(PRESS RELEASE) PERHAM, MN – KLN Family Brands, parent company of Tuffy’s Pet Foods and Kenny’s Candy & Confections, announces and welcomes Al Carlson as the company’s new vice-president of human resources, talent management and leadership development. In this newly-created position, Carlson will lead KLN Family Brands commitment to attract, recruit, engage and retain high character and talented employees.
Carlson joins KLN Family Brands from BTD Manufacturing in Detroit Lakes, MN. BTD provides a complete spectrum of custom metalwork services to some of the world’s top brands. In that role, Carlson oversaw talent management and leadership as well as recruitment, safety, employee relations, compliance, compensation and benefits. Prior to his position with BTD, Carlson was with the Pella Corporation for 26 years. His last position at Pella was senior manager of leadership and organizational development where he was responsible for the development of over 8,000 employees.
“KLN Family Brands is committed to a culture and environment that our employees love. That starts with hiring the right people and taking care of them with good pay, benefits, flexibility, education and opportunities to advance,” said KLN Family Brands President/CEO Charlie Nelson. “We have a great story to tell and Al will help us make sure we’re doing all we can to attract, retain and develop talent.”
A graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University, with a Masters of Business Leadership degree from William Penn University, Carlson has held positions in manufacturing, sales and human resources during his career. Carlson and his wife, Debbie, live in Fergus Falls, MN. They have three grown children. He will join the company on August 31st.