Steve Bruton Email & Phone Number

Lewisville, Texas, Us

Leading client strategy development and alignment, customer sales planning, trade budget development, field sales execution, & cross functional sales & marketing initiatives to improve market share, revenue, and profit performance for America’s leading consumer products sales agency.

I am currently working as a self-employed consultant designing and executing go-to-market strategies for new food and beverage start-ups. Assisted in establishing foundational business infrastructure, brand-building, and sales team development.

Carmel, Indiana, Us

I was recruited for and hired into a new national business development role to create the overall sales plan and go-to-market expansion strategies for rapid deployment across branded and private label sweetener and RTD Coffee Beverage brands. I designed the plans and budget to build a global sales team across the U.S. Led and contributed to strategic and operational initiatives as part of the senior leadership team. Additionally, I reported to the President and COO and oversaw total national sales revenues. Leveraged category data and analytics to identify process improvements within the development of customer initiatives and executed launch plan strategies focused on portfolio growth in emerging channels of trade.  Achieved millions in incremental Splenda revenue by creating new go-to-market strategies for key retailers and wholesalers, including 7–Eleven, RaceTrac, Circle K, QT, McLane, Core-Mark, and Eby-Brown.  Realized millions in incremental coffee dollar revenue and reached an 18X ACV distribution growth index with the retail launch of RTD single-serve coffee initiative (branded and private brand) across U.S. convenience and specialty channels.  Reached 41K+ in additional distribution points for Splenda portfolio brands by establishing alternative channel Splenda “Search & Deploy” retail launch platform and trade deals. Executed a new multi-year, multi million dollar Splenda contract with 7-11 resulting from effective research, analytics, and sales presentations.

Us

I was promoted to the GM sales role to direct and oversee national sales, business development, distribution, and marketing functions. I built and cultivated a strategic and high-performing 27-member sales team. I also managed sales and merchandising execution efforts with the national broker team and independent distributor partner network. Additionally, I cultivated business “top-to-top” relationships with retail partners. Achieved an average +12% YOY growth with national and regional retailers including Kroger, Walmart, Albertsons, 7 Eleven, QuikTrip, Stripes, and Circle K divisions. Contributed $110M in annual sales by effectively managing DSD and direct route to market models. Grew incremental revenue to $300M+ and margin contribution by $60M over five years. Led sales and marketing efforts with DSD beverage distributor network, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Admiral Beverage, Hensley Beverage, Honickman, etc., resulting in record distribution growth across all trade channels.  Managed a broad line of profitable beverage products and brands, including refrigerated premium juices, fruit smoothies, shelf-stable juice drinks, energy drinks, and sparkling waters.

Us

In this role, I led a national sales team for the SunnyD & Fruit²O Brands while implementing customer growth strategies and managing field execution across the U.S. I directed cross-functional pricing and promotion program development and retail launch execution strategy plans with Keurig, Dr Pepper, HQ, and other independent beverage distributors nationally. Increased net sales profits by 28% by implementing a $1.6M annual trade fund budget and updated retail launch deployment guidelines. Achieved $7.7M in incremental revenue fueled by the introduction and retail execution of the new Sparkling Fruit²O brand. Improved merchandising and promotional/marketing activity by 54% through the strategic creation of distributor partner KPIs, innovative field sales incentive programming, and focused retail launch plans.

Us

Promoted to lead continued business development and distribution expansion efforts for Direct Store Delivery immediate consumption packages and channels. Selected Contributions:• Directed cross functional team (i.e., national account sales, demand planning, product innovation, marketing, etc.) to launch new shelf stable formula & packages delivering incremental multimillion-dollar revenue increases.• Generated annual key account business planning processes, trade fund budgets, pricing & promotion strategies, new item launch plans, and field execution “play book”.• Played primary leadership role in creating & launching new DSD route to market strategy. Developed strategic partnership alliance with Dr Pepper Snapple Group.• Increased ACV distribution in Grocery, Convenience, Dollar, and Drug channels of trade by 600%.• Awarded President’s Award of Excellence for outstanding leadership contributions.

One of just eight sales professionals retained from Proctor & Gamble for the new Sunny Delight Beverages Company, as a result of a planned divestiture of the Sunny Delight brand from Proctor & Gamble to a private equity investor group. Part of the initial management startup team formed to operate the new Sunny Delight Beverages Company. One of the key architects in building Strategic Channels (ICC) Business unit for the new venture. HIGHLIGHTS: ► Led initial national broker assignment & set up for non-grocery channels. ► Developed strategic targeted retailer acquisition strategies for distribution growth. Managed trade fund budgets, created promotion and pricing strategies, and aligned key distributors► Drove unprecedented 70%+ sales growth with national account efforts for McLane Co., Core Mark, 7-Eleven, Walgreens, and other critical high-profile retailers.

Led sales operations, supply chain, pricing, promotion, marketing, and key account business development efforts (DSD & Broker) for the nation's largest gourmet coffee provider across all channels of trade. Brought in as member of a leadership transition to lead company through major change. Managed:✦ 7 Sales Regions ✦ 8 DSD Operation Centers✦ National Broker Network✦ Sales Support Staff … across the Central & Western United States. HIGHLIGHTS: ► Re-negotiated national customer shelf contracts to solidify revenue base and improve profitability. Re-directed funds to drive incremental price, promotion, and merchandising activity.► Led the company in incremental business gains under the most adverse financial circumstances.► Guided integration of the Brother's brand into the P&G portfolio as acquired by P&G (1999).► Leveraged P&G's size and resources to grow retail customer shelf contracts by 141% in 2 years. ► Produced 238+% volume growth over 18 months by leading the expansion efforts for new Millstone Coffee Division.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Business/Managerial Economics

Program Graduate, Food Executive Program

Graduate Studies In Mba Program