Next Step and SE Marketplace Announce Michele Newman as New Senior Director of Sales
July 7, 2025
LAS VEGAS – Next Step and SE Marketplace today announced that Michele Newman has been named Senior Director of Sales of the two powerhouse gift agencies. This is part of the overall succession plan for both companies that partner with premier brands and independent retailers in 32 states.
As Senior Director of Sales, Michele will play a pivotal role in unifying the teams and developing key accounts across the country. She will work directly with the presidents of the companies and their management to assist in growth and synergy on a national level.
Michele Newman brings over 16 years of sales and management experience to these already strong teams, with a solid background in the gift and garden industry. Prior to joining Next Step and SE Marketplace, Michele spent 11 years leading the sales team at Regal Art & Gift, an industry leading wholesale gift and garden supplier.
She brings years of close relationships with various leaders of the team. She first met current Next Step President Jackie Moon and Next Step – Midwest President, Robin Risvold 15+ years ago when she was the National Sales Manager of G.W. SCHLEIDT and their agencies represented the line.
“Having known a few of these presidents for many years, I am honored to collaborate nationwide, fostering synergy that drives growth opportunities for both vendors and sales representatives.” As Michele shares, “This inspiring and invigorating journey will create meaningful partnerships into our future that I am proud to be a part of.”
Next Step and SE Marketplace are both divisions of Diverse Companies and have been collaborating together for years to drive the success of both agencies. Next Step is composed of three divisions: West, PNW and Midwest, led by Jackie Moon, Andrea McEvoy, Robin Risvold and Cheryl Fletcher. SE Marketplace is led by Robin Kert and covers eight states in the Southeast. The teams are excited about the expanded opportunities that this new position will open up.
As SE Marketplace President Robin Kert shares: “I have known and respected Michele professionally for over a decade. She is task oriented, knowledgeable, and has excellent sales ability with both independent and key accounts. Her HR background is ideal, because SE Marketplace is a relationship centric business. Part of my job is to recruit fresh, young talent to keep the company growing and flourishing. Michele is a wonderful addition to this larger strategic plan; delivering continuity and exceptional sales services to vendors and retailers for many years to come.”
Next Step President Jackie Moon emphasized the importance of Michele’s experience and what it means for the team: “We are thrilled to welcome Michele and feel her knowledge of our agency and close relationships with our team over the past 16 years will lend itself to growth beyond our expectations. Michele’s integrity and experience naturally encourage trust and confidence in everyone she interacts with in the industry.”
The addition of Michele Newman strengthens Next Step and SE Marketplace’s presence in the West, Pacific Northwest, Rockies, Midwest and Southeast regions and reinforces their ongoing commitment to increasing the value they offer to vendors and retailers across the country.
About Next Step
Next Step is a full-service representative group with decades of success representing the top lines in the gift industry. The team of experienced regional and key account sales reps partner with independent retailers and suppliers across 24 states in the West, Pacific Northwest, Rockies and Midwest. Next Step is a division of Diverse Companies. For more information about Next Step, visit www.nextstepreps.com.
About SE Marketplace
Founded in 1983, SE Marketplace is a boutique sales agency that calls on independent and national retail accounts, with a specialized focus on the Southeast states. SE Marketplace is a division of Diverse Companies. For more information about SE Marketplace, visit www.semarketplace.com.
About Diverse Companies
Diverse Companies is a collective of twelve retail-focused businesses—including sales rep groups, a public relations agency, and technology firms—working together to support the ever-evolving retail industry. At its center is Diverse Marketing, a nationally respected sales agency founded in 1959 and a trusted partner in the toy and gift space. With over 60 years of experience, Diverse Companies continues to grow by aligning with customer-focused businesses to deliver innovative, scalable solutions to retailers of all sizes.