Leon Cooper Email & Phone Number

Birmingham, Al, Us

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Led and developed $25M portfolio of food service distribution accounts in an 8-state territory, which includes Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.• Managed 7 foodservice brokers (average 15 reps each) to grow sales across 8 states.• Closed over $1M in new business in the last 3 months of 2019, including closing a deal with Delta Sky Clubs nationally worth a minimum $800,000 annually.• Managed several national accounts and… Show more Led and developed $25M portfolio of food service distribution accounts in an 8-state territory, which includes Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.• Managed 7 foodservice brokers (average 15 reps each) to grow sales across 8 states.• Closed over $1M in new business in the last 3 months of 2019, including closing a deal with Delta Sky Clubs nationally worth a minimum $800,000 annually.• Managed several national accounts and multi-unit regional chains and built strong relationships with key decision-makers like Newk’s Eatery which grew to $500,000 annually.• Met sales goals-revenue of 7% consistently. In 2014-2016 Southeast Region generated at least 20% growth, receiving 2 awards for revenue growth from Hoffmaster.• Utilized Salesforce CRM to input customer information, sales calls, attach quotes and sketches, and detail the pipeline of opportunities. Over $200,000 in opportunities for Q2-20.• Leveraged various disposable item categories by partnering both internally and externally with vertical market teams to grow current business and target new business.• Maintained account contract lifecycles, commitments, budgets, pipeline, and targeted goals.• Built, developed and implemented programs to grow mid and large market business opportunities.• Built strong partnerships with external customers to drive efficiencies, reduce supply chain costs and offer optimal mix of products.• Prepared pricing proposals, negotiated contracts, and guide implementation/on-boarding of new customers, and worked effectively with internal teams as needed to manage accounts and support customer initiatives.• Recognized as Business Manager of the Year multiple times.• Led sales in several core categories and received awards for revenue and performance. Show less

Distributor Account ManagerManaged a group of distributors in Alabama, including SYSCO Central Alabama, SYSCO Gulf Coast, US Foodservice and Wood Fruitticher, as well as several Tier D distributors. Managed activities, including marketing programs, sales goals, district and company-wide sales meetings, food shows, large account calls, and administration of all programs to distribution.• Exceed sales goal in 2004 & 2005 with 7% growth making us the #1 Region at Unilever. • Performed… Show more Distributor Account ManagerManaged a group of distributors in Alabama, including SYSCO Central Alabama, SYSCO Gulf Coast, US Foodservice and Wood Fruitticher, as well as several Tier D distributors. Managed activities, including marketing programs, sales goals, district and company-wide sales meetings, food shows, large account calls, and administration of all programs to distribution.• Exceed sales goal in 2004 & 2005 with 7% growth making us the #1 Region at Unilever. • Performed quarterly business reviews, providing distributors with in-depth details on sales, program and marketing spend updates, and review of key account sales each quarter.• Developed programs for large customers like NASA, Pearl River Resort, and Beau Rivage Casino.• Leading DAM in the Southern Region in 2005 in the best region in the corporation.• Chosen to be 1 of 5 field sales representatives across the nation to be a part of the UNILEVER Straight Talk Committee that meets with the President of the company to talk about a variety of subjects, including the state of the business, future plans, field activities, and what is needed to succeed.District Sales ManagerManaged a group of 7 sales managers in a territory that included Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. Territory abolished because of changes in the corporate structure and downsizing. They did not want to lose me in the market.• Exceeded sales goals with 8% growth in first year.• Secured my region as the #1 region in the south in 2003. Show less

Merchandising Manager, Sysco-Memphis (1998 – 2003)Responsible for managing a group of merchandisers/buyers handling dry, frozen, and healthcare products. Met with manufacturers and made decisions in marketing programs, new items, and day-to-day participation of manufacturers and brokers in SYSCO activities. Managed one of the strongest teams in the company with solid growth and low aging inventory.Merchandiser (1993 – 1998)• Managed dry, frozen, and healthcare categories for… Show more Merchandising Manager, Sysco-Memphis (1998 – 2003)Responsible for managing a group of merchandisers/buyers handling dry, frozen, and healthcare products. Met with manufacturers and made decisions in marketing programs, new items, and day-to-day participation of manufacturers and brokers in SYSCO activities. Managed one of the strongest teams in the company with solid growth and low aging inventory.Merchandiser (1993 – 1998)• Managed dry, frozen, and healthcare categories for SYSCO Memphis.• Awarded Merchandiser of the Year in 1998. Show less