Meet CMI

Randy founded Comprehensive Marketing in late 1991, along with Sharon Fredericks, with the goal to help facilitate a productive relationship between the Vendor and the Retail DIY customer base. Randy started his career at Hubbell, Inc. where he spent 9 year in various sales positions, but primarily as a Regional Sales Manager focusing on the Retail Home Improvement market. He moved on to Westinghouse Lighting, where he spent 5 years as a NAM and Regional VP of Sales in the same market segment. Armed with a vast knowledge of what is expected by the Retail DIY customers and his experience in sales management and the Vendor expectations, he launched Comprehensive Marketing.

Randy recently retired in January of 2020 after 29 years as CEO/President of CMI. He can now enjoy some downtime with his family.

Randy Allen

Founder

Meet the Team

Jim Spevak

President

Jim Spevak is blessed to be celebrating over 30 years in the Hardware/Home Improvement Industry with over 25 years at Comprehensive Marketing, Inc. Jim started in this business at 16 years old working for very reputable Rep Agency that included warehouse operations. His strengths include strategic negotiations, building genuine relationships and truly understanding the needs of the customers. A proud graduate of Northern Illinois University, he is a loving and devoted father of three wonderful girls and a beautiful wife. He loves his Chicago Bears!

Sharon Fredericks

Vice President

Sharon started her career in 1987 working for a Manufacturer and reporting to Randy Allen. When Randy decided to start Comprehensive Marketing she joined him and has fondly referred to herself as the “Founding Mother”. Sharon provides expertise in helping vendors understand their customer opportunities – from line review guidance and promotional vehicles. Being part of CMI’s success over the last 27 years has brought her incredible joy and pride. In Sharon’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband of 30 years and two sons.

Mario Angelone

Managing Partner

Mario joined CMI in the Spring of 2008, transitioning from managing the sales effort of an international division of Westinghouse Lighting. His role with CMI has enabled him to develop and launch dynamic programs in Lawn & Garden, Cleaning, Automotive, Housewares and Paint departments at Ace. Outside of CMI, Mario can be found with his wife Ann attending his daughters volleyball, basketball and show choir events as well as supporting numerous church functions. As an avid collegiate wrestling fan, Mario enjoys following the Penn State Nittany Lions during the cold Chicago winters.

Ron Monocchio

Managing Partner

Ron joined the CMI team in the Fall of 2000. For several years Ron spent the majority of his time managing and growing the Sears Holdings business. More recently, in addition to Sears Holdings, he has augmented his sales reach focusing on key regional accounts. In addition, Ron is responsible for both the sales field and customer service teams and management. As the company continues to grow, he also has reached into the HR part of the business managing the company’s portfolio. Ron is a lifetime Chicagoan who is passionate about his family, the Chicago sports scene and the outdoors.

Mark Ludwig

Managing Partner

Mark joined the Comprehensive Marketing team in 1995 and just celebrated his 23rd anniversary. He was originally hired to expand the CMI presence in the field calling on the smaller regional accounts before being promoted to work with Ace Hardware Corporate office in 1998. Since 1998 Mark has worked with all the different business sectors of Ace Hardware including the Buying Department, Supply Chain and Inventory. In Mark’s free time, he enjoys watching his three children compete in sports, working on home improvement projects and trying to get to the gym as much as possible. He also volunteers as Board Member for “Strom” which is the local Youth Basketball Program in St. Charles.

Sheri Davis

Key Account Manager

Sheri has been a member of the CMI family since 1994. Previous to this she worked for manufacturers, calling on the hardware and home center channels. At CMI, with roles in sales administration, marketing, trade show coordination and currently key account management, she has developed a philosophy that success is about partnership as well as growth. Sheri holds a BA from Valparaiso University. Outside of work she can be found volunteering, enjoying outdoor activities and doing home improvement projects. She treasures time spent with Jeff, the kids and granddaughter.

Jim Szobody

Key Account Manager

Jim Szobody joined the CMI team in 2007 and brought with him over 20 years of experience in Sales and Marketing. With a vast knowledge of the Retail Hardware Industry from working with customers of all sizes from large home centers to individual hardware stores, Jim excels at building long standing relationships and adding value to both Vendors and Customers to maximize their sales goals.Jim has a dedicated work ethic and the ability to get results. When Jim is not at CMI, he enjoys his time off spending time with family and friends, playing golf or just cheering on the Fighting Irish.

Joe Spevak

Key Account Manager

Joe Spevak joined CMI in 2005 and worked as an outside sales representative calling on the Midwest territory. Joe then moved to a west coast sales manager position before joining the Ace team calling on Ace corporate. Prior to joining CMI, Joe had an Automotive business for 10 years repairing/maintaining cars. (Yes-I still get asked to diagnose CMI car issues 😊) Outside of the office, Joe and his wife Kristen enjoy Cooking, Fishing, Spending time in Southwest Michigan with family, their dog Brodi and friends. (Not necessarily in that order)

Kim Thompson

Key Account Supervisor

Kim joined CMI in 1998 as an office secretary. Over the years Kim has proven experience in customer service, marketing and sales. For a short-term Kim left CMI to open her own business in NW Tennessee. Upon her return Kim joined the True Value team at CMI and is dedicated to connecting manufacturers to key distribution networks and processes. Outside of work you can find Kim spending time with her daughter and close family members enjoying the outdoors!

Becky Spevak

Key Account Supervisor

Becky joined the CMI team in 2006 and has brought 20 years of customer service experience and management skills. Becky works closely with CMI vendor partners in data integrity, new item set up, supply chain management, scorecards, trade show coordination and strategic meeting preparations. Outside of work, you will find Becky spending time with her husband Jim and three daughters, attending volleyball games, track meets and vocal performances. Becky is an avid sports fan who holds a special place in her heart for the Chicago Bears.

Janet Hatfield

Key Account Coordinator

Janet joined CMI in 1993 and has worn many hats with the company over the years. Before CMI she worked as a pharmacist technician. Outside of the office you can find Janet at her daughter’s cheer competitions. She also like to vacation with her husband of 23 years and her 2 daughters.

Mike Karge

Key Account Coordinator

Mike joined the CMI team in October 2017 as a Key Account Support Specialist. Prior to that, he spent 27 years at Ace Hardware Corporation in various capacities with the last ten years as an Associate Merchant in the Automotive, Marine, Sporting Goods, Outdoor Recreation, and Knife categories to name a few. His previous work experiences has brought a great amount of value in supporting the CMI Sales Account Managers, Manufacturer Clients, and the Retail Channels we provide goods and services to.

Blaine Scruggs

Operations/Training Coordinator

Blaine joined the CMI team in 1995, and brought with him retail/hardware management experience. Over the past 23 years, Blaine has helped manage the CMI Midwestern Service team, and the current Field Sales team. Blaine has recently added the responsibility of managing the CMI Customer Service team to his duties. Blaine enjoys his time off with his wife and daughter. When Blaine isn’t working on household projects, he’s helping his wife Tisha chauffeur their daughter around to soccer, basketball, dance, Brownies and much, much more.

Doyle Minix

Field Sales Operation Manager

Doyle joined the CMI team in January 2008 and brought with him several years of employee management, having been a driver supervisor for United Parcel Service for 13 years. Doyle received his B.S. degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1999. In his spare time, Doyle continues to participate in many sports. He continues to play volleyball and softball regularly and is the self-proclaimed table tennis champion of CMI. Doyle has been married to his wife, Patti, for 38 years and they have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Mike Andlovec

Customer Service Representative

Mike has been a part of the CMI family since 1999. Mike started out on the Home Depot side of the business. He has had many positions within the company from sales to trade show coordinator assistant. Now he is involved with the customer service side of CMI. Outside of the office, Mike enjoys golfing, cards and sitting by a fire with friends at night to enjoy the evening.

Jamie Aeppli

Customer Service Representative

Jamie joined CMI in 2006 bringing 9 years of both administrative and customer service experience with her. Jamie has a knack for quickly assessing customer and vendor needs making her the go to person for anything customer service related. Outside of work Jamie enjoys movies, crafts, yard work, estate sales and spending time with her son and fiancé.

Dick Hurst

Customer Service Representative

Dick joined the CMI team in 2002 and brought with him his nearly 25 years of sales experience from owning a commercial printing company with national sales in retail, manufacturing, government and healthcare channels. Having previously worked as a Materials and Purchasing Manager for a major Chicago area hospital. Outside of the office you can find Dick cooking, grilling or enjoying his gardens and life with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Karen Schepp

Administrative Assistant

Karen joined the CMI team in November 2015 and brought with her several years of customer service and administrative support experience from a variety of employers ranging from manufacturing to accounting. Karen received a B.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from St. Xavier University in Chicago. Outside of work, you might catch Karen, her husband and two boys going to parks, playing mini golf, going to “kid-friendly” movies and gathering with friends and family.

Raven DeLeon-Loverde

Marketing Assistant

Raven joined the CMI team in the summer of 2018 and brought with her several years of customer service and administrative experience. Raven received her associate’s degree in event management and her bachelor’s degree in general studies. Prior to working for CMI, Raven worked in the bridal industry as a consultant and bridal store manager. While much different than bridal, Raven is enjoying the hardware industry. Outside of the office, Raven enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Michael, and their rescue dog, Slater.

Jeff Warner

Key Account Manager

Jeff Warner joined CMI in 2019 and is a top performing Sales Executive with over 20 years of experience focusing on sales and marketing of housewares, hardware and personal care products to Walgreens and other National Accounts. Jeff was previously a Manufacturer’s Representative, a National Account Manager with First Alert, a Sales Director with Helen of Troy, and a VP of Sales with Mr Coffee. Jeff has been tasked with building our business in the Food/Drug/Mass channels. Outside the office, Jeff enjoys sailing and other outdoor activities with his wife Karen, and his two sons.