Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area
Experienced Entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer goods industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Consumer Products, Sales, and Management.
• Managed all aspects of sales management across 36 National brands. • Retail Account responsibilities: Meijer, SpartanNash, Marsh, and Grocery Independents throughout Midwest. • Worked with client’s Regional Sales Managers in developing regional sales & promotional strategies that aligned with client's corporate goals. • Resolved all retail and client issues regarding accounting, ordering, products, promotions. • Conducted new item and strategy meetings with Category Managers. • Analyzed regional market data to identify opportunities and trends. • Developed ISO and annual forecasts on all items. • Developed and implemented First to Market campaign at Meijer.
• Managed Grocery, Drug, Mass, Farm/Ag, and Natural channel accounts. • Managed all aspects of sales and territory management across 13 UPG brands. • Worked with Sourcing, Order Entry, Trade Marketing, Brand Managers, Finance, Production, Shipping, Forecasting, and Customer Service to ensure needs of customer are met. • Resolved all customer issues regarding accounting, ordering, products, and other items. • Developed custom pricing on items when needed. • Analyzed regional market data to identify opportunities and trends. • Worked with Brand Managers on developing new products when opportunities existed. • Developed ISO and annual forecasts on all items placed at customer. • Managed activities and performance of sales representative groups. Conducted annual performance reviews based on set goals. • Prospected, signed, and developed new customers and channels. • Developed strategic business plans and goals for each customer. • Conducted annual presentations and product reviews with customers. Made add/delete recommendations. Reviewed business plans and goals to grow their business. • Developed customized promotional strategies for customers. • Managed all regional sales events and tradeshows. Accomplishments: • Gained distribution of 439 new items, resulting in an annual sales increase over $1.75M. • Increased territory sales by 20% in FY2013. • Recognized by Spectrum Brands as a top performer in 2013.
• Managed all aspects of sales, account management, and customer service. • Worked with Sourcing, Order Entry, Trade Marketing, Brand Managers, Finance, Production, Shipping, Forecasting, and Customer Service to ensure needs of customer were met. • Resolved all customer issues regarding accounting, ordering, products, and other items • Developed custom pricing on items when needed. • Worked together on developing new products when opportunities existed. • Developed ISO and annual forecasts on all items placed at customer. • Managed activities and performance of sales representative groups. Conducted annual performance reviews based on set goals. • Prospected, signed, and developed new customers and channels. • Developed strategic business plans and goals for each customer. • Conducted annual presentations and product reviews with customers. Made add/delete recommendations. Reviewed business plans and goals to grow their business. • Developed customized promotional strategies for customers. • Managed daily activities of Customer Service and Order Entry personnel. Trained new team members as needed. Conducted annual performance reviews. • Analyzed national and regional market/product opportunities and trends. • Guided new product development, marketing, and rollout strategies. • Developed and implemented wholesale pricing. • Managed all national and regional sales events and tradeshows. Accomplishments: • Created a new method of feeding Wild Birds called the “Stackers”. With its high quality ingredients, ease of use, and economical pricing, the feeding system filled a gap in the market. The “Stackers” continue to be the fastest growing feeding system in the industry. • Signed and managed new accounts, including: Cabela’s, True Value, Agway/Southern States and Mid-States dealer networks, Wal-Mart of Canada, and numerous grocery retailers.
Provided consulting services to small and startup businesses in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Business Development, and new product introduction.