Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee Markets
principal/ceo
Ken Gibson
Ken Gibson is a founding partner of Cutting Edge Marketing Agents. Ken began his career with The Coca-Cola Company in the Trade Research Department protecting the trademarks of one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Ken later entered the commercial refrigeration industry as a National Sales Manager for Universal Nolin followed by a progressive sales career with Hussmann Corporation. While at Hussmann, Ken was instrumental in developing and organizing the Convenience and Specialty Stores Group in the Eastern United States. He directed the sales and marketing forces of a 21-state region, selling commercial refrigeration products to the supermarket, food service, convenience store, and specialty foods industries. Ken became a manufacturer’s rep in 1990 when he joined Cutting Edge’s predecessor firm, Wilmar Marketing, as a partner. Today Ken works closely with foodservice consultants and chain accounts as well as managing relationships with the manufacturers represented by Cutting Edge.
Ken is a member of MAFSI where he has participated in hundreds of hours of industry training. He is a volunteer with Bridging the Gap Africa and Wreaths Across America as well as a regular platelet donor for The American Red Cross. He lives with his wife, Renita, in Woodstock, GA, and he is the proud Grandfather to twin grandsons and a granddaughter.
cfo/KEY ACCOUNT SALES
Renita Gibson
Renita Gibson is the Chief Financial Officer for Cutting Edge and also handles Sales and Project Management responsibilities for key chain accounts. Renita has been employed with Cutting Edge since 2017. A graduate of Georgia Tech, she possesses 28 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her emphasis on high-level customer service and business strategy comes from a career specializing in Commercial Banking as well as residential real estate finance. Renita uses the presentation and management skills she honed while working as a Corporate Trainer with SunTrust to lead special projects and training events for the company.
Renita resides in Woodstock, GA with her husband Ken. She enjoys playing the piano, traveling and watching the sunset from rooftops. As a former bone marrow donor, she is also passionate about her work with Be The Match, National Bone Marrow Registry.
Tennessee and North Alabama
Territory Manager
Chris Morrow
Chris Morrow is a Territory Manager for the Tennessee and North Alabama markets. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance. He brings twelve years of sales experience, as a manufacturer’s representative in the liquid handling equipment industry, with him to Cutting Edge Marketing Agents.
Chris is a fierce competitor. He loves the game of golf, anything on or near the water (swimming/skiing/wakeboarding/wakesurfing), he is a foodie and wine lover, has a passion to travel to those out-of-the-ordinary countries and would hike a wild mountain pass or desert creek bed in a heartbeat. He lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife Hannah and baby daughter, Della.
Alabama, Florida Panhandle, Metro Atlanta
Territory Manager
Patrick Gillen
Patrick Gillen is the Territory Manager for Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Patrick joined Cutting Edge in 2016 after a progressive career in the food service industry. Patrick has experience in all facets of the restaurant industry from being a server, bartender and restaurant manager culminating with his position as the Food and Beverage Director for Top Golf in Atlanta. Patrick’s hands on experience uniquely qualifies him for his current position working with the dealer community, restaurant chains and chefs. Patrick’s experience as a college, scholarship athlete instilled a tremendous work ethic that his customers reap the benefits of today.
Patrick and his wife Nikki live in Canton, GA with their three beautiful daughters. Patrick is a soccer enthusiast and continues to play on a competitive level.
Metro Atlanta and Georgia
TERRITORY Manager
Richard Pringle
Richard Pringle is a Territory Manager for Metro Atlanta and Georgia. Richard also serves as a K-12 Schools Specialist. Richard is a highly skilled, results-oriented individual with over 20 years of leading and developing successful businesses. Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills honed during his prior positions as the President and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Horizon Hospitality Solutions/CraftPoint Concepts. Additionally, Richard possess strong installation and construction management skills from his prior experience with custom millwork as well as residential and commercial construction positions.
Richard and his family are relocating to the Atlanta area from Lancaster, PA. He is the father of five young men and husband to his wife Tammy. He has served on advisory boards for Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge and New Life Youth & Family Services. He enjoys the outdoors and is looking forward to the milder winters of the South.
Metro Atlanta and Georgia
SALES SPECIALIST
Brandy Solonka
Brandy Solonka is a Territory Manager for Metro Atlanta and Georgia. Brandy joined Cutting Edge in 2020 supporting installations for a large national chain account where she has managed over 400 stores per year. Brandy brings prior experience with TriMark in the foodservice dealer sector where she worked with National Accounts, website design and accounts receivable.
Brandy is mom to her three wonderful children and wife to her husband Charlie. She enjoys hiking and crafting. She is also a chauffeur, band mom, photographer and head cheerleader for all of her kid’s activities.
Senior Project manager
Wade Huffman
Wade Huffman is a Senior Project Manager and Inside Sales Specialist. Wade has worked in the Foodservice Equipment industry since 2010 including positions with Stafford Smith and TriMark. Wade possesses a wide variety of experience from the foodservice equipment dealer network including project management for a major chain account opening in excess of 90 stores per year across the United States.
Wade lives in Woodstock, GA with his wife Jenny and their three beautiful children. He enjoys Georgia Bulldogs football, wakeboarding and hunting.
CORPORATE CHEF
Whit Davis
Whit Davis is the Corporate Chef for Cutting Edge Marketing Agents. Whit is a native Georgian. Born in Marietta, Georgia and graduating from Mount Paran Christian High School, Whit followed his passion of food and science to Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, NC where he received his Associate of Science degree in Baking and Pastry Arts (Summa Cum Laude). Continuing his drive for more knowledge, Whit graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Management (Summa Cum Laude) from Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, NC. Whit Davis has his ServSafe Certification and upon graduation from Johnson and Wales University was inducted into the American Culinary Federation. Whit has “hands on” experience as a Pastry Chef and Bakery manager for Sweet “N” Sinful, Garbiel’s, Time to Dine and Kennesaw State University.
Whit lives in Marietta, GA with his wife Lindley and their two beautiful daughters, Annie Rae and Poppy Claire. He is an all-around sports fanatic as well as an accomplished golfer.
Director of marketing
Hannah Goodall Morrow
Hannah Goodall Morrow is the Director of Marketing. Hannah grew up in Marietta, Georgia and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Tennessee. She has used her degree in both marketing and professional photography positions for small businesses as well as a Fortune 500 company. Hannah also has a deep passion for art and is an accomplished painter.