HTeaO Strengthens Marketing Leadership With Promotion, New Hire

HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, has expanded its marketing leadership team with the promotion of Kelsey McManemin to senior vice president of marketing and the hiring of industry veteran Brittany Knollmiller as director of marketing.

The move underscores the brand’s commitment to accelerating national growth, enhancing its digital ecosystem, and building its position as a leader in beverage innovation and community-driven loyalty, according to a press release.

McManemin joined HTeaO in January 2024 and has played a pivotal role in elevating the company’s marketing efforts.

Under her leadership, HTeaO launched its new app and loyalty platform in December 2024 and surpassed 1.2 million loyalty accounts, according to the company, averaging 38,000 new signups per month. She also introduced high-performing promotional campaigns, including the 2 cups for $5 National Iced Tea Day offer, which drove nearly 42,000 unique loyalty visits in a single day, and the 2 for $10 gallon promotion now used for major national holidays.

In 2025, McManemin oversaw seven limited-time beverage campaigns, including the Desert Pear Fizzy Refresher, the most successful LTO in company history. She also led the launch of the new “Thirst Quenchers” category, introducing drinks such as The Razzler Refresher, Dirty Cherry poppi, and Desert Pear Fizzy Refresher.

Her work contributed to the opening of 27 new stores in 2025, more than 9,145 free cups served at grand openings, and over 10,445 half-priced gallons sold. This year, HTeaO also gained more than 248,200 social media followers.

“It has been incredible to watch Kelsey elevate this brand in such a short time,” said Heath Nielsen, president of HTeaO, in a statement.

Knollmiller joins HTeaO from Yogurtland, where she led brand marketing and eCommerce and delivered three consecutive years of double-digit comp sales growth. In her new role, she will guide national storytelling, integrated campaigns, product marketing, and loyalty-driven strategy.