USA | PepsiCo Beverages U.S. (PBUS) named Gross & Jarson’s (G&J) Hamilton, Ohio franchise as the 2024 Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year.
Named for PepsiCo’s former chairman and chief executive officer, the Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award was created more than three decades ago to recognise top-performing independent bottlers across the U.S. who lead with excellence, drive growth, and give back to their communities.
This year’s award was presented to Tim Trant, CEO, T.R. Gross, SVP of Strategic Business Initiatives, and Steve Kaplan, SVP of Operations at G&J by PBUS CEO Ram Krishnan and Paul Finney, SVP, Strategic Partnerships at an awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida.
G&J’s Hamilton team has been recognised not only for their outstanding execution and operational excellence but also for their legacy as a longtime PepsiCo partner, celebrating 100 years of resilience and leadership.
The team continues to set a high standard by pioneering innovative approaches like display-ready pallets, consistently driving strong in-store presence, and delivering bold execution across channels – from major retail accounts to large-scale events.
Their commitment to safety and efficiency further strengthens their reputation as a high-performing, forward-thinking organisation dedicated to serving customers, consumers, and their communities.
“It’s incredibly special to see Gross & Jarson’s Hamilton team back in the spotlight,” said Mike Ruff, President of PBUS’s North Division.
“The last time they earned this honour was in 1997, the same year Pepsi celebrated its 100th anniversary. Now, nearly three decades later, they’re once again recognised at the highest level during their own centennial year. It’s a full-circle moment that speaks volumes about their consistency, leadership, and lasting impact on our system.”
“It’s an honour to receive the Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award during such a milestone year for our company,” said Tim Trant, CEO of Gross & Jarson.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our Hamilton team and the strength of our partnership with PepsiCo. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead.”
Additionally, honoured as 2024 Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year finalists were WP Beverages of Logansport, Indiana, Pepsi-Cola of Central Virginia and Nackard Pepsi of Flagstaff, Arizona.
