Efstathios Zervos Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area

Greater Chicago Area

As Division Manager at Sweet Street Desserts, I plan and lead business generation/customer management functions within a 14-state region of foodservice brokers and distributors. I am entrusted with boosting Sweet Street product line promotion and fostering long-term business relationships with broker/distributor networks. Here, I effectively manage two direct reports and deliver hands-on training to 13 brokers on product features, promotions, and differentiation. Among my notable accomplishments, I:• Successfully acquired substantial national key accounts, such as Country Kitchen, BP, Borders, Market Day, Buca di Beppo, Caribou Coffee, Super Target, and Starbucks, as well as multiple C-store targets, including Holiday, Casey's, Kum & Go, Yesway, and U-Gas.• Spearheaded corporate accountability for U.S. Foods, Gordon Food Service, Reinhart Foodservice, and Dot Foods.• Appointed as "Retail Specialist"; entered the retail market for the first time and closed $3M in new accounts within two years.• Grew sales revenue by 300% over the last ten years coupled with account augmentation and value-add sales.• Achieved 110% sales to plan in 2007 and as high as 140% of annual targets.• Developed regional marketing programs being adopted company-wide as best practices, transitioning from sheltered income toward traditional marketing.• Penetrated several untapped markets currently staple in the company marketing plan, such as convenience stores, bookstores, coffee shops, and family-style restaurants.• Negotiated the elimination of major distributor rebates to allocate the funds toward marketing programs.• Selected by management to lead a comprehensive training program for new regional managers.• Consistently exceeded profitability and corporate objectives through effective management of division operations.• Represented the company on the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Sales & Leadership Committee.

Rome, Georgia

Responsibilities similar to above position, with exception of product line consisting of beef, pork, veal, turkey and poultry. Managed the Midwest region consisting of a 67-customer portfolio.* Improved region from 2.9 to 4.5 million lbs. within ten months via intensive broker training and support at both the district and regional levels.* Acquired key national account representing 67% of business for Chattanooga plant that was at risk due to low demand; this acquisition helped to revive and salvage the plant.

Mini Mba Certificate, Business Administration And Management, General

Fine Arts

Chain Account Managment