The Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin–based Cousins Subs corporate headquarters recently bolstered its support team by filling roles such as director of operations, real estate manager, training coordinator, and public relations and communications specialist.
“We’re thrilled to add to our staff and feel the energy that comes with adding new members to your team,” says Justin McCoy, vice president of marketing at Cousins Subs. “Jason and Hilary have long been a part of the Cousins family, and we’re happy to see them continue to grow within the company. We’re also pleased to have Kim and Chelsea join us; both bring extensive knowledge in their respective fields.”
Jason Valentine was recently promoted to director of operations, where he is responsible for overseeing operations for the entire system, including corporate and franchise operations, training, menu development, and culture building. Valentine joined Cousins in 1994, holding various positions ranging from crew leader, shift manager, assistant manager, to general manager. Most recently, he held the position of vice president of operations for his family-owned Cousins Subs franchise in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Valentine was also a recipient of the 2010 Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award.
Kim Lesch joins Cousins Subs as real estate manager, responsible for managing the corporate real estate portfolio. With more than 15 years of experience, a strong business acumen, and understanding of varied real estate and business functions, Lesch offers solution-oriented leadership with the keen ability to interface and build relationships at all organizational levels. She studied business management at Mount Mary College and earned her real estate license from Robbins & Lloyd Training Institute. Lesch is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association, where she won The Outstanding Building of the Year award for Government Building Category in 2012 and 2013.
Joining the Cousins Subs team as public relations and communications specialist, Chelsea Schwabe brings more than three years of experience in media relations and events in both the financial industry and nonprofit sector. She is responsible for overseeing the development and dissemination of targeted communications to internal and external outlets. Schwabe holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising and media studies from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Hilary Krekling recently joined Cousins Subs as training coordinator; however, she has been a part of the Cousins family since she started at the store level in 2006. She later served as an intern at the corporate office in 2013. In her current position, Krekling is responsible for field training for both corporate and franchise locations, as well as providing and constructing training materials. Krekling holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus in management and leadership from the University of St. Thomas.
