Among private label sales and marketing executives, there are few who embody as Rick Witherspoon does the professionalism and commitment that a manufacturer requires to succeed as a store brands supplier. From the mid-1980s, as vice president heading national accounts for Merico, at Earthgrains and the Eurodough international private label divisions of Anheuser Busch and Sara Lee, and presently as an industry consultant, Rick’s optimism, insight, and tireless advocacy for the business of store brands continue to educate and inspire.