Steve Yoder Email & Phone Number

Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

Recruited during second round of VC funding to expand distribution and grow sales in the Southeast and Midwest regions for a start-up company which distills and markets premium full flavor, full strength canned cocktails with craft spirits.• Oversaw the day-to-day management of planning, pricing, and sale of Troop brands which included Vodka Lemonade, Tequila Paloma, Rum Mojito, Gin Spritz, Bourbon Smash in six states including California, Texas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.• Managed sales, logistics, wholesaler development and management, and marketing; developed first Troop marketing calendar.• Led and directed an internal chain sales team and developed relationships with buyers at key accounts.• Negotiated and signed distribution agreements to support expansion into the states of Florida, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.• Conducted work-with days, consumer samplings, and Top-to-Top meetings with both wholesalers and retailer partners.

Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

Led U.S. Operations of the company (Miami based) to meet both volume and profit goals.• Developed and implemented strategic plans to grow the company with direct oversight of all areas including sales, marketing, operations, distribution, wholesaler relations, and chain account business (utilizing a 3rd-party company). • Consistently grew revenue and produced a 300% increase in sales (Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2023) • Successfully negotiated and signed multi-state distribution agreement with Republic National Distributing Company, securing authorization to distribute in 36 states; expanded distribution to an actual 12 states. (2021) • Led and directed a team of eight, including four Region V.P's, national account team, marketing, and logistics professionals. • Managed a marketing budget of $2.5M and led marketing efforts to develop first ever national consumer promotion; oversaw advertising through social media on Facebook and Instagram, and outdoor placements in Memphis and Little Rock. • Cultivated effective relationships and served as owners' representative and liaison with FIFCO USA and the wholesalers. (2019) • Served a key role in expanding distribution from two states (NY,AL) to eight states (OH, IL, PA, AZ, MO, VT). (2019) • Worked with wholesalers, conducted general sales meetings and 200+ ride-withs; processed purchase orders. • Represented Fun Wine at trade shows.

Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

Relocated to marketing, pricing, execution and PBC relationships and business with off-premise chain accounts for one of the largest private beer companies in North America producing and/or marketing over 50 brands of beer and malt liquor.• Led sales growth and retail execution initiatives for PBC’s brand portfolio including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Colt 45, and Schlitz Malt Liquor within four Circle K divisions (FL, GA, AL, MS), four 7-Eleven divisions (VA, MD, FL, NC, SC), and RaceTrac (FL, GA).• Performed headquarters calls to gain retail support for PBC growth objectives by various methods including forecasting, planning, conducting sales calls and business reviews, retail trade work-withs and in-market surveys.• Received Pabst Convenience 2017 Leadership Award; led the Small Format team with 2017 PBR volume change at 7.78%.

Charleston, South Carolina Area

Provided oversight, strategy and leadership of local sales and distribution efforts in the state of South Carolina.• Managed key pricing, sales, marketing and operational actions in a diverse territory working closely with seven independently owned wholesalers; mentored and supervised a Field Marketing Representative, and built relationships with key retail accounts.• Performed regular market visits to coach and motivate wholesaler sales teams, implement pricing plans, assess competitive activity and conduct annual wholesaler assessments to ensure superior retail sales and service execution.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Led sales growth initiatives at off-premise retailers in the states of Florida and Georgia for the leading global brewer, producing and marketing the world’s best-selling beers including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stella Artois.• Provided total account management through sell-in of national and channel-specific corporate initiatives and brand promotions by managing key decision points for the top-2 volume C-Store chains in the Southeast Region, and other off-premise retailers.• Developed and implemented account plans/objectives, prepared & presented account business reviews, and utilized information-based tactics to sell-in strategies, promotions, space management and distribution priorities.• Oversaw distribution, sales volume, promotional activity, profitability, and store level execution initiatives for Flash Foods (120 locations / earned Category Captain) and QuikTrip Atlanta (130 locations) as well as seven other off-premise retailers.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Promoted to develop and execute marketing strategy to support the ABI portfolio of High-End and Specialty brands.• Managed strategic planning, development, communication, execution, and alignment of National and Regional brand marketing and sales programs for all ABI brands in off-premise accounts and served as lead contact for High-End/Specialty brands.• Cultivated and strengthened relationships with key decision makers at accounts including Whole Foods Southern Division, McDonald Oil, AM/PM, Georgia Oil Holdings and Golden Pantry to increase distribution, sales volume and promotional activity. • Successfully built and supported new High-End product market and retail rollout plans within the states of GA, AL, and MS; consistently increased sales; communicated, monitored, and tracked Field Sales and Wholesaler plans and retail execution.• Conducted beer samplings with Servers, Beer Pairing dinners with Grocery Managers and developed High End Brands sales drive

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Relocated to grow distribution, sales, and market share at 18 on-premise accounts in the TN, GA, AL, and MS markets.• Developed account plans and budgets, prepared and presented account reviews, sold-in national and channel-specific programs and brand promotions, and communicated activities wholesalers and field personnel.• Managed business with regional and national chain accounts including Taco Mac, Outback (4 franchisees), Applebee’s (2 franchisees), Turner Field (home of the Atlanta Braves), Lakewood Amphitheatre, and others. • Recognized with the Region Sales Achievement Award in 2008; increased package and draught placements in all accounts.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Recruited to lead sales and profitability growth initiatives at 11 off-premise accounts in the 3-state territory.• Built and cultivated effective relationships and developed sales promotion, marketing, and distribution programs to increase sales, sell-in new packages and pricing, and introduce new products to accounts in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.• Managed sales development and account execution initiatives for the beer category at assigned decision points for Piggly Wiggly Carolina, Costco Southeast, BI-LO, Kroger Atlanta, Kroger Louisville, and Kroger Memphis. • Consistently met sales and distribution goals for brands including Beck's, Labatt Blue, Stella Artois, Bass, and Rolling Rock.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Recruited to manage relationships and grow sales volume with 11 wholesalers throughout the state of South Carolina for the brewer and marketer of Shiner Beers, as well as importer and marketer of Corona Extra, Pacifico, and Negra Modelo (at the time).• Managed pricing, retail execution, inventory levels, budgets, and local marketing to increase distribution and drive sales.• Developed annual business plans with each wholesaler and oversaw local market execution of a diversified beer portfolio.