Karl Helfrich Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Responsible for Midwest USA sales in the food service and retail channels. Representing manufacturers of high-end cheeses, charcuterie, bakery and other specialty items, working directly with retailers, food service operators, regional and national distributors.

Chicago, Il

A boutique consulting firm specializing in developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies to drive B2B sales in the specialty foodservice sector.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Responsible for creating and implementing the sales and marketing strategy in the U.S. for Capfruit, a French company that produces high-end fruit purees for pastry and savory chefs, mixologists, and small manufacturers. Key accomplishments include:• Increased sales volume through U.S. distribution 7% in 2019.• Coordinated and implemented regional training sessions for distributor sales reps, resulting in an 18% increase in sales volume In Q1 2020.• Developed and delivered a Market Landscape report detailing and ranking different scenarios to grow the U.S. business through alternate distribution.

Chicago Il

Responsible for creating and implementing the US strategy for Cacao Barry (2018 sales of $30M), the premier chocolate brand within Barry Callebaut. Accountable for delivering budgeted sales volume and profit as well as growing brand awareness and loyalty through a coordinated B2B marketing program. Reported to the Vice President of Gourmet Sales and Marketing, one Direct Report.• Increased sales volume 8% in 2017 through programs in support of the National Accounts team. • Delivered 16% growth in contribution margin in 2018 through pricing and sales analysis of top selling SKUs.P&L ownership | B2B marketing | New business development | Volume forecasting | Culinary expertise | Brand management | Strategic planning | Event planning & execution | Distributor relationships | Project management | Social media marketing | National account marketing | Portfolio pricing | Portfolio optimization | Cross-functional teamwork | Effective product launches | Team Leadership

Arlington Heights, Il

Responsible for inventory and profit management of pastry ingredient and finished product portfolio for European Imports, the Import and Specialty division within Sysco (2015 sales of $32M). Emphasized expanding pastry sales through foodservice and corporate multi-unit divisions of Sysco Operating Companies nationwide. Maintained sales growth for all vendors during the Sysco acquisition and transition. Reported to the Director of Marketing & Merchandising.• Increased year-over-year sales dollars 18% and profit 13% in 2015 on pastry sales of $32.4M through product mix and sales staff training• Grew sales over $300K with no inventory or labor expenses by creating direct-from-vendor shipping program on select non-perishable items.P&L ownership | Vendor negotiations | Team leadership | Innovative sourcing | Portfolio pricing/optimization | Sales staff training | End user marketing | Supply chain parameters | Culinary expertise | Business development | Effective product launches | National account marketing | Event planning/execution | Project management | Cross-functional teamwork

Chicago, Il

Responsible for creation and implementation of all pastry items in a four-star downtown luxury hotel. Supervised all aspects of hiring, training and managing pastry and stewarding staff totaling 45 people. Responsible for purchasing and maintenance of all assets for Food and Beverage department. Reported to the Executive Chef and Food & Beverage director.