In this role Eric provides strategic oversite and leadership for a team of sales professionals (VicePresidents of National Sales and senior National Account Managers). These leadership functionsinclude setting team goals for sales and profitability, meeting key financial measurements,delivering sales forecast, developing strategic plans for resource utilization, and providingleadership for customer relationship building. Additional responsibilities include providingstrategic leadership for change management within the enterprise and serving as adevelopment mentor to other team members in the organization.

Eric leads a team of both direct and indirect leaders that direct the sales functions to some of Sysco's largest customers. He uses CRM tools, such as SalesForce, along with direct customer relationships to grow sales and profit. He also works directly with customers at every level of the organization. Often time he is working directly with "C" level leaders to insure strong strategic relationships, and other times he is working with functional leaders to develop new ways of thinking and new avenues for more sales. Eric is responsible for managing a multi-billion dollar sales portfolio.

In this role Eric served as a new customer developer for a potential client base that was nationalin scope. Eric was charged with "owning" those customer relationships, sales and profit plans,establishing growth targets, and developing overall customer satisfaction. Eric providedguidance and leadership to Sysco Op Sites, corporate departments, suppliers and generallycoordinated all interactions regarding the customer relationship.

As a Vice President of Customer Solutions, Eric managed a team of National Account Managers and national chain restaurant customers that represented approximately $2.0 billion in sales. Eric worked hand in hand with the largest independent foodservice distributors to guide successful business relationships with customers. Some of those distributors included Gordon Foodservice, Shamrock Foodservice, Ben E Keith Foodservice, FSA (Food Services of America), Reinhart Foodservice, and several more. Eric helped to draft annual and quarterly sales plans and sales strategies. He also managed an annual sales budget and an expense budget. Eric and his team managed distribution contracts for brands such as Red Robin, Qdoba, Bravo Brio, BJ’s Brew House, Famous Daves, and many more.

Eric's primary objective was to work with national restaurant chains to add value to the clientssupply chain. The primary deliverable business solution centered on re-distribution services toensure customers got the most from their supply chain.

Eric has demonstrated skills as a true entrepreneur. As the CEO / Founder of Marketplace Management Group, Eric established MMG as a total purchasing and distribution management solution for foodservice operators. Our goal was to help restaurant chain owners control their supply chain and spiraling food cost thus making them more profitable. Cost of goods is one of the single largest controllable expenses in the foodservice industry and controlling it is key to success. Marketplace Management Group has a solid record of effective supply chain management and successful integration of new ideas including distributors, suppliers and new thought processes. Eric built the company from just an idea into a force to the outsourced purchasing world with over 16 clients, $300 million in spend and over $1 million in revenue. These clients ranged from emerging chains like J. Christophers and Planet Smoothie to gaming companies such as Harlow's Casino and Resorts. Other clients could be found in the BBQ industry, the seafood restaurant industry, and the deli segment. Clients ranged from QSR and family dining to fast casual and casual dining clients.

Eric was directly responsible for all aspects of multi unit restaurant development to potential customers based in the Southeast region including emerging national chains, regional chains, and hotel / hospitality prospects. He coordinated multi unit sales efforts for SYSCO operating companies and developed and managed long term customer relationships. In 2 years, Eric sold over $400 million in new annual sales volume from a starting base of zero. Some customers sold included Moe's South West Grill, Shane's Rib Shack, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Back Yard Burgers, and many more.

Eric has skills as a enterprise "change agent". He directed and oversaw the organization’s efforts in the area of operational systems development including product development, product marketing, operational systems, training, quality assurance and food safety, purchasing and distribution/supply chain management.• Introduced and implemented a plan to launch 100% Black Angus Beef Burgers in the fast food industry. Developed and implemented a new marketing strategy for Back Yard Burgers Inc. concentrating on the quality of the brand. This included a total redevelopment of the product and the overall approach to the market.• Successfully rebuilt all support teams through recruiting new personnel and development of a new vision. (Marketing, Training, Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Research and Development) • Named by Memphis Business Journal as “Top 40 under 40” (See enclosed article)