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Careers & Culture

More Than Just a Job—You’re an Owner

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What Employee Ownership Looks Like Day-to-Day:

The best part? This isn’t just corporate talk. Our associates regularly see the financial benefits of ownership through annual stock allocations, and many have built significant wealth over their careers with us. You’re not just earning a paycheck—you’re building equity in a company that’s been growing and succeeding for over 75 years.

Your Ideas Matter
Got a better way to serve customers or streamline a process? People actually listen because everyone benefits from improvements

You’re Invested in Quality
When you own part of the company, cutting corners hurts you personally, so naturally you want to do great work

Teamwork Happens Naturally
When everyone wins together, people genuinely help each other succeed instead of competing

You Think Long-Term
You’re not just trying to get through today—you’re building something that will benefit you for years to come

Customer Success Feels Personal
Happy customers mean a thriving company, which means better returns on your ownership stake

Our Mission to Associates

North Country strives to be the most innovative supplier of high-quality automation, services, and to create prosperity for both North Country and our customers.

  • Recognizing and leveraging the unique strengths of individual associates
  • Promoting self-directed actions and ownership thinking
  • Developing associates’ investment in the company through our employee ownership model
  • Fostering a collaborative culture where innovation thrives

Our Core Values

Prioritize People

We place the interests of others above our own.

Create Synergy
We work as a team to collaborate with partners and clients, and build mutual trust.
Think Forward
We focus on the future and embrace change.
Inspire Action
We lead by example and help others navigate toward success.
Take Ownership
We hold ourselves accountable, celebrate successes, and learn from failures.
Embrace Optimism
We lead by example and help others navigate toward success.
Cultivate Knowledge
We continuously improve and never stop learning.

Build Your Career with a Company That Invests in You

At North Country, we believe our associates are our greatest asset. As an employee-owned company, we offer more than just jobs—we offer careers with purpose, growth opportunities, and the chance to build equity in a successful organization.

Employee Ownership
Build personal wealth while contributing to company success

Stability and Growth
Join a company with 75+ years of proven success and continued innovation

Collaborative Culture
Work alongside passionate professionals who value teamwork

Professional Development
Access training and advancement opportunities to grow your skills

Meaningful Work
Help businesses succeed through innovative technology solutions

Competitive Benefits
Enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to support your wellbeing

If you’re looking for a career where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your financial future is connected to the company’s success, explore opportunities with North Country.

North Country Business Products – Empowering retail innovation through technology, expertise, and ownership thinking since 1948.

Browse Job Postings

Jeff Zimmerman
Director of Grocery Sales

As NCBP’s Director of Sales, Jeff focuses on building relationships with our Grocery/Retail customers, partners, and associates. He holds a deep belief that personal connections are an integral part of everyone’s success in business.

Jeff began his career in wholesaler management and as a general manager of an independent grocery chain. His retail expertise helped him quickly achieve sales success and grow our business at NCBP, and he now leads the continued success of our entire sales organization.

Kirk Benson
Director of Hospitality Sales

With 20 years of food and beverage technology experience, Kirk helps our customers deliver excellent hospitality and dining experiences while optimizing their business operations and financial performance.

Kirk leads the NCBP Hospitality sales team and builds relationships with partners to bring new technology solutions to hospitality and hotel industry clients across the U.S. He is a devoted supporter of the local restaurant and craft beverage scene, and he actively participates in industry groups and events.

Monica Laurent
Director of People and Culture

Monica joined NCBP in 2020 with over twenty years of leadership experience and is deeply committed to the associate experience. She is refining the company’s talent strategy with an emphasis on engagement, inclusion, and leadership development. Monica has earned her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, is an active member of several HR associations, and volunteers for Twin Cities R!SE.

Matthew Swanson
Vice President of Operations

As a technology leader, Matt helps our associates, and our clients tackle their toughest business challenges. Matt has held several roles at NCBP and has focused on numerous process improvement, operational excellence, cybersecurity, and strategic technology initiatives.

Matt’s approach to leadership strives to balance a tenacious focus on results against making sure associates and their families are well-cared for. He is passionate about his family, and endeavors to build a team that allows his associates the space to achieve results while also achieving their desired work-life balance and personal objectives.

Before joining NCBP in 2008, Matt worked with MICROS Systems with their Leisure and Entertainment team. He holds multiple technical, project management, and process improvements certifications and advanced degrees focused on helping him build successful teams and drive results.

Over his career, Matt has worked with some of the largest operators in the industry and around the world, is passionate about helping them design and implement technology solutions that help achieve their goals, and has presented at multiple conferences and seminars on related topics. Matt also serves on the boards of directors of multiple industry and community organizations, and volunteers actively in the community.

Mark Olson
Board Member

Mark is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in technology and automation industries, most notably for his impactful leadership as President (1988-2014) and later President & CEO at APG Cash Drawer, LLC until his retirement. His multifaceted career demonstrates both technical expertise and strategic vision, leaving a lasting impact on the companies he has served and the industries he has influenced. Mark has brought his valuable insights to North Country as a board member since 2010.

Chelsey Paulson
Board Member

As a Culture Strategist & Business Growth Guide at Keystone Group International, Chelsey previously led North Country’s HR Team and has remained a dedicated Board member and ESOP Trustee. With experience chairing two boards and active participation on three, Chelsey brings her passion for creating lasting business impact through Strategic Foundation and Growth Strategy, Culture Evolution, Leadership Academies, and Executive Coaching. Her superpower of positive energy and commitment to continuous learning helps push North Country to break through growth ceilings and reach new heights.

Bruce Mann
Board Member

With over 45 years of management experience in the POS and Transaction Processing industries, Bruce brings exceptional expertise in operations, HR, product development, exporting, importing, multi-level distribution of hardware and software, marketing, business development, electronic payments, M&A, loyalty programs, integrated electronic payments, and integrated coupon programs. As one of the original Retail Solution Provider Association vendor BOD members, Bruce has been a frequent contributor to industry publications and presenter at industry events, in addition to serving on several NPO Boards.

Jim Freed
CEO and President

Driven by hands-on experience with technologies and his dedication to the people who use them, Jim cultivates a vision, organization, and work environment to enable our associates and customers to succeed and thrive.

Jim served in several key technology, service, support, and operational roles before becoming CEO and President of NCBP. He is a member of multiple partner advisory boards and enjoys fostering relationships, sharing best practices, and staying on top of industry trends.

Jandi Ketelsen
Sr. Director, Financial Services and Administration

During her more than 25 years at North Country, Jandi has worked across every facet of the organization’s accounting and financial systems, advancing to her current role as Vice President of Finance & Administration. 
 
An employee owner, she drives process improvement, strategic planning, strong partnerships, and associate development. Jandi’s business acumen includes leading cash flow, budgeting, inventory management, business operations, and North Country’s ESOPs. She is most proud of the team she has built and is especially passionate about the ESOP—where everyone has a stake in the outcome—and the culture it creates.