If you were to map Benjamin Chrislu’s career path, you’d trace a journey across the country—from the high-stakes world of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to his family’s retail stores, and most recently to Middle Tennessee, where he led a high-performing team at Coca-Cola Consolidated. Soon, Ben will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, to continue his work for Coca-Cola Consolidated as a Director of Parts and Remanufacturing for Equipment Services.
In his most recent role as Territory Manager for Equipment Services, Ben oversaw 19 reactive technicians who maintained and repaired equipment throughout the La Vergne/Middle Tennessee region. But his road to this role with Coca-Cola Consolidated was anything but conventional.
Ben’s career began on the trading floor, where he quickly learned the importance of strong client relationships and team unity. After nearly a decade in that high-pressure environment, he joined his father’s retail business, managing operations and wearing many hats—from store manager to accountant to HR. It was here that he discovered his passion for building effective, connected teams.
After several years, Ben moved into The Walking Company, where he started as a store manager and climbed the ranks to become a Regional Manager. He spent over 15 years developing talent and growing teams—until the company eventually closed its doors. He then took on a short-term consulting role, managing a retail business and organizing large events. During that time, a former colleague introduced him to an opportunity at Coca-Cola Consolidated—a conversation that would change everything.
The idea of working with Coca-Cola, a brand Ben calls “an icon,” instantly resonated. He didn’t hesitate. “I always wanted to be part of something bigger,” he says. After interviewing, he accepted a position that would allow him to head to Nashville and lead a new chapter in his career.
From day one, Ben was focused on building a strong team culture. “You don’t build success on your own—you build it with people,” he says. Two years in, that mindset paid off. His territory consistently hit performance metrics, earning recognition from leadership, and his team took on new challenges—including full equipment installs, something no other reactive team in the country had done before.
Ben was also trusted to launch an innovative partnership with a local trade school to create an apprenticeship pipeline for future technicians. “They listened, they believed in the idea, and they said ‘go do it.’ That’s true empowerment,” he says.
Giving back is equally important to Ben. Whether it’s organizing toy drives or participating in blood donations, he ensured his team was active in the community. His leadership style also reflects his personal experiences, like mentoring a former employee who rose from part-time work to store manager under his guidance.
Looking ahead, Ben is eager to continue growing in his new role as Director of Parts and Remanufacturing for Equipment Services. “I tell every candidate I interview—this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger. To grow, to be seen and to make a difference.”
