Meet CMI

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Curtis began his career with CMI in 2016, bringing over 25 years of experience in the hardware industry. His professional journey includes three years specializing in plywood imports and a notable 15-year tenure as a General Manager with McCoy’s Building Supply.
When not immersed in his work, Curtis cherishes time at his family ranch in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, where he enjoys hunting and fishing. He is a devoted family man, married to Carol and proud father of four children. Curtis’s blend of professional expertise and personal passion for the outdoors makes him an integral part of the CMI team and a well-rounded individual.

Kyle joined the CMI team in June of 2022, bringing nearly 10 years of CPG Sales and Marketing experience with him. He recently relocated back to the Chicagoland after spending the last 7 years in Dallas, TX, where he worked in various roles for Keurig Dr Pepper and Monster Energy. Kyle is eager to continue his career and contribute to its overarching success as the company has been an integral part of who he is today. When Kyle isn’t working, he likes to spend time with his wife, two sons, dog (Biscuit) and cat (Chicken); all while training for his next marathon race.

Carissa joined the CMI team in September of 2023. Prior to that, she spent 17 year at True Value managing the Merchandising Operations Team. This included managing the True Value Reunions, vendor relationships and deal negotiation, monthly promotions, and customer care. Carissa is excited to future her career and gain more industry knowledge as she grows with the CMI team.

Outside of work, you will find Carissa spending time her husband, two children and her dog (Montana), attending her children’s sporting events, soccer and lacrosse tournaments, gymnastics, and cheerleading practices.

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 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 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 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.

Linda joined the CMI team in 2016 but before that she worked in the Commercial Real Estate Industry as well as raising her three children. She currently works with the Ace Team supporting the Sales Mangers and Account Coordinators helping with coordination of trade shows, handling travel, running reports, and managing Acenet Direct. In her free time, Linda enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis, pickle ball, gardening and traveling.

From St. Charles, Illinois.

Attended the University of Missouri receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration along with a Certificate in Sales, Supply Chain and Customer Development.

Enjoys watching and following all Chicago sports, traveling, and hanging with friends and family.

Jamie Jones joined the CMI team in January 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience in administrative work, design, marketing, and customer service. Her diverse skill set has quickly made her a valuable member of the team.
Outside of her professional life, Jamie enjoys vacationing with her family and spending quality time with her two teenage sons. She has a wide range of hobbies, including working with horses and dogs, camping, hiking, and reading during her downtime. Jamie’s multifaceted interests and dedication to both her work and family make her a well-rounded and dynamic individual.

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.

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)

Evan Ranneklev joined CMI in 2022 after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University in the spring. He was brought on to assist Blaine with analytics used for the inside sales team, field sales team, and vendors. A combination of the excitement of starting a career and persistence gained through education and athletics will help him create avenues to add value for vendors and customers.

In Evan’s free time he enjoys going to sporting events. The teams he roots for are the Phillies and the Bears with his favorite players being Bryce Harper and Keenan Allen. He also enjoys watching movies with his favorite being the Star Wars SAGA. He may deny it, but still occasionally tests himself for the force. Evan cherishes his family and looks forward to the prospect of starting his own. As the youngest of 4 kids, he has learned much more about what not to do than what to do.

Casey Becker has been a valuable member of CMI since 2021. Prior to joining CMI, Casey gained extensive experience working in the sales division of an international game and toy company. Currently, Casey is an integral part of the Field Sales Team, serving as the Midwest Regional Sales Manager. A 2020 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, Casey leverages his education and expertise to drive success in his role. Outside of his professional life, Casey enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Alex joined CMI in the spring of 2018 as a Midwest Sales Representative. After two years of developing the territory he moved to Huntington Beach CA to expand CMI’s presence. In 2023 he was promoted to manage CMI’s West Coast field Team. Alex has experience growing co-op/regional accounts. Outside of work you will find Alex surfing or playing volleyball.

Krissy Hartman joined the Comprehensive Marketing team in 2020, bringing with her a diverse background in sales, education, and fundraising. She excels at building new relationships and loves demonstrating how CMI can help her customers grow. Her dynamic personality truly sets her apart from the competition. Outside of work, Krissy enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She also has a passion for both volunteering & entertaining.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kelli began her career with CMI at the inception of the company in 1991 holding several different positions for 9 years. She then decided to stay at home to raise her 4 children. At the beginning of 2021, Kelli rejoined our team filling an Inside Sales position. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, going to the gym, playing pickleball and watching sports … Go Cubs!

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.