Jim Caperton spent 28 years as a senior sales executive at Hartz Mountain, manufacturer of pet foods and supplies. Increased responsibilities over the 28 years leading to National Accounts Manager for all key food retailers. The last 4 years at Hartz, Jim was General Manager for International sales and marketing for the Americas. During this career Hartz went from private family business to private equity ownership to foreign ownership to a dual foreign ownership. Four ownerships allowed Jim to see many different approaches to the business .Also Jim worked with 8 different CEO's at Hartz. This experience combined with a high level of curiosity allowed Jim to learn from each of these individuals as Hartz progressed. Lessons learned that serve well todayExpertise in understanding the product niche to maximize the life and importance of a brand. This involves insightfulness to the market , the importance of social media and the need to have all distribution channels in place.Major skill set: -Causes and effects of Corporate Expectations versus Corporate Capabilities - International and domestic market assessment including corporate identity and potential -Pricing strategies by market and channel -Hands-on sales and marketing participation with distributors and retailers - Import dynamics and regulations, including registrations and distributions channels. -Understand US and South of the Border business climate for consumer goods - Grasp of the concept of fear, pain and vanity in development of new items