Over three decades of specialized experience.

Managing Partner

Josh Reed is a native of Northwest Arkansas. Josh graduated from Rogers High School and University of Arkansas. While in college, Josh worked for Wade Jones Animal Pharmaceutical company pursing a degree in Agricultural Business. After working in the Poultry Business for several years he formed Apex Marketing and Sales with Ben Langford.

Josh enjoys the outdoors and is very much involved with Ducks Unlimited and the Boy Scouts of America. Josh likes to hunt, fish, hike, camp and when he is not outdoors can be found in the gym coaching his youngest son in Basketball. Josh presently resides in Rogers with his wife Kenhya, son Jayden and Jacob, and two dogs – Dakota and Raider.

Managing Partner

Ben Langford, a native of Georgia, is a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. During his college years, he distinguished himself as a dedicated athlete, earning four varsity letters in football, serving as a three-year starting linebacker, and leading his team as captain during his senior year.

Ben and his wife Stephanie are proud parents to three children: Griffin, Garrett, and Glennah. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, spending time on any type of water, and playing Padel.

Data Management Specialist/Senior Business Analyst

Lucinda Brown is a dedicated Data Management Specialist/Analyst at Apex Marketing and Sales, where they manage 1WorldSync and VIP Content, Walmart Accounting issues, deductions, new company onboarding and item setup. With 23 years of experience in data management and Walmart support, Lucinda has handled data management for multiple retailers. They are passionate about providing the best possible support they can make the company the best that they can be. Outside of work, Lucinda enjoys travel, archery, fishing, spoiling the grandchildren and her 2 dogs (Ezra and Micah) and Tillie her cat.

Senior Business Analyst

Tanya handles multiple suppliers over a diverse range of categories focusing on a holistic approach starting from item creation, ECOMM content scores, packaging, and replenishment down to final payment. Overall, 30 years’ experience with Walmart. Held key management positions in Accounts Payable, Post Audit and Apparel. Works directly with Top Beverage companies and has successfully transitioned over 100 DSD teams to the Walmart Pay from Receipt program utilizing 832 EDI transactions.

Senior Business Analyst

Meagan Rose Schimpf is a dedicated Senior Account Executive at Apex Marketing and Sales, where they specialize in growing better-for-you brands at Walmart. With 12 years of experience in merchandising, analytics, and sales. Meagan has a proven track record of driving success through strategic partnerships and innovative product placements. They are passionate about helping brands navigate Walmart’s unique ecosystem to achieve long-term growth. Outside of work, Meagan enjoys playing golf, pickleball, and spending time with her two beloved dogs, Snickers and Oreo. They hold a degree in Merchandising and Marketing from the University of North Texas.

Senior Business Analyst

Originally from Claremont, NH, Tina's called Northwest Arkansas home for over 35 years. She joined Apex Marketing & Sales in July 2019, bringing with her over three decades of experience in logistics, inventory management, client relations, and supply chain planning. Prior to Apex, Tina served as the Forecast and Supply Chain Manager for a major flooring manufacturer and worked as a Sales Analyst in the cosmetics industry. She also spent 16 years at Walmart and Sam’s Club, primarily in the role of Replenishment Manager. Throughout her career, she's specialized in optimizing operational efficiency and driving quality improvements by collaborating with cross-functional teams. Tina is a strategic thinker with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and long-term planning. Outside of work, her husband, Tate, and she love to travel and spend quality time with their three daughters, Ashley, Paige, and Kamryn, and four grandchildren, Kori, Karter, Bo, and River.

Business Analyst

Staci Nickel is a dedicated analyst at Apex Marketing & Sales, where she helps to drive efficiency and profitability by analyzing data to uncover helpful insights based on trends and performance, while identifying opportunities to improve business. With 3 years of previous experience with a Walmart supplier and 3 years at Apex so far, Staci is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and has strong problem-solving abilities. She is passionate about continuous learning and development in her role, maintaining honesty and openness in all interactions, and contributing to the long-term success of the organization she is working with. Outside of work, Staci enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, shopping, and reading (when she has the chance). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Missouri Southern State University. She has a husband, son, and two dogs.

Business Analyst

With over 4 years of dedicated service at Apex Marketing & Sales, Paige Taylor is a Business Analyst specializing in retail analytics and strategic insights. Apex, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, is renowned for its tailored services to vendors within Walmart and Sam's Club, focusing on report automation, business intelligence, and comprehensive retail support. Paige's commitment to excellence and passion for data-driven decision-making have significantly contributed to the success of her clients in the competitive retail landscape. Outside of her professional endeavors, Paige cherishes time with her family—her husband and their two young sons. Together, they enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and hunting.

Business Analyst

Emma Hutchens is a Business Analyst who partners with clients to help them achieve their maximum profit potential, especially through content creation for Walmart.com. With three years of experience, Emma excels at using data analysis and key performance indicators to pinpoint growth opportunities for a wide variety of brands. She particularly enjoys collaborating with clients on their brand page. Outside of her data-driven work, Emma loves exploring the trails of Northwest Arkansas with her energetic Labrador retriever, Camo. She holds a marketing degree from the University of Central Arkansas, which provides a strong strategic perspective for her analytical approach.

Senior Business Analyst

For 27 years, Cathy Smith has been at the forefront of the supplier relationship with Walmart and Sam's Club, transforming challenges into opportunities. A true expert in her field, Cathy possesses an exceptional understanding of replenishment dynamics, sales acceleration, and harnessing the power of analytics. Her insights extend to Walmart.com initiatives and leveraging Walmart Connect for strategic advantage, consistently delivering value and driving profitable growth. Outside of work, Cathy manages a bustling household as a mom of two college students, Natalie and Cooper and three furry friends, Sully, Otis and Sami.

Senior Business Analyst

Cindy Eiler joined the Apex team in October 2020 as a Business Analyst. She brings 27 years of experience working with Walmart and its supplier network. Her background spans a variety of roles and capacities—including Analyst, Forecasting/Supply Chain Planner, and Category Advisor—providing her with a comprehensive understanding of retail operations. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech University. Cindy enjoys helping suppliers navigate the complexities of working with Walmart, offering perspective to simplify processes and drive success. Cindy and her husband, Chad live in Bentonville with their three rescue cats (Molly, Nick, and Junie). Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family, live music, and prioritizing quality time with her and Chad’s two daughters, Bailey and Gray.

Senior Account Executive

Jacob is originally from Texas and graduated from the University of Arkansas, where he was a student-athlete for the Razorbacks. After college, Jacob began his career in consumer-packaged goods and has since held a variety of roles across sales, marketing, and brand development. With a deep understanding of both retail and eCommerce, Jacob is passionate about building brands that meet real consumer needs and deliver value through innovation, and quality. When not working, Jacob can be found on the court playing tennis.

Brand Manager

Clay Wilkerson is a Senior Account Executive with over six years at Apex Marketing and Sales, where he specializes in premium food and beverage brands across Walmart and Sam’s Club. Clay earned both his MBA and a bachelor’s degree in marketing, with a minor in Psychology, from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. A dedicated athlete, he lettered all four years on the football team, served as defensive captain his senior year, and was a two-year starter. Outside of work, Clay enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. And spending time outdoors with friends and family.

VP of Sales and Marketing

Frank Berndt is the Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales, where he drives strategy across multiple continents, leading cross-functional teams, building high-impact partnerships, and representing global furniture factories in strategic alignment with Walmart. With over five years at APEX, Frank has played a key role in accelerating revenue growth, expanding market share, and fostering international collaboration.Beyond the boardroom, Frank is happily married to Michaela Berndt. Together, they travel the world and embrace the outdoors with their three daughters—Avery, Addison, and Talia—and their two adventurous dogs, Samson and Silas.

Director of Operations

Scott worked at Walmart Warehouse #8 during and after High school, then became a butcher at the Rogers, AR Supercenter. He has been with the Apex team since 2013 and is currently with the Mega Prima Home Furniture division, specializing in furniture design and assembly. Over the years, Scott developed a deep appreciation for hard work and community, values instilled during his time at Walmart and through his connections in Rogers. His dedication to supporting local initiatives led him to participate in various community projects, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the region he calls home. Scott has traveled to several Asian countries to help set up and design new ways of building and producing all types of KD flat pack furniture. Scott enjoys anything outdoors, with his wife Tonya and 3 daughters Chas, Haley, Makenna, and his dog Murphy Lee.

Merchandising Specialist

Madeline has worked with Apex Marketing & Sales since 2021 as a Merchandising Specialist for hardlines. She is adept at navigating Walmart’s systems for item creation, content acquisition and maintaining best in class PDPs on Walmart.com. Madeline was born and raised in Austin, Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Concordia University Texas. Outside of the office, Madeline and her husband enjoy traveling, being on the lake, and spending time with of their three dogs – Charlie, Gracie & Gus.

Senior Analyst

Chief Operating Officer