KeHE Unwrapped: Mark Flatley
At KeHE®, we are proud to have so many dedicated employees, and today, we are excited to highlight one of them — Mark Flatley, Director of Costing & Inbound Revenue—who has been with us for 15 years! Keep reading to learn more about Mark and the impact he has made throughout his time with the company.
Q: What is your current position, and which KeHE location do you work at?
A: I am currently the Director of Costing & Inbound Revenue, based out of our corporate office in Naperville, IL.
Q: How long have you been with KeHE?
A: I recently celebrated my 15-year anniversary with KeHE!
Q: What inspired you to join KeHE, and what was your first impression of the company?
A: I joined KeHE because I was looking for a role where I could grow professionally. When I first started as a sales analyst, I saw that the company had a tremendous amount of untapped potential. Even building a basic automated Excel sheet was seen as transformational, as many of our accounts lacked dedicated analytical support.
Beyond the work itself, the company culture stood out to me. Coming from a corporate environment, I immediately noticed that people at KeHE were genuinely committed to doing their best for the company. There was also much less focus on hierarchy, making it a refreshing change from my previous experiences. That culture is one of the key reasons I’ve stayed!
Q: How has your role evolved during your time at KeHE, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Unless the job involves driving a vehicle or handling a box, I’ve either done it or worked alongside someone who has.
I started in Sales & Supply Chain in analytical roles before moving into management. I quickly learned that being a great analyst doesn’t necessarily make you a great leader! I spent the next few years honing my leadership skills while also gaining experience in project management through the Nature’s Best and Monterrey Provision integration projects.
After that, I leveraged my experience to build new teams and workstreams focused on freight reviews and costing. That work led me to my current role in Revenue Management, where I have the privilege of leading several teams dedicated to improving how we partner with our suppliers on inbound costs and how those costs translate to shelf prices.
I’ve learned countless lessons, but two stand out for future leaders:
Great leaders foster professional growth by creating space for setbacks. No one steps into a new role knowing everything, and mistakes will happen. A leader’s job is to help their team navigate challenges, learn from missteps, and find their footing.
Lateral moves within KeHE add immense value, especially early in your career. Understanding the business end-to-end makes you more effective at building cross-functional solutions.
Q: Can you share a standout memory or experience at KeHE that holds a special meaning for you?
A: One of my favorite experiences is walking the floor at our Holiday or Summer Show. I love discovering new brands, exciting products, and the passionate people behind them. It’s also a great opportunity to hear firsthand feedback on how KeHE is performing as a partner. I take those insights back to raise awareness about any pain points. And, of course, these events allow me to reconnect with old colleagues and friends.
Q: What opportunities have helped you grow personally and professionally during your time at KeHE?
A: I’m grateful for leaders at KeHE who gave me the opportunity to grow while exploring different parts of the organization. Learning the business from the ground up has given me a unique perspective on how KeHE operates.
Additionally, supporting several integration projects shaped the career path I wanted to pursue. Finally, having the support and guidance to develop into a R.A.R.E. Leader has been transformational for me.
Q: What changes at KeHE have made the biggest impact on you, your work, or the company culture?
A: Every acquisition and integration has significantly impacted how we operate. Adapting our standard processes to accommodate new customers, facilities, and category expertise has driven meaningful change at KeHE.
From a cultural perspective, the expansion of KeHE Cares® has had a profound impact—not just on me, but on countless individuals.
Q: How have your colleagues and the KeHE community shaped your experience?
A: The people at KeHE are incredible. I’m continually inspired by my colleagues’ talent, dedication, and passion for making KeHE a better partner for our customers, suppliers, employees, and communities.
I also have to highlight my time with KeHE Cares and the KeHE Cares Outreach Committee. I could write a book about how these experiences have shaped me, but in short, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.
To learn more about KeHE, please visit https://www.kehe.com/about/.
