Gretchen Welde

Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Gretchen Welde oversees all marketing, public relations, retail promotion, design, digital marketing, out of home advertising, national events, social media and product marketing for Richard Sandoval Restaurants. Gretchen's recent projects include launching an online store, optimizing the restaurant websites, redesigning the homepage and restaurant websites, launching Chef Sandoval's new cookbook, New Latin Flavors and securing Chef Richard Sandoval as the face of Nestle's Abuelita chocolate.

Gretchen joined Richard Sandoval Restaurants in March 2013 as the Regional Marketing and PR Manager for the casual concepts. She was responsible for managing all aspects of marketing and public relations in her designated region while driving revenue to the local restaurants. She worked closely with the operations team to develop and execute marketing a¬nd PR plans while supporting and directing the local PR agencies. In addition to marketing, and brand development, she managed media relations, advertising, social media and website development.

Gretchen has over 10 years' experience in marketing and public relations. Prior to joining RSR, she was the Regional Marketing Manager for Neuro Drinks with the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. She led the Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas marketing team to introduce the product and create brand awareness in the local markets while managing distributor programs and retailer marketing to drive sales.

In 2012, her region was recognized for most outstanding return on investment for the month of August. Her work with radio programing, out of home advertising and distributor incentives led to a record-breaking August with sales in King Soopers/City Market stores increasing by 6,202 cases (99%) and sales in the entire region increasing by 34%. The campaign was recognized by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group as an "Outstanding incentive launch and market programing."

Immediately prior to her role with Neuro Drinks, Gretchen was the Marketing and Brand Manager for Adams Golf in Dallas, TX. During her time there, she implemented search engine optimization, a database capture program and social media marketing. She also played an integral role in introducing the Adams Golf Speedline 9032 Driver to the market.

Gretchen began her marketing career at the RE/MAX International Headquarters in Denver, CO as Field Marketing and Exhibit Manager. She was responsible for fostering the revenue growth and marketing plans for Approved Vendors for 100,000 RE/MAX agents and brokers.

Gretchen feels lucky to have attended Lorenzo De Medici's Culinary Arts program in Florence, Italy to expand on her love of cooking from 2001-2002. Just after college, she applied these skills as a chef at a Colorado catering company.

Gretchen has a B.A. from Colorado State University where she studied Journalism and Public Relations. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband John. They are expecting their first son in March.