Mark Sigel
Owner/President
What's your background?
It’s hard to believe, but I have been in the cookie business for over 20 years. Needless to say, I love cookies!
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Well, I own the place, so pretty much drive everyone crazy, and buy the group lunches!
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
All of them! But if I have to pick one it would be our Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The people are what make it great and exciting to come to work every day. We are fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated, creative, and smart team that enjoys being with each other and shipping out great product that we are all proud of.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with my wife and two kids on Lake Minnetonka in the summer time – mostly competitive sailing. I was introduced to sailing at a young age, and have been fortunate to do it my entire life and now watch my kids compete at a very high level.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
The single most significant decision you can make on a day-to-day basis is your choice of attitude.
Nicki Remick
Production Manager
What's your background?
Public relations, project management, sports and entertainment event management.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Production Management.
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
It's a toss up between vanilla pecan cookies and butter toffee peanuts.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
Definitely the people here at Sofia's! It's such a talented, supportive, and fun team. Together...we can do anything!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with family, traveling, connecting with friends, hiking, tennis, being on the water, learning new things.
The best advice I've ever been given is...
Confidence comes from preparation.
Leah Schaefer
Sales Director
What's your background?
I received my Bachelors in Business Administration with Marketing/Management emphasis at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. From there, I worked in Sales and Account Management for 5 years before finding my way to Sofia's!
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I'm an Account Executive on our Sales team.
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Key Lime Pie Cookies and Spicy Guac Mix.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
All of the wonderful people I work with (the cookies are a nice perk too)!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love hiking, camping, bird watching, making various crafts, playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my fiance, Jason, and our cat, Zoey!
The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
"Doing something imperfectly is better than not doing it at all."
Megan Leitschuh
Art Director
What's your background?
I kicked off my creative career after graduating with a BFA in Illustration from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. From there, I worked as a plush toy and soft goods designer for over 8 years. In my personal work, I’m deeply inspired by the natural world, and have a love for surface design.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I am the Art Director!
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Vanilla Pecan Cookies and Yogurt Pretzels.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The fun teammates and variety of work I get to do each day.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Pretty much any outdoor activity! Hiking, camping, and hammock lounging to name a few. I also love gardening with a focus on pollinator-friendly and native plants!
Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts:
A few of my favorite podcasts are: Serial, My Favorite Murder, and Sawbones. I love these particular podcasts because of their deep dive on so many interesting stories.
Jenna Davis
Graphic Designer
What's your background?
I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota Duluth and then landed at Sofia's :)
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Graphic design!
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Vanilla pecan cookies, chocolate chip cookies, yogurt pretzels...too hard to choose just one!
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The wonderful group of people I get to work with! Everyone likes to have fun and make each person feel special & celebrated.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a wedding videographer with my husband & it's SO fun! I also love going to national parks, camping, cooking & baking, nordic skiing, and spending time at my family's cabin.
The best advice I've ever been given is...
Be grateful & show it!
Jasmyn Neises
Customer Service/Orders Manager
What's your background?
A little all over the place! I am certified in Digital Marketing through the University of
Minnesota, but mostly have experience in aviation, healthcare, and customer service.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Customer Service/Orders Manager
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Cinnamon Snap Mini Cookies!
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
Working with motivated and driven individuals in a collaborative environment!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have been focusing on my volleyball skills in hopes of competing in leagues and
tournaments! I can also be found reading, traveling, or hanging out with my friends.
Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts?
1. Rewatching the Harry Potter series.
2. Listening to National Park After Dark podcast is a go-to for long drives and road
trips!
3. Throne of Glass book series by Sarah J. Maas has my heart, such an amazing story.
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve...
Drinking coffee and napping right after.
Cats or dogs?
Why choose? My Shiba Inu, Luigi, is a cat-like dog! :)
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be...
Ability to control quantities! More coffee, more sunshine, less mosquitos.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is...
“Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a week, but underestimate what they
can accomplish in a decade.” So many lessons jampacked into one phrase.
Etta Williams
Shipping Manager
What's your background?
Former promotional coordinator.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Shipping and inventory.
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Butter Toffee Peanuts.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
Working with my super fun coworkers!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Watching Netflix and play pickleball.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
Don’t be afraid of taking chances.
Amanda Hartzell
Graphic Designer
What's your background?
I graduated from Hennepin Tech in 2022 with my associate’s degree in creative graphic
design. After graduating, I spent time in the marketing and freelance world before
finding my role at Sofia’s.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I am a production graphic designer, where I primarily work on proofs and printing.
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
This is such a hard choice! If I had to pick a few favorites, they would be Butter Toffee
Peanuts, Yogurt Pretzels, and Vanilla Pecan Cookies.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The people I get to work with – everyone is so cheerful, energetic, and is always willing
to help. Plus, being surrounded by cookies every day is a huge bonus!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love staying creative through photography, scrapbooking, video editing, and finding
new ways to use my Cricut. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Cats or dogs?
I’m definitely a cat person, but I do love when our office dogs come in to visit!
Kim Middleton
Kitting & Release Production Lead
Kourtney Blair
Accountant
What's your background?
Originally from Florida. I have a degree in audio engineering and music production as well as accounting. I decided to start my own bookkeeping business in 2020 and have enjoyed the freedom it gives me to be the mom I want to be.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I am the head of the Accounting Department!
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The team atmosphere. Everyone is working together to get to the common goal. You don't find that everywhere.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to paddleboard and hangout with my son!
Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts
Movie - The Holiday
Podcast - Oprah's Super Soul Conversations
Book - What You Think of Me is None of My Business by Terry Cole-Whittaker
Sarah Leonardo
Warehouse Operations Lead
What's your background?
I received my B.A. from Bethel University with a business degree in marketing & finance however I've worked in several industries including retail/merchandising, teaching/childcare & fitness/personal training.
What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I work as the warehouse lead, receiving in product and helping manage our inventory for our kitting projects. Also, I help with assembling our client kitting project as well as food bagging/packaging when needed.
Favorite Sofia’s Product?
It's a tie between yogurt covered pretzels and salted caramel popcorn!
Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The people! We are a small family unit which I love!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spening time with my husband, my two twin children and our rescue dog Tilly. I also love to run outside in any climate but prefer the cold vs. the hot. My faith is a huge part of my life as well and I'm actuve in my local church.
Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs
The best advice I’ve ever been given is...
Take each day one at a time and try to see the blessings in each day.
