Managed a portfolio of over 40M pounds. Successfully grew sales from in 2011 by 39% and by 24% in 2012 through new product launches and new customer growth. Developed close relationship in pre-existing customers and new customers, resulting in new project opportunities. Led a cross-functional internal team of culinary chefs, food scientist, customer service and supply chain for over 26 different production facilities. Managed two direct reports and three national account brokers for targeted account management. Facilitated new product Ideations with key accounts that resulted in test market placements

Recruited to this privately-held dairy and sauce company, Darifair Foods, to help develop and grow value-added product category in the national chain account segment.

Led a turnaround for this 30-year-old manufacturer of soups, sauces and entrees, a division of Luigino's Inc. Responsible for managing all existing national chain customers, increasing volume an average of 28% annually. Successfully penetrated new customers and introduced new products that added +8 MM LBS in new business. Developed sales plans, forecasts, budgets and strategies for my business unit. Report directly to the General Manager/COO and had a critical role in developing a new mission and market strategy to re-launch Arden Kitchens to the national account segment. Responsible for directing activities of a national account manager, culinary chef, customer service manager and marketing manager on national account activities.

Recruited from a purchasing role to a national account sales position for the Hudson Companies, which included Fontina Foods. Cargill purchased Hudson and Fontina Foods in 2000. Managed over 11.5 MM pounds of dressings and sauces for accounts that included Wendy’s, Popeye’s, Church’s, Blimpie’s, Brinker, Metromedia, Denny’s, and Applebee’s. Launched two new dressings that were part of the revamped Wendy’s Salad Program in 2001. Assisted in development of a new appetizer/salad for Chili’s that included 3 new sauces that won a Menu Masters Award. Added new proprietary sauce & dressing products that grew sales in the following accounts: Applebee’s +104%, Brinker +123% and Bennigan’s +15%.

Joined the operator of Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Bahama Breeze as buyer and was promoted to Senior Buyer within 10 months. Managed the procurement of $75.6 MM in soups, sauces, dressings, vegetable oils, fresh-packed tomato products and culinary bases for all Darden restaurant concepts. Negotiated long-term strategic contracts that provided annual cost savings for Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Developed strategic commodity planning and executed the trading of commodity futures

Recruited to this family-style regional restaurant chain as a Purchasing Representative and was later promoted to Purchasing Manager. Handled all the food procurement for Bob Evans and Owens Restaurants. Assisted in developing and implementing several successful menu promotions, including Oreo Pie, Lite Breakfast and new Coke products. Successfully completed continuing educational seminars, including ‘Beef 101’ at Texas A&M University

Traveled extensively promoting the Vitality Juice and Coffee programs to large food service accounts and making distributor presentations in the mobile showroom program.