Leadership Announcements

Ops Support Restructure

The Operations Support Team was formed 2.5 years ago and has since grown to encompass responsibilities across nearly all aspects of our business.  With our continued growth, we are restructuring the Operations Support team into two separate groups:  Communications & Administration (to be led by Beth Overholt) and Operations Excellence (to be led by Ryan Cortese).  This will allow enhanced focus by the team members to help accelerate change and results across the company.

Beth Overholt – Director of Communications & Administration

Over the past 2.5 years, Beth was instrumental in building out the Operations Support team, driving improvements in performance reporting, customer service performance, CMX, training, and revamping operations policies and processes. Her leadership has set a strong foundation for operational excellence and efficiency.

Beth's new role and department will be focused on accelerating improvement in customer service, marketing, and company-wide communications. Additionally, she will provide executive support to Marc and Jerome, including project management of acquisitions.  Gena Willey will continue reporting to Beth, supporting overall office management, vendors, acquisitions, new builds, and company records.

Beth has truly embodied our “Fun, Genuine Team Player” core value, and her contributions have made a lasting impact on our culture and success. Please join us in thanking Beth for her incredible work and dedication!

Ryan Cortese – Director of Operations Excellence

Since joining Premium Loaves as Director following our Milwaukee acquisition in mid-2022, Ryan has consistently demonstrated our “GSD” and “Excellence” core values. He has led his team with focus and clarity, driving key priorities that have made a real difference.

Ryan will now have responsibility for driving Operations Excellence across the company with his department managing all reporting & dashboards, pricing administration, operations policies/processes, training process ownership, store performance projects, and acquisition integration support.  Reporting to Ryan will be Jeff Collier, Luke Frichtl, Bryan Kirchmeier (dotted line), and two open positions.

Ryan’s technical expertise—such as developing “The Matrix” and implementing scheduling software—positions him perfectly for his expanded role overseeing many system implementation projects that we will tackle this year.  These initiatives will be critical as we continue to innovate and streamline operations in 2026.

Ryan will continue to oversee the Ohio market temporarily and expects to have a permanent Director in place by mid-year.

Bryant Buford – Wisconsin Director of Operations

We’re also thrilled to announce that Bryant Buford, currently Director of Operations for 12 Wisconsin “suburbs” stores, will take on responsibility for all 23 Wisconsin stores, including those previously managed by Ryan. 

Bryant exemplifies our “Ownership Mentality” and brings a hands-on leadership style that inspires teams to perform at their best.  He manages some of the highest volume stores in the company, holds high standards, and develops great teams.

We look forward to seeing Bryant continue to unite the entire PL2 team and continue driving success across the entire Wisconsin region.  With this change, Justin Montemar (WI Catering Manager) will report directly to Bryant.

Brent Herbeck - Director of Construction & Development

Brent ​has been a trusted independent consultant for Premium Loaves over the past two years and is officially joining us as a full-time team member!  Brent has played a key role in 6 new store developments, 15 refresh/remodel projects, and major construction initiatives that have strengthened our brand and improved our customer experience. His expertise and hands-on approach have been instrumental in delivering projects on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards.  

In his expanded position, Brent will manage 10 new store build projects end-to-end in 2026, lead site selection across 7 states for future store builds, and oversee refresh and remodel initiatives to maintain brand standards.  Brent’s proven ability to manage complex projects and his commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit for this expanded role.