Developed Applegate’s Business Operations universe, creating infrastructure for improved cross-functional business planning to support Applegate’s next phase of growth. Lead Applegate’s weekly and monthly planning process, providing updated business, P&L and financial outlook. Oversee cost improvement initiatives. Conducted due diligence on internal acquisition of Justin’s and leading integration into Applegate’s Biz Ops process. Member of Applegate’s Senior Leadership Team, reporting to President.

James Beard Award-winning chef-crafted turkey products—created to provide a new source of healthy, convenient dinner options.Joined management team as a result of SlantShack Jerky acquisition. Spearheaded business development outreach across all channels, built out broker network and managed internal sales and marketing teams. Oversaw new supply chain partner outreach for all components of supply chain, including raw materials, manufacturing partnerships and 3rd party supply chain consultants/search firms. Created supply chain management systems overview. SALES & MARKETING• Established relationships and secured business with new distributors: KeHE, Tony’s Fine Foods and regional distributors.• Acquired new business, launching products in Publix, Walmart, Safeway, Meijer, Ahold, Fresh Thyme, Heinen’s and QVC.• Developed sales materials for all channels including 1-page sell sheets and comprehensive brand overview decks.• Built and oversaw network of national, regional and account specific brokers.OPERATIONS• Developed and implemented production planning model and inventory tracking system, reducing over/under production and improving operational efficiencies and communication/production planning schedule with co-packers.• Built long-term dynamic pricing and costing model to forecast effect of supply chain efficiencies on cost structure and allow for more aggressive and dynamic pricing• Formulated and launched new hot dog product; managed co-packer search and led R&D and product testing with hired manufacturer.

1st 100% grass-fed beef jerky in Whole Foods Market (WFM). 1st meat brand to earn Certified B Corporation status. Started by a group of friends in a NYC apartment and scaled to national distribution (acquired by The Great American Turkey Co. in 2019).SALES & MARKETING• Achieved top performing brand performance at WFM through incubating the brand in WFM Northeast, expanded to 2 additional WFM regions.• Established relationships and obtained business across conventional grocery, natural, mass, specialty, convenience, foodservice (airports/offices), e-commerce and independent retailers (including but not limited to FreshDirect, OTG/CIBO Express, Shaw’s and Star Market, Roche Brothers, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Goods, Erewhon Market and Metropolitan Coffee House). • Grew company’s website e-commerce business to $100K in annual sales and launched products on Amazon.• Secured and developed private label business, accounting for 50% sales growth (first customer launch planned for 2H 2020).• Secured distribution relationships with UNFI and regional specialty/natural distributors, resulting in 20% revenue growth the first year including 50 WFM SoPac stores.• Identified, hired and collaborated with 3rd party agencies to launch two iterations of brand redesigns.OPERATIONS• Built out and managed supply chain through partnership manufacturing at a small family farm.• Transitioned manufacturing to new partner in 2015 to support business growth – increased production capacity, improved margins by 250% and reduced COGS by 40%.• Created new flavor profiles for product launch into WFM and converted all flavors to gluten free, low sugar recipes.FINANCE• Managed day-to-day finances of the business including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and P&L.• Secured SBA loan; utilized funds for working capital and to hire sales team, increasing revenues 50%.• Raised seed capital, investing in sales team hires and online marketing, growing sales 35% and increasing margins 25%.