Fortune Fish bringing seafood veteran back to Minnesota branch

Brent Casper is returning to Minnesota to take over as vice president and general manager of Fortune Minnesota and Missouri, according to a 4 August announcement from Fortune International.

Casper most recently spearheaded operations for Fortune Fish & Gourmet in Missouri, overseeing the successful integration of several acquisitions including Morey’s of Missouri, Seattle Fish of Missouri, and EuroGourmet. He will continue to lead Fortune Missouri operations while also taking on additional Fortune Minnesota responsibilities, the enterprise said in a press release.

With over 30 years of seafood industry experience, Casper – who is a graduate of Moody Bible Institutes – has established himself as a growth generator for Fortune Fish & Gourmet, as well as other businesses in the sector. In addition to his work with Fortune, Casper has also served Burhop's Seafood and Morey’s Seafood. He left Morey’s to start The Fish Guys, selling the company in 2005 and working there until 2018.   

“I am thankful for the opportunity to come back to Minnesota and proud of the business and team we have built in Missouri.  The strong crew, that Jon built in Minnesota, and I are looking forward to our continued growth during these unprecedented times,” Casper said.

“I have known Brent for many years, and I have always been impressed with his talent and passion for the industry. We were excited to add him to our leadership team in 2019, impressed with what he accomplished in Missouri and happy to get him back home to Minnesota,” Fortune International President and CEO Sean J. O’Scannlain added.

Former Vice President and General Manager of Fortune Minnesota Jon Novak will be returning to the company’s corporate offices in Bensenville, Illinois. During his time with the Minnesota division, Novak “was instrumental in the acquisitions of Coastal Seafoods and Classic Provisions” as well as the overall success of the entire business, Fortune International said. In his new role, Novak will work on special projects and integration of future acquisitions, the company added.