CAREER HIGHLIGHTS ü Strong creative promotions and merchandising experience directly impacting an increase in sales ü Trained and managed staff into a highly motivated team ü Introduce patented food packaging technology to the produce and floral industry ü Consistently maintained outstanding service levels to enhance customer loyalty ü Successfully initiated brand programs into untapped markets ü Implemented national foodservice contracts with top five restaurant groups ü Negotiated Canadian vendor contracts with major retail customers to grow revenue ü Developed online Tasti-Lee home delivery website to increase sales and brand awareness PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY An experienced sales and marketing professional with proven success in prospecting new concepts, establishing clientele, developing new brands, increasing revenue and launching new product lines into the marketplace. Strong ability to mentor and manage directs reports. Over 30 years of extensive background in sales and marketing in the food and beverage, hotel, and produce industry. Proven ability to negotiate with and manage large retail accounts. iFood Systems, Inc. Director of Sales, Valrico, FL 2015 - Present * Introduce iFoods MAAP technology to growers worldwide through all forms of presentation platforms * Brand awareness, recognition and product launch into grower markets in U.S. and other countries * Conduct testing and data analysis with growers QC and Senior Management teams * Present effectiveness of IFS patented technology through video presentations, and one on one grower engagement * Create new forms of revenue stream through grower, distributor and foodservice client relationships http://ifoodsystems.com Market Fresh Produce National Director of Business Development, Tampa, FL 2014 to 2015 * Responsible and instrumental in helping design, create, and implement a business development program that resulted in retail brand growth. * Oversee retail clients and develops relationships with new clients to ensure growth of brand awareness. * Creates and builds relationships with retail and foodservice partners nationally to ensure company growth. * Research and develop of new and existing programs to increase new sales nationwide. * Work closely with the procurement division and customer/brand "care" specialist to oversee sales sheets and ongoing marketing presentations. * Report directly to CEO and other senior-level members of the company to assure company brand awareness. * Foster professional relationships with trade organizations, community member, businesses, key accounts, and public and governmental agencies. * Utilize extensive product knowledge to thoroughly enable successful sales presentations. * Manage, develop, and supervise other Market Fresh Business Development team members. http://marketfreshproduce.net Tomato Thyme Corporation Director of Sales and Marketing, Wimauma, FL 2010 to 2014 * Instrumental in launching "Tasti-Lee Tomato" program in both retail and foodservice nationally. * Responsible for sales, marketing, merchandising, promotions, and branding new product lines with national retail grocery chains in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. * Visit key buyer contacts to present client programs in advance of start of with goal of obtaining promotional commitments. * Increased revenue for Tomato Thyme through brand awareness, promotions, and show appearance from $12 million to their current $30 million in sales in two years. * Decreased shrink by managing produce procurement with staff while increase quality control points. * Streamlined and updated their website and email system. * Developed an e-commerce site for consumers to purchase tomatoes from company web site for home delivery. * Created POS and POP material for retailers and food shows. * Provided feedback and recommendations for marketing tactics and programs that help drive sales. www.tomatothyme.com http://www.tasti-lee.com/ Santa Sweets, Inc. Director of Sales, Plant City, FL 2007 - 2010 * Increased revenue from $120 million to $200 million within 3 years. * Responsible for establishing and maintaining clients as well as expanding the business to new territories, developing new customers, and being accountable for business development. * Ensuring maximum sales and profitability through merchandising, inventory maintenance, expense control, and managing shrink. * Create and initiated a "Trash to Cash Program." Utilizing #2 Ugly Ripe tomatoes, I took them from a $1 million expense to a $3 million profit. * Built revenue by developing and implementing market strategies through the preparation of proposals, including creative, innovative, novel and unique concepts. * Personally conducts all sales presentations, bids, and contractual agreements for all food service customers nationally such as Blooming Brands, Inc, Darden Restaurants, Brinker International, and Applebee's. * Report directly to the President, CEO and COO of both Santa Sweets and Procacci Brothers. www.santasweets.com Coosemans Worldwide, Inc. - Tampa Division Marketing and Merchandising, Tampa, FL 2002 - 2006 * Responsible for marketing and selling $20 million a year of wholesale specialty produce throughout the U.S. and Canada. * Met with senior management, national accounts, and buyers of chain restaurants such as Darden and Outback while obtaining national sales programs. * Responsible for advertising, promotions, sales, and direct store delivery management for major grocery chains such as Publix, Kash n' Karry/Sweet Bay, Alberstons, Winn Dixie, Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and Wal-Mart. * Conducted food show presentations, distribution sales training, and merchandising displays. * Reported directly to the Vice President. http://www.coosemans.com Pinecrest Farms Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Lithia, FL 2000 - 2002 * Developed marketing plan for greenhouse-grown vegetables and micro greens to the wholesale and retail markets. * Conducted meetings with buyers, Corporate and National Chefs and procurement managers. * Expanded sales volumes and profits with aggressive marketing to direct customers across the U.S. such as Disney World, Ritz Carlton, and Marriott World Wide. * Managed promotional programs to include merchandising product line to retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. * Developed point of sale and merchandising material for wholesale and retail level customers. * Create budgets for all accounts in Eastern Region. * Launched next-day harvest program for all major foodservice accounts in southeast. Evergreen Alliance Golf Unlimited Director of Food and Beverage, Valrico, FL 1999 - 2000 * Coordinated, supervised, and directly managed food and beverage operations while maintaining a profitable department, high quality products and service levels. * Managed the restaurant, catering and kitchen outlets. * Maximized revenue, exceeded budgeted revenue, and developed and implemented strategies to increase business. * Conducted and ensured successful catering events in order to generate repeat business. * Developed catering and wedding packets as well as tournament, restaurant and fine dining menus. * Implemented costs and pricing associated with menus and catering packets. * Organize and conduct training and development for the team.

Highlights:

• Sales
• SAN (Storage Area Network)
• Advertising
• Budgeting
• Business Development
• Customer Service
• Data Analysis
• Distribution
• e-Commerce
• Email
• sales