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Honey Stinger CEO Richard Thompson (center) with his team: Sarah Mallicote, Kim Kourkoules, Mike Willig and Wendy Mayo
The Summer Scoop Stay in the loop with these new and noteworthy happenings HEAD OF THE HIVE Steamboat-based company Honey Stinger has welcomed a new leader to its ranks: Richard Thompson stepped in as CEO this year. Thompson, who joined the company at the beginning of 2022 as interim CEO, replaced Mike Keown, who had been in the position since October 2018. Thompson is the founder of Pennsylvania-based company Factory LLC, which includes under its umbrella the brands Stuffed Puffs, Pipcorn, ROAR, Partake, Mikey’s, Sampler and now Honey Stinger. Factory LLC provides financial support for companies, in addition to brand-strategy guidance. Originally 38 | ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMBOATMAGAZINE.COM
from Kansas, Thompson’s past work includes similar companybuilding roles at the American Italian Pasta Company, Meow Mix and Freshpet. Thompson is also instating changes, including adding hydration mixes, mini waffles, and nut-and-seed bars to Honey Stinger’s product repertoire. Novel flavors, including mango melon and cookies & cream, will also be added to the popular waffle lineup. At the company headquarters – located at the Steamboat Springs Airport – the company will implement a new basketball court, Pelotons, a weight room and a yoga area. SM
