Sacred Serve is a whole-food vegan gelato company using adaptogens and superfoods for functionality. But the real secret is the cold craft process and Thai young coconut meat. This combo gives an unbelievably smooth and creamy texture and exceptional taste; key attributes usually missing from other vegan ice cream alternatives. Since joining Sacred Serve, we have come a long way from a Chicago-specific distribution, expanding into over 11 states throughout the Midwest and Southern California, all during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Achievements (so far):- Developed data-driven sales strategizes using SPINs/IRI to focus on targeting retailers that service our target consumer base.- Launched into UNFI Next program and closed anchor accounts to drive new warehouse openings in targeted regions.- Developed promotion and pricing strategies leading to 84% sales lifts while on TPR in July 2020.

I was drawn to Rumi Spice’s mission and supply chain as they focused on helping to support both women and farmers in Afghanistan by directly-sourcing spices from the farmers. At Rumi I was hired to take our sales efforts to the next level. I was in charge of leading and managing all sales efforts, where I developed strategies and rolled up my sleeves to execute a successful national retail launch. Achievements:- Cleaned up slow-moving distributor warehouses by implementing promotional strategies and targeting, and closing strong anchor accounts to avoid significant distributor buybacks in 2018.- Successfully segued the brand to national distribution with over 500% POD growth in 2019.- Used SPINs/IRI data and retail buyer relationships to determine new products to launch in 2020, resulting in 105% growth within existing accounts.- Onboarded and managed national broker partners to help manage the national launch.- Hired a sales representative to help manage foodservice channel sales.

I worked with nine companies across a multitude of aisles of the grocery store channel and operated as their sales guy until they grew large enough to break out and build their own teams. This was the best learning experience of my life and solidified my love for the industry and mission-driven brands.

Here is where my love for emerging green-space CPG first began. I started as an intern during my freshman year of college and quickly fell in love with the fast-paced, entrepreneurial nature of the industry. I quickly moved up to managing sales efforts. I admire how much I was able to learn from both of the founders of Earnest Eats (and those close to the company), who also consulted for many other companies through their consulting company, Purely Righteous Brands. At Earnest Eats I focused on growing our natural retail footprint and alternative channel distribution (QSR and wholesale) while working closely with the marketing team to develop effective activations.Achievements:- Built out the coffee house and QSR channel sales strategies using counter-top displays and in-store collateral and managed broker and distributor partners. - Launched DSD efforts in New York City and Southern California to effectively reach C-Store and grab n’ go placements with hot cereal cups and baked energy bars. - Pioneered private label/wholesale business with the introduction of 15lb bulk Hot Cereal with the close of a 250+ fast-casual restaurant chain. - Worked to present upcycled coffee fruit Hot Cereal line to the team and effectively launch into retail and coffee house channels, resulting in a New Hope NEXTY award