Meet David Tagliatela: Vice President, Sales
In his 16 years at Kent Pet Group, David (Tag) Tagliatela, has certainly become a staple. His flowing locks, endearing grin and dedication to his team are just some of the reasons he’s a perfect fit for Vice President of Sales.
“As I went through the interview process in Muscatine, IA, one of the most compelling qualities of the organization was the longevity of all the employees I spoke and interviewed with,” said Tag. “15 years, 18 years, 24 years, 30 years and more. For people to stay with an organization that long says a lot for a company. I knew I wanted to be part of it!”
And what a vital part he has become.
Loyalty First
Tag has never been one to jump from position to position – his career thus far has been dedicated to long-term roles with two other companies, both in the pet industry.
“I started my full time corporate career working for Hill’s Pet Products division of Colgate-Palmolive, the makers of Science Diet and Prescription Diet pet foods for approximately 12 years. For the next 12 years or so, I was employed by the Tetra division of Warner Lambert,” he explained.
In the “sixteen wonderful years” Tag described of his time at Kent Pet Group, his loyalty to Kent Pet Group has been returned via opportunities for growth and development.
“KPG is an organization that promotes from within,” said Tag. “They take the time and financial resources to invest in their employees to further develop them to their fullest potential. I began my career at Kent as a Regional Sales Manager, Northeast. I was promoted to National Sales Manager of Mass & Grocery Accounts, then promoted to the Director of Sales for Food, Drug & Mass channels, and then to my current position of Vice President of Sales.”
Doing Good Work
One of Tag’s favorite projects at Kent Pet Group thus far is helping to bring the sale of World’s Best Cat Litter™ to the global scale.
In his view, World’s Best Cat Litter™ is an innovative product because “the consumer, and ultimately the cat, can rely on the latest technology, processes and ingredients for them to live a better life and at the same time, save the planet.”
Outside of work, Tag volunteers with Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to help children discover their most heartfelt wishes. So far he has helped grant wishes for trips to Japan, the Galapagos and Disney, and to meet sports figures such as Tom Brady.