Nick Krebs: Building Summit Sales International Into a Retail Powerhouse

Few companies in retail sales have built the reputation and reach of Summit Sales International. Under CEO Nick Krebs, the family-founded firm has grown into one of the most respected multi-retailer organizations in the country. From expanding into major retail channels to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, Krebs has positioned Summit to redefine what partnership and performance mean in modern retail.

“One of the biggest reasons Summit Sales stands out is because of our team. I have an incredible group of people with deep retail experience who know how to manage our business so our vendors succeed at retail.”

Summit’s success began with Target and has since expanded to Walmart, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, Costco, Five Below, Dollar General, and Office Depot. Offices are strategically located near each retailer, allowing the team to meet buyers at a moment’s notice.

“Having offices right in the areas of our retailers and clients has been critical in our success and ability to meet with our buyers on a moment’s notice.”

Krebs credits much of Summit’s growth to collaboration. “We don’t just sell,” he says, “we strategize and collaborate with our brands together as if we were an extension of the brand’s team.” Each retailer operates differently, so Summit customizes strategies for each one, aligning brand and retailer goals to ensure mutual success.

“We make it easy for the buyers to say yes as we have already done the homework for them.”

For Krebs, company culture is the cornerstone of success. He emphasizes hiring experienced people who bring both skill and integrity while maintaining a fun, honest, and team-oriented environment. “I always tell each team member they are not just a part of our culture—they create and contribute to our culture each and every day.” That focus on culture has led to a steady flow of referrals, as brands consistently praise Summit’s boutique, hands-on approach.

Innovation is also key. Summit stays ahead by testing new products, studying trends, and maintaining strong e-commerce relationships. When Best Buy launched its online marketplace, Summit was involved from day one. “Online marketplaces continue to take off, and it’s the relationships we have with the retailers that allow our brands preferential treatment online,” says Krebs.

The company also excels at supply chain management, maintaining relationships across Asia to help brands stay competitive. Demand for Summit’s services is high, and Krebs admits that selectivity is crucial. “Our buyers expect that Summit is bringing them only the best of the best and companies that can support their channels.”

“It’s more than just selling it in, it’s actually selling through,” he adds. “It’s managing it on a daily basis and having constant communication with the buying team.”

Looking ahead, Krebs envisions continued growth while preserving Summit’s boutique style. “It means the world to me that I’m the second generation of the firm. It was started by my parents, I got a chance to work with them, and now both of my brothers are on my team.”

“Taking a small brand and growing them into a national household staple is a fun process and what we do best.”

For Krebs, success is rooted in relationships, integrity, and results—values that keep Summit Sales International at the forefront of retail innovation and growth.