perspective to the industry. On the weekends he plays golf poorly and spends time with the family.
Sherry Copeland
Customer Sales Manager
Sherry is a veteran of the grocery industry with experience as a route sales driver, reset team leader and brand ambassador for over 35 years. Sherry’s product and market knowledge is key to her success in building sales with individual customers while maintaining positive relationships with clients and manufacturers. She loves sports and is a fierce competitor.
Kathy Suggs
Customer Sales Manager
Kathy started in the grocery industry working for Alpha Beta and Petrini’s Markets for 13 years in a variety of positions within the stores. After leaving Petrini’s, she began working in the food brokerage industry at Nestle USA for 10 years as a territory manager. Kathy left the grocery industry for the retail industry working for Jockey International, Mikasa China and Randa Corporation. She was recruited back to grocery in 2019 and has been with the Performance group as a Customer Service Manager since.
Juliana Piazza
Customer Sales Manager
Juliana has 16 years of experience in the grocery industry and client relations. She spent 12 years in a management role at her family’s grocery store where she developed expertise in operations, team leadership, and customer service. In 2021, Juliana joined The Performance Group as a representative where she excels in building and maintaining strong client relationships. A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Communications (2007), she leverages her educational background and extensive hands-on experience to deliver exceptional service. Outside of work, Juliana enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.
Michelle Salyer
Customer Sales Manager
Michelle is a seasoned Customer Service Manager with a proven track record in the grocery industry. Her experience in finance and analytics allows her to bring a data-driven approach to customer service. Michelle is equally comfortable working in-store, in the office, or with clients directly. She is passionate about providing exceptional customer experiences and fostering strong relationships with clients and team members alike. In her free time, Michelle enjoys staying active through exercise, exploring new destinations, and spending quality time with her family.
