Nationwide Sales and Marketing Organization
The United Group® (TUG) is a national, member-owned group sales and marketing group for independent, B2B distributors of Jan/San, Packaging, Food Service and Safety products and equipment. Our members recapture profits by earning rebate dollars on their purchases from United Group Preferred Suppliers.
Our diverse members, united by a drive for greater profitability and efficiency, find TUG to be an essential part of their business. We are more than just a group; we are a supportive organization known for our integrity, straightforward approach, and the strong character of our membership.
Our Diverse and Dynamic Membership
Our membership is a dynamic blend of businesses, from long-standing family enterprises to exciting new ventures. While the financial advantages of our preferred supplier rebate program often attract new members, the true value of TUG lies in its integration into their core business operations. Members come to rely on TUG for strategic insights and ongoing support.
The power of open collaboration is a cornerstone of TUG. Our members highly value the opportunity to connect with peers across the country, freely exchanging ideas, and building strong professional relationships. This culture of shared learning is a key differentiator and a significant benefit of membership.
Industry-leading Preferred Suppliers
Our Preferred Suppliers, a diverse mix of industry leaders and niche experts, are all rigorously vetted for superior quality and service. TUG executive team actively builds strong connections between these suppliers and our members through support and transparent communication of terms.
Chosen and vetted by member committees, our Preferred Suppliers engage in a transparent and collaborative environment. They openly discuss rebate percentages and benefit from dedicated one-on-one meetings with members at our annual conference. These valuable partnerships have led to strong endorsements of TUG from our supplier network.
Corporate & National Account Opportunities
For independent distributors, securing large-scale corporate and national accounts often seems out of reach. TUG empowers our members to overcome this challenge by providing the collective strength and geographic reach of nearly 400 independent distributors. This powerful alliance allows you to access high-value contracts with multi-location customers across broad geographies, expanding your sales footprint and driving significant new revenue. You can effectively compete with confidence against national chains by leveraging TUG's aggregated buying power and centralized management, all while maintaining your local, personalized service. TUG opens doors to growth opportunities that can truly transform your business.
Meet the Team
Ty Huffer – Chairman & President
As Chairman and President, Ty leads TUG's strategic growth by recruiting high-value members and suppliers. Since joining in 2014, he has been pivotal in negotiating impactful contracts and rebate agreements that enhance member profitability. Ty also oversees the TUG Treks Travel Program, fostering valuable connections, and serves as a key liaison with affiliate organizations, driving collaborative success across the TUG community.
Jeff Albritton – Chief Financial Officer
With over 35 years of financial leadership experience across various industries, Jeff has served as TUG's CFO since 2007. A CPA with a strong background in accounting and auditing, his primary responsibility is the financial well-being of TUG. Jeff oversees all distributor, customer, and rebate reporting, payment processes, financial projections, growth plans, and payroll. As Corporate Secretary, his efforts are central to maximizing returns for the entire organization.
Kim Foster – Vice President of Member & Supplier Relations
As Vice President of Member & Supplier Relations, Kim is the central point of connection, fostering strong relationships and ensuring seamless communication within TUG since joining in 2022. She is instrumental in planning TUG's annual Conference, a cornerstone for networking and collaboration. Kim ensures accurate records, contact information, and program updates for members and suppliers. She also coordinates with external providers to guarantee timely and accurate information dissemination, keeping the membership well-informed and engaged.
Mark Prosser – Vice President of Sales
Mark is a versatile, enthusiastic, and passionate B2B/B2C/B2G business leader with over 35 years of proven experience leading individual and team efforts. His expertise in supply chain optimization drives exceptional results for partners. Focused on building strong professional relationships, Mark works with TUG distributors to implement local strategies for Corporate Account growth.
Tonya Freeman – Growth Rebate Auditor & Event Specialist
Tonya has been driving member success and enhancing engagement at TUG since 2012 as the Growth Rebate Auditor & Event Specialist. She actively supports Member Stockholders in achieving growth objectives and leveraging rebate opportunities. Tonya's expertise is also central to the planning and execution of TUG's annual Conference and the enriching TUG Treks Travel Program.
Stacy Harper – Senior Marketing Allowance Administrator
Since joining TUG in 2007, Stacy has ensured the smooth and accurate operation of the rebate program as Senior Marketing Allowance Administrator. She manages the timely posting of rebate checks in the online system and the consistent delivery of payments and supporting documentation to members. Stacy is also the key contact for addressing and resolving any rebate discrepancies, providing reliable financial support.
Abby Odenbaugh – Account Coordinator
Abby brings over 12 years of experience in the Public Education System, specializing in examining and managing rebate programs, and possesses excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail. As an Account Coordinator, she manages the daily tasks associated with Corporate Accounts. Abby is a highly professional and personable individual dedicated to understanding, identifying, and resolving issues effectively and efficiently.
Alicia Rodriguez – Corporate Account Senior Executive
Alicia is a high energy, versatile professional with over 25 years of B2B/B2C/B2G sales and marketing experience and over 20 years in group purchasing with Fortune 500 corporations. Her expertise includes reengineering business strategies, creating sales support programs, and instilling financial discipline. With a proven track record in directing sales and negotiations, Alicia has over 20 years of success in building strong partnerships with major GPOs and government cooperatives. Before TUG, she was a key driver of Corporate Account growth at Strategic Market Alliance, managing over $150 million in accounts.
Tom Ford – Corporate Account Representative
As a Corporate Account Representative, Tom brings significant knowledge and experience in business development and contracting. His passion lies in directly supporting distributors and implementing strategies focused on growing their corporate accounts. Tom works closely with TUG distributors to understand their needs and implement tailored strategies for corporate growth, providing field support and guidance on available contracts. His focus is on connecting with distributors to contribute to their continued success.