#50 Jodie Schillinger

Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680)
Executive Vice President

2023 Rank: NR

Industry Experience: 25 Years

Previous Appearances on Power 50: 0

Industry veteran Jodie Schillinger makes her debut on the Counselor Power 50 this year as supplier Maple Ridge Farms expands its presence in the gourmet food gifts market. With Schillinger as the driving force, the Wisconsin-based firm made its first acquisition in the company’s 45-year history back in July, when it purchased Sweeter Cards, a supplier that combines greeting cards with gourmet sweet treats like chocolate and cookies. The partnership will enhance Maple Ridge Farms’ ability to provide quality products for under $15.

Schillinger has been part of the team at Maple Ridge Farms for two decades, but her relationship with the company and the industry dates back even further than that. When she was growing up, her mom went back to school and eventually landed a position working for Tom Riordan, the founder of Maple Ridge Farms. Schillinger was fascinated by the industry and the promo items her mom would bring home from trade show. After working in an assortment of jobs throughout high school and part of college, she requested a meeting with Riordan – a meeting that ultimately landed her a spot at Maple Ridge Farms.

Maple Ridge Farms has continued to be a second home for Schillinger and her family – especially in the fact that Schillinger’s sisters Joelle Stahlecker (the company’s marketing coordinator) and Jamie Johnson (national sales executive) also work at the company. And after stints in customer service and office management, among others, Schillinger is executive vice president – a position she’s held since 2018. She’s been an essential figure in maintaining the supplier’s sterling reputation in the food gift space

She notes the company’s team approaches customers and vendors alike with a sense of community and joy. “Our foundation and our leadership are human-centric – people first,” she says.