Ian Kellems

About Ian Kellems

I\'m an executive, founder, and sales professional with a passion for building standout brands in the alternative CPG industry. From Kratom and Kava to emerging functional products, I focus on driving growth through unique, premium offerings and a deep commitment to quality at every level—from formulation to customer experience.What sets my approach apart is a relentless focus on relationships. Whether it\'s leading high-performing sales teams, working hand-in-hand with retail and distribution partners, or connecting directly with consumers, I believe that real, sustainable success comes from trust, transparency, and delivering consistent value.I’ve helped brands scale by blending smart strategy with street-level execution—and I’m always looking to push the category forward with products people actually love.

Experience

1. Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer

   Kaii Bev Co

   Oct 2024 — Present

   As Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Kaii, I am responsible for driving the strategic growth of our brand, while ensuring our products continue to set the standard in the Kratom and Kava space.My role is multifaceted—balancing day-to-day leadership with long-term vision. As a co-founder, I’m deeply involved in shaping everything from product development to brand strategy. I work closely with my team to ensure we are creating premium, flavor-forward products that resonate with both B2B partners and B2C customers.On the revenue side, I lead our sales teams, including managing our phone sales and in-market teams, both of which are instrumental in driving growth through partnerships with retailers, distributors, and direct customers. Whether it\'s executing large-scale B2B campaigns, forging new partnerships, or overseeing sampling programs and retail activations, I ensure we’re always aligned with our mission to provide the best possible experience.Additionally, I manage our direct-to-consumer campaigns, ensuring that we maintain consistent brand messaging and customer loyalty through targeted marketing efforts, customer engagement, and support.Being a co-founder also means I’m involved in every step of the business—from operational decisions to cultivating a company culture built on collaboration, accountability, and delivering exceptional results.Every day, I focus on scaling our revenue while building a brand that is truly redefining the alternative product category with every new product we launch.

Education

• Utah Valley University

  Psychology

  2016 — 2022