Led the marketing, innovation, merchandising, purchasing, and office coffee teams for InReach, Sodexo's convenience-distribution arm. In this rapidly evolving role, I developed and stabilized a fantastic team, established the marketing priorities for the organization, and brought a number of innovations to the table. Played a critical role on the executive leadership team, as well as contributed to our M&A efforts. Liaised with our global team to ensure InReach remained relevant to the strategic goals of our organization, and worked hard to promote the organization across all segments.

Supported the execution of a comprehensive food service transformation roadmap for North America. Conducted in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, evolving consumer needs, and potential threats from competitors. Leveraged these insights to adapt our strategic plan to address these critical factors. The plan included identifying necessary capabilities to close performance gaps, recommending make-or-buy decisions for key competencies, and outlining go-to-market strategies to capture new market opportunities.Key Achievements:Analyzed the North American food service landscape, evaluating existing and emerging B2B and B2C food production and distribution models.Developed a comprehensive understanding of current market dynamics, including consumer preferences, industry trends, and competitor activity.Created and presented a compelling strategic roadmap for food service transformation, outlining the steps required to achieve Sodexo's North American growth objectives.Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams (Finance, M&A, Marketing, Sales) to ensure the successful implementation of the food service transformation plan.Developed differentiated go-to-market strategies for transversal food solutions (vending, micro-markets, pantry services, delivery) to capitalize on new market opportunities and strengthen Sodexo's competitive advantage.

Working with restaurateurs to drive profitability in sourcing and purchasing management. Hired to find and onboard purchasing managers and train them in vendor relations and cost management. Skilled in implementing new purchasing/ordering systems and integrating with vendor ERPs. Experienced in vendor consolidation and new vendor onboarding, as well as rebate programs and group purchasing plans.

I directed business functions and the strategic plan focusing on continuous growth while supporting a sustainable food system. The business was a start-up and I leveraged superior business acumen to transform the company into a nationally recognized retailer and distributor of local food. This was achieved by integrating modernized logistical systems and through growing a stable supply chain network critical to establishing quality and consistency standards. I oversaw all company-wide and individual department activities, created a flourishing culture via continuous training and development, and furthered strategic growth initiatives such as driving sales to retailers after restaurant sales were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.• Secured $3MM in pre-operations capital needed to launch the business, and through financial planning, achieved immediate and long-term success.• Managed the design and building of the new 27,000 sq ft facility and oversaw subsequent sustainability initiatives including composting, whole animal production, and large-scale recycling.• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to remain viable, shifted the retail store to online sales and grocery pickup only with sales doubling in FY2020, and minimized the workforce then re-deployed essential staff to other functions.• Grew the sales team to five team members responsible for $12MM in wholesale revenue.• Developed from-scratch structures and systems that impacted warehousing, order fulfillment, logistics, and quality control efforts.• Built a network of 150+ farmers and producers that kept costs at a minimum while still supporting farmers and the local food economy.• Negotiated exclusive distribution agreements that resulted in offering unique Midwest products for sale.• While managing a team of 65 people, was viewed as a trusted leader.• Managed a wide variety of staff roles throughout the company including truck drivers, sales professionals, butchers, and finance specialists.

I launched the grass-fed beef business from scratch and with a strategic business plan, achieved millions in sales growth. For the business that farmed and processed beef products to find immediate and long-term success, I ensured market needs and trends were identified and addressed. This involved planning, adjusting, and managing operations and planning ranching efforts critical to herd sizes and finishing yields meeting or surpassing demand. I also put in place a ranch-centric infrastructure specifically to designed to accommodate the requirements associated with raising grazing livestock. I created sales strategies and managed logistics with product quality and delivery having continuously increased customer satisfaction and retention rates.• As the sole salesperson, stimulated sales growth over 12 months, reaching $1.5MM in revenue.• Determined and managed logistical routes with 5K lbs in weekly product being delivered to clients such as schools, restaurants, and grocery stores• Business planning started before the company opened, which involved consulting with the ranching partner and team, and raising cattle for two years to meet initial and ongoing demand.

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers markets across the United States so they can serve as community assets while providing real income opportunities for farmers. FMC maintains the single largest free online resource database for Farmers Market managers and organizers. - Selected as youngest member of national Board of Directors. - Chair of Marketing and PR Committee, charged with increasing membership base and exposing the wealth of resources that FMC has in both its online database and its Board of Directors.

Across the city of Chicago, I promoted a sustainable food system within the city by placing and managing local farmers and vendors at farmers' markets. To ensure the farmer's market program continued to expand, I streamlined the vendor application and approval processes, while still complying with existing Department of Health guidelines. I also organized events to increase awareness regarding the benefits of local foods and sustainable food systems, as well as highlighted the impact of the farmers' market program.• Evenly distributed 125 farmers and vendors throughout 35 farmers' markets.• Collaborated with Chefs on seasonal produce procurement and special orders.• Facilitated many educational programs for market attendees.

• Oversaw flour milling processes, leveraging sustainable practices to benefit consumers and the local environment.• Operated, serviced, and repaired machinery used for field work, threshing grain, and the delivery of products for wholesale sales.• Partnered with farm owners in planning and building a new granary which increased food security and sustainability.

Icicle Seafoods is one of the three largest wild Alaskan Seafood processors. Based in Seattle, WA, Icicle’s fleet of fishermen and processors catch and process nearly all of the available commercial fish species throughout each year. Bristol Bay, AK is home to the largest wild salmon population in the world. - Promoted and moved to new position responsible for managing fleet at newly acquired 100 year old Egegik cannery in Bristol Bay. Significant knowledge of economic and social culture, as well as motivation and flexibility needed to be successful in this role. Extremely fast-paced, competitive, highly regulated and stressful environment driven by tides, rules, and the clock. Averaged 110-120 hours/week for the season. - Led and earned respect of dock crew of 10–15 as well as fleet of 70-100 fishing vessels delivering up to 450,000 lbs. of salmon daily to the cannery.- 1 of 5 managers responsible for decisions regarding the placement of the fleet and the catch throughout Bristol Bay. Managed the movement of vital freight daily around Bristol Bay, experienced machinery operator.

Position required being able to think on your feet, work long hours as needed driven by the tide and doing whatever needed to be done including: -Handling and transporting drift nets-Keeping critical heavy equipment running -Expediting and transporting wide variety of cargo-Operating heavy equipment including boom truck, forklift, front-loader and bobcat