Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company Announces New Leadership Roles at Northwest Arkansas Branch

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, FEB. 4, 2025 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company announces new leadership roles at its Northwest Arkansas branch located in Lowell.


James Baumgardner has moved into the position of account executive II, Walmart and Sam’s Club lead. He has worked for Coca-Cola for 14 years. Other positions have included route driver, merchandising supervisor, account manager, and senior district sales manager. Baumgardner and his family live in Prairie Grove.


Greg Thomas has been named district sales manager. Thomas has worked for Coca-Cola for eight years as a merchandiser, Walmart account manager, and relief account manager. He served six years in the Army National Guard, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thomas and his family live in Rogers.


Sam Hulsey has been promoted to merchandising manager. She began her career at Ozarks Coca-Cola in 2021. Previous roles have included merchandiser and merchandiser supervisor. Before joining Ozarks, she managed two automotive parts businesses. Hunsley and her family reside in Huntsville.

About Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned bottler operating in Missouri for over 100 years. Founded by the Rice family in 1920, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are manufactured in Springfield, with sales and distribution branches in Springfield, Bolivar, Joplin, Rolla, West Plains, and Northwest Arkansas. The company distributes over 650 Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper products across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma and employs more than 850 associates. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.