Our Team

Paul Thaden

25+ years in the Consumer Electronics industry.

Paul Thaden has been a partner at USI Sales since May 2010. As partner, Paul drives strategy and business development initiatives. Paul is known for his exceptional ability to use in-depth territory and account knowledge to increase market share, boost brand awareness, and influence brand preference.

Chris Stone

20+ years in the Consumer Electronics industry.

Chris Stone, Partner, has been with USI Sales since May 2010. He is a proven sales and distribution executive with demonstrated success leading and expanding a diverse portfolio of products and services throughout North America.

Brian Garber

Brian joined USI Sales in July 2013. During his tenure he has developed strong relationships with many software and electronics buyers across numerous US-based retailers. Through these relationships, he drives new opportunities and growth at retail.

Brian’s strong sales operation background combined with his attention to detail, has established his proven track record of driving sales and achieving the best possible results for all parties.

Nina Greenburg

Nina Greenburg has been with USI Sales since June of 2015. She manages key accounts such as Amazon, Staples, Newegg, and other e-commerce customers.

Before joining USI Sales, Nina held sales roles at Navarre Corporation where she worked in Consumer Electronics, Accessories, and software distribution for over 15 years. Nina has also worked with national brick & mortar accounts while leading the e-commerce team and segment.

Julie Oerther

Julie Oerther, National Account Manager for USI Sales, joined the team in November 2021 to manage USI Sales’ relationships with Target and Office Depot.

Before joining USI Sales, Julie held various sales positions for Adidas and Ping.

Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas joined USI Sales in December of 2014 and is responsible for reporting and sales analytics, as well as communicating with USI Sales’ retail customers and vendor partners.

Laura's previous experience as a Target Buyer and working in distribution are key to building strategic marketing plans and building efficiencies in our vendor programs at retail.

Desiree Nelson

Since April of 2019, Desiree Nelson has been USI Sales’ Channel Marketing Manager responsible for account management, marketing strategy and program planning, budget management and performance tracking with USI Sales’ Adobe relationships.

Previously, Desiree spent 16 years in professional retail experience. She is well versed in managing multiple brands that require unique and complex strategies to achieve business goals.

Melissa Gottschalk

Melissa Gottschalk took on her role as part of the USI Sales team in December 2020. She is responsible for key account operations, including vendor onboarding, item setups, SKU management and sales reporting. Melissa works very closely with the retail merchant teams and vendor partners.

Prior to USI Sales, Melissa worked in the promotional products industry for 7 years and as a marketing events coordinator.

Joelle Cognetta

Joelle Cognetta joined USI Sales in September of 2021 and is responsible for market research, category management and growth, and data analysis.

Previously to joining USI Sales, Joelle worked in various roles including marketing, category manager, and as a senior buyer for Best Buy.

Colton Reed

Colton Reed joined USI Sales in December 2021 as its marketing analyst responsible for data analytics, marketing planning, and growth for Amazon.

Prior to USI Sales, Colton held senior analyst and digital merchandising positions for Amazon.

Kaitlin Ameluxen

Kaitlin Ameluxen joined USI Sales June of 2022 as a Sales and Marketing analyst and is responsible for market research, data analytics, and key account operations on the Adobe team. Kaitlin received her undergraduate and MBA from Minnesota State Mankato.

Nicole Burke

Nicole Burke, office manager and human resource leader, joined USI Sales in May 2009. Nicole is responsible for several operational and sales duties within the organization including financial controller, HR coordinator, sales support, and back-office management.

Prior to USI Sales, Nicole spent 13 years at Navarre Corporation where she was key in employee recruitment and retention, accounting process management, and financial reporting.