Meet The Team
Our Team
Now’s not the time to be modest. You need the absolute best in the industry to grow your brand. You need someone you can trust and enjoy life with. Conveniently, that’s who we hire. Meet our team of CPG rockstars.
Leslie Godwin
Most importantly I am a mom to my incredible daughters, Dia, Aria, and Evie and a wife to my hubby, Brad. I have had the privilege to work with worldwide brands and best-in-class teams throughout my career with Nestle, Kellogg, Chobani and Hain Celestial. After college, I began my career as a sales rep with Nestle in the Sales Leadership Development program in Chicago. Although not easy, understanding retail on the ground floor was foundational for my career as it also fueled my passion for global brands.
From Chicago, I moved to Northwest Arkansas on the Nestle Walmart team to learn high level analytics and support an esteemed group of sales leaders. After this role, I was given a promotion to manage a team of 10 highly regarded reps for the Nestle Military business and call on regional DECA buyers in the central US. My career in sales taught me many skills, however, I was given the once in a lifetime offer to do Shopper Marketing with yet another phenomenal global company, where I got to develop programs that make mom’s life easier.
In my time with Kellogg, I was promoted to Sr. Shopper Marketing Manager on the Kellogg Walmart team. I then was invited to work for a product and brand that changed the yogurt category forever. At Chobani, I became a National Account Manager on the Walmart team and enjoyed selling a product I was passionate about! I also managed the entire island of Puerto Rico working with a distributor and led a huge piece of ecomm growth. My next three years was at Hain Celestial where I helped turn around the company by selling in 200,000+ PODs in Walmart.
My career is important, but I want balance and flexibility and that’s something no corporate company can truly offer. So that’s why I decided to go into business for myself, helping you!
Oh yeah… For fun, I love to be outside and active with my family, adventure the world with my husband, invest in kids by coaching volleyball, and constantly try new things!
Leah Ecker
Hello! I am a mom of 3 awesome kiddos, and the wife of a serial entrepreneur, none of whom ever let life get boring. I’ve lived in NWA most of my life and was raised in Walmart culture (my dad was an associate for 25+ years before he retired), and have loved retail from day 1. I love that every day is an opportunity to meet a consumer need and delight them with what we bring to the shelf. Pair that with my entrepreneurial nature, and supporting emerging brands at Walmart is a beautiful position to be in.
I started my retail career leading teams at Walmart HQ in pricing strategy and analytics, then merchandising, before transitioning into sales roles. My entire time at Walmart was in grocery, but when I left I managed the Nuk and Graco businesses at Newell brands so I’ve had the opportunity to manage hardlines businesses as well. As thankful as I am for that experience, my passion really lies in food, which is why after Newell Brands, I led the Takis team at Walmart for Barcel USA, where I had the opportunity to more than double their Walmart business in 2 years.
When I’m not working, I love to be doing anything active. I’m an avid crossfitter, traveler and foodie. I have Celiac, and learning how to live a GF lifestyle has inspired a lot of the love I have for food.
Rachel Robbins
Hi I'm Rachel!
I'm new here at GRG however not new to CPG. I have 15 years of experience in the industry across analytics, supply chain, category management, merchandising, strategy, and sales. I've been a merchant, a supplier and a broker/consultant.
I started my career in the outdoor living space and progressed to several roles across foods and consumables- all with a focus on Walmart and Sam’s Club. I have a deep understanding of category analytics, spending 4 years as a category advisor for Unilever. I most notably spent 6 years at Walmart across category management and as a merchandising director. During that time at Walmart, I collaborated with top CPG’s and co-created and launched over 10 exclusive brands- driving 3 years of consecutive sales and profit growth on a $2.8B business.
Most recently, I worked for a brand accelerator, channeling my desire to help emerging brands excel, driving an average +80% growth on brands I've partnered with.
I have a deep passion and talent for launching and supporting brands at Walmart and can't wait to help with yours.
In my free time, you'll find me hanging with my hubby Kirk and supporting my 4 kiddos with all their passions and hobbies.
Eva Kirksey
Hi there! I’m Eva and I am absolutely thrilled to be working alongside you, growing your company and your brands, and building a lasting partnership together with Walmart and Sam’s Club. Here’s a little about me and what drives me personally and professionally.
My family and Asian American heritage are an important part of my why. I relocated from Southern California to Northwest Arkansas in 2005 to work on Walmart with a CPG supplier. Like many before and after me, I expected to only stay for a few years to build my career. Life has a way of making unexpected, yet amazing, turns. Now my husband and I are raising 2 beautiful, strong-willed daughters. The weekdays during this season are as busy and full as you’d expect balancing dual careers, school age kiddos, fur babies, extracurriculars, all the things. So weekends are for disconnecting and reconnecting - walks, hiking, gardening, water fun, and just playing outside! Especially paired with yummy meals at our favorite restaurants!
I’ve had the honor of working in retail for 20 years, 19 of which were partnering to grow national brands and launch innovation at Newell Rubbermaid, Campbell Soup, Kellogg, and most recently, Ferrara. My journey started with 10 years in Walmart Category roles from Consultant to Advisor to leading a team, followed by Walmart Sales roles from owning the account to leading a team. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to impact 27 categories from HBA (Hair Accessories, Trial/Travel) to Food (Wet/Dry Soup, Italian/Mexican Sauce, Juice, Frozen Breakfast/Healthy Lifestyle, Cold/Hot Cereal, Portable Snacks/Bars, Salty Snacks, Fruit Snacks, Cookies/Crackers/OTG, Cones, Crusts, Baking) to H&W (Active Nutrition) to most recently, Confections (Take Home, Impulse, Seasonal).
- People and team: Relationships are the foundation and people working as teams make it happen
- Love for learning: Digging in to understand the “why” to build a great story
- Strategic mindset: Connecting the dots on the business, insights, and trends to deliver recommendations
- Creative selling: Identifying white spaces, then laying out a plan to chase the incremental growth
Nuria Rizzo
Nate Fehr
Hi I'm Nate!
I’m very excited to be joining the incredible team at GRG after 15 years of big CPG experience. I love to learn, grow, and take on a challenge. Throughout my career, I’ve had the immense privilege to represent some incredible products and partner with some of the best retailers in the world.
I started my career in the CPG foods space working for ConAgra Foods working on the Walmart business across snacks, refrigerated, and frozen portfolios, before moving into the home entertainment space with Warner Bros managing the theatrical business at Walmart.
In 2015 I shifted gears and moved out to Seattle to run Warner’s theatrical business at Amazon both physical and digital home entertainment. For the next 6 years across Warner Bros movies, Unilever’s beauty and personal care business, and Abbott’s pediatric nutrition business, I managed the Amazon account leading sales growth, Amazon Vendor Negotiations, and all the other things that come with leading a large e-commerce business.
In 2020, I returned to Bentonville to lead a part of the nutrition team at Abbott, covering both Walmart and Sam’s. Since returning, I have led a team ranging from 2-7 direct reports and with responsibility for $1.2 billion in revenue at Walmart. During this time, we weathered massive industry challenges in infant formula, explosive growth of electrolytes categories, forged strong relationships with Walmart, negotiated unprecedented JBP agreements, and delivered best-in-class results. All of this while developing an incredible team of talented account personnel and more importantly, good people.
I love a challenge and learning new things and have tremendous respect for Walmart and Sam’s focus and vision. I love finding ways to partner with this incredible retailer to meet the customer’s needs. I am very excited to get to partner with amazing brands whose purpose, product quality, and proposition to consumers are clear and meaningful. I am so excited to help you launch and thrive at Walmart and Sam’s!
In my free time, you’ll find me playing basketball with my kids, mountain biking with my buddies, reading a good book, or enjoying a good cup of coffee with my friends. I get to support my wife in balancing her work and our kids and it is my highest calling to be an intentional dad and husband, who navigates balancing vocation, passion, and my people as I look to make a positive impact on the community around me.
Sonya Petree
Hi, I'm Sonya!
I'm excited to join Godwin Retail Group! While I'm new to the team, I bring over 20 years of experience in the CPG industry, with the last 15 years focused on Walmart and Sam’s Club. My career has been dedicated to sales and national account management across foodservice, retail, and mass merchandise channels.
With a background in food science and a career spanning top companies like Smithfield/John Morrell, Reckitt Benckiser, Abbott Nutrition, and Ferrara, I've managed multi-million-dollar accounts growing sales, launching new products, and creating growth strategies that work. I thrive in fast-paced environments, turning challenges into opportunities and consistently exceeding sales goals. Along the way, I’ve been honored with awards like Top Performers Club and Rookie of the Year, but my greatest motivation comes from seeing brands and teams succeed.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, Lance, and our three active kids—London, Dawson, and Bryar. Whether cheering them on at sporting events or coaching, family is at the heart of everything I do. When I get the chance, I enjoy traveling and experimenting with new recipes (because let’s be honest, food is a big part of my world!).
I believe in a work-hard, play-hard mentality and always strive to bring energy and positivity to everything I do.
Let's connect and make great things happen!
Ray Gartman
Hi, I am Ray!
I am thrilled to join the GRG team and to share a bit about my journey and passions. Originally from Houston, Texas, my life has been a tapestry of rich experiences and cherished memories. In 2001, my beautiful wife Heather and I moved to Northwest Arkansas, a place we now lovingly call home. Heather and I have been married for 27 wonderful years, and together we have navigated the delightful transition to being empty nesters, finding joy in new adventures and travels.
Our love for travel often takes us on camping trips in our fifth-wheel camper or on relaxing cruises. Whether it is the excitement of exploring new destinations or the tranquility of a quiet beach, we relish every moment. We are both outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy being active, yet we also appreciate the peacefulness of sitting by a campfire under the stars.
Summers are particularly special for us, as we spend time on our boat at least once a week. There is nothing quite like docking on a serene bank and simply unwinding, surrounded by nature. It's these moments of relaxation that fuel our spirits and rejuvenate us.
Family means everything to me. I am the proud father of two amazing adult children, Jordan and Trey. Watching them navigate adulthood and blossom into incredible individuals has been one of my greatest honors and purest joys. Our family is further enriched by Barkley, our 6-year-old black lab. Barkley brings us endless excitement and laughter every day, especially with his love for water and joining us on our boating adventures.
Professionally, I bring 34 years of experience working with Walmart and Sam’s Club. My career began humbly as a part-time cart pusher at a Sam’s Club in Houston in 1991. I spent 10 years working in the club in every role the club had except for the fresh departments or tire shop. In 2001, I transferred to the Sam’s Club Home Office and took on the McLane account. Through dedication and hard work, I climbed the ranks to become the McLane Sam’s Club Senior Account Manager. In this role, I managed all Sam’s Club business for McLane, overseeing categories such as Tobacco, Candy, Seasonal, Office Supplies, Beverages, Snacks, and Walmart Tobacco business. My tenure with Sam’s Club/Walmart and McLane spanned an impressive 15 years.
In 2014, I decided to embark on a new chapter with Advantage Solutions as a Replenishment Manager. Here, I managed multiple grocery clients, providing support in reporting and analysis of Instock, OTIF, SQEP, Supply Chain, Forecasting, Store Inventory, DC Inventory, and more. In 2018, I was assigned as a dedicated resource for Hain Celestial, where I spent the last six years, thoroughly enjoying my role and the team I worked with.
Aside from my professional achievements, I have a competitive streak when it comes to games. Whether it's basketball, volleyball, cornhole, horseshoes, washers, cards, dominoes, board games, or trivia, I approach each game with a quiet determination and a love for friendly competition.
In essence, my life is a blend of professional dedication, family love, and a passion for adventure and enjoyment. Joining the GRG team marks a new and exciting chapter, and I am eager to contribute my experience and enthusiasm to this dynamic group. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success!
Ben Hiemstra
Hi, I’m Ben!
I recently joined the GRG team, and I couldn’t be more excited to help brands grow and thrive! With 14 years in the CPG industry, I’ve tackled everything from analytics and supply chain to eCommerce and sales. Along the way, I’ve worked with some incredible brands and companies—including a few years at the Walmart home office, several sweet years at Ghirardelli Chocolate, and most recently, at Reckitt, where I led national account management for major categories like Laundry, VMS, Sinus, and Pediatrics.
My retail journey actually started way back in high school when I took a job bagging groceries to earn gas money. That’s where I first got hooked on the industry—watching what customers bought, how they made decisions, and realizing just how fascinating the world of retail really is.
After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Economics, I packed my bags and headed to Arkansas, thinking I’d only stay a couple of years. Fast-forward to today, and it’s now home for me and my family! I kicked off my corporate career in Walmart’s Replenishment Leadership Program, managing grocery and D92 businesses. From there, I spent several years in supply chain before making the jump to eCommerce and sales, driving digital growth and strategic category expansion at Ghirardelli and later at Reckitt.
I’ve had the opportunity to lead multi-million-dollar portfolios, launch innovative new products, and build collaborative relationships with Walmart. I thrive on finding creative solutions, driving sales, and making an impact in the ever-evolving retail space.
When I’m not working I live my life in a #girlsworld with my wife and three daughters! And when I’m not doing that you can find me fly fishing or doing projects around the house.
Excited for this next chapter and ready to make things happen!
Daniel Godfrey
Hi, I’m Daniel!
I’m excited to be the newest addition to Godwin Retail Group and bring my 9 years of CPG experience to the team! I grew up in Springdale where I met my wife of 16 years, Megan, in church youth group. At the time, I was in the church’s musical production of, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” starring as Snoopy. I absolutely crushed the performance and the rest is history! We still call Springdale home and love raising our two kids here.
I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Music and like many music majors found myself composing sonatas on spreadsheets instead of the guitar for a profession. After college, I spent five years in Transportation with J.B. Hunt, before moving into CPG as a Replenishment Analyst with Smithfield Foods. In 2020, I jumped into the broker space and have never looked back! I love the excitement and pace of working with new, innovative brands.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, being dad to Zuzu and Jude, and coaching their youth sports. I also enjoy playing music; actively playing shows throughout the area with my 90’s Tribute Band, Dial Up.