Sara Gregory Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Orland Park, Us

Orland Park, Us

As Managing Partner at Diversity Connected, I bring my sales experience across various industries into strategic business development for government contracts. I specialize in data analytics, multicultural marketing, and community engagement to ensure compliance and success in complex public sector projects.Independent Sales Contractor | Various IndustriesJanuary 1996 – PresentManaged business development and sales growth for clients across a wide range of industries. I specialize in creating sales strategies that align with market trends and consumer demands, driving revenue for clients in beauty care, frozen pizza, spirits, chain food, carbonated drinks, financial services, and more.Successfully managed product distribution and sales growth for major brands in big box retailersDelivered sales and marketing strategies for professional networking organizations and collegesCreated custom sales solutions for clients, helping them navigate competitive markets and secure lasting partnershipsLead comprehensive projects in sales, marketing, and data-driven strategies for diverse clients including beauty care, frozen pizza, spirits, and carbonated drinksActively pursuing government contracts to apply my expertise in project management and advertising for federal, state, and local initiatives. Managed high-profile philanthropic projects focused on empowering underserved communities, such as HBCU back-to-school drives and domestic violence shelter initiatives. Key Philanthropic Projects:HBCU Back-to-School Supply Drives: Supported students at Howard University, Jackson State University, and Hampton University.Christmas Toy Drives: Partnered with Walmart to deliver toys to children in underserved communitiesMentoring Emerging Entrepreneurs: Conducted workshops on business planning and financial strategies for young entrepreneurs.Food Drives for the Homeless: Led food drives in collaboration with local organizations, providing meals to those in need.

Launched a one-woman, boutique agency, managing accounts for Wal-Mart, CVS/Pharmacy, Target, Dollar General, Rite-Aid, Family Dollar and Fred’s Dollar, Soft Sheen – A L’Oreal Subsidiary, Colomer, John Frieda (Frizz Free), Luster Products, JM Products, Proline, Nishimoto Trading (Bigen) and Namaste (ORS). Secured new distribution for a startup company in Wal-Mart stores in less than 6 months for 16 new products, playing a role as category strategist and sales force development and management. Protected established but under-performing products by leveraging analytics to reposition sales and maintain distribution. Standardized trade development tools secure category advisor role in top retail accounts for manufacturer clients. Achieved consecutive years of expanded distribution of new items, maintaining and defending market share on existing items, and increased sales. Secured lead/captain category management roles in key accounts. Created standardized account performance measurements to reduce trade spending. Negotiated, managed and maintained partnerships with Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, CVS/pharmacy and Family Dollar for clients including, Luster Products, Soft Sheen Carson, a L’Oreal Subsidiary, Namaste Laboratories, Alberto-Culver Proline, a Unilever Subsidiary.

Paris, Fr

Soft Sheen Carson DivisionEstablished category management department and trade development department, which included securing additional data sources, equipment and human capital either through consultancy or as permanent hires. I formalized the trade development process to strengthen Soft Sheen’s presence in retail accounts, document and decrease waste in the co-op policy, document goals versus attainment, develop SOP’s for the department and assist in the acquisition process of Soft Sheen by L’Oreal. I led the sales and marketing team as part of the category management execution, presented category findings to Soft Sheen Executives, L’Oreal Executives and led key account line reviews internally and externally. I managed the Walmart business, developed an expertise in Retail Link and Space Management.

Chicago, Il, Us

Execute, analyze, and present findings from a variety of research projects purchased by the clients; Soft Sheen, Luster Products and Anheuser-Busch. Served as an IRI on-site with Anheuser-Busch responsible for training the sales team in effective category management as well as assisting with syndicated data market research to defend and grow market share.

B.A, Liberal Arts & Science

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Business Administration, Management And Operations