Don Stickles – Managing Member
While attending high school, Don began his career in the food industry with a small family-owned retail grocery chain in the Hampton Roads, VA area. Don knew then, the retail grocery business was what he would like to make a lifelong career. Don likes to say, “This business runs deep in his blood” since his father had been in the retail grocery industry since the day Don was born. At the time, his father was stationed at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, TX, running the Base Commissary. This was also a sign to Don of what his future could be!
1970 – 1974 After graduating high school Don was hired as a Retail Territory Manager with a large cookie company. Normally, the company only hired those with at least an associate degree but felt confident Don had what it took to succeed.
1975 – 1978 Don joined a large Regional Food Broker as Territory Manager with headquarters responsibility. With this company, Don had the opportunity to work with management learning other aspects of how the inner office supported the overall company sales efforts.
1978 – 1981 By this time, Don had made a reputation in the regional market for his hard work, but Don was also eager to work with a National manufacturer. Don joined a major coffee and candy manufacturer as Territory Director with major headquarters responsibility. Of course, already having 2 children gave Don all the financial motivation necessary to continue succeeding in the retail grocery industry.
1981 – 2020 Don was approached by a friend asking if he would be interested in getting into the Military side of the grocery business. Don took up the offer and joined the largest broker at the time. Don spent the next 7 years learning the military broker and distribution agent side of the business.
1988 – 2020 Don joined the military brokerage and distribution agent company that would become his home for the next 32 years. Don retired as VP of Sales after having helped build the military business into the multimillion-dollar level. The company was also well respected within the military community.
AUG 2020 Don retired with visions of working in his wood shop and having more time to enjoy his RV. Retirement did not last but 6 months, Don missed the business, and knew there were products and manufacturers still in need of experienced military representation.
FEB 2021 Don and Gil started a brand-new brokerage and military distribution agent company called Platinum International Marketing & Sales LLC (PIMS).