JAKE HERMES

Owner

Jake has 23 years of experience in the industry. Extensive experience in sourcing, packaging and mostly...listening! He’s also a dad of three who loves his job, the outdoors, and playing sports

PAYTON HERMES

Project Manager

Payton joined the JHA team during the summer of 2023 as a Project Manager and is excited to continue her career alongside such great co-workers… including her father! With previous experience in buying and merchandising and a degree in Retail & Consumer Behavior from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Payton has a passion for retail & for the why behind the buy.

DANE STENSON

Director of Sales & Marketing

Dane is a seasoned retail professional with 20 years of retail experience in multiple channels of trade. Dane honed his expertise in retail product development, buying and planning with roles at prominent companies like May Merchandising, Bon-Ton Stores, and Kohl’s Department Stores. His extensive background also includes sales, negotiation, market analysis, and overseas sourcing. The passion to hear his customers’ needs equips him to make confident decisions for profitable and unique merchandising. Providing retailer specific solutions to buyers, product managers and partner factories through strong communication, fostering relationships and creative problem solving for success.

Currently serving as Sales and Marketing Director for Jake Hermes and Associates, Dane is dedicated to delivering results driven outcomes in the competitive brick and mortar and digital retail marketplace. A graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a B.S. in Business Administration

Rachel Laven

Account Manager

There is no one who cares more and is passionate about your success than Rachel and it has never wavered in 20+ years. She manages the team that handles behind-the-scenes details for both customers & factory. She loves her family and her animals - 4 dogs, 4 cats and 4 frogs!

OLIVIA PANOS

Project Manager Support

Olivia is the newest member of JHA, who joined the team in the fall of 2024. She is a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a degree in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies, alongside certificates in Design Strategies and Sports Communication. Olivia works alongside Payton as the Marketing and Sales Support Project Management Specialist. She uses her recent education and new perspectives to benefit the JHA company as a whole.

“Their motto is to be of service. Challenge them and see. They love being important behind the scenes support to our factories and customers. They understand their hard work and accuracy is important to keeping everything running.”