James Morrell Email & Phone Number

Helping people add value to their work while building deeper connections to their communities through food and cooperation continues to inspire and motivate my work. I look forward to collaborating with organizations and individuals to develop their operational systems and grow their business through creative merchandising , margin control, and sound management practices.With over 25 years of experience in the organic and natural foods industry focusing on retail systems and operations management, I have advocated a dynamic approach to merchandising, sales promotion, and exceptional customer service.By cultivating partnerships with regional producers and establishing mutually beneficial customer relationships, I have worked to increase community access to fresh local foods and to grow locally oriented distribution channels. Throughout my management career I have demonstrated the ability to promote consistent growth in my departments and an energetic, positive, and productive team culture. My most recent term as a department operator had the produce category double in annual sales and lead the nation among single store cooperatives in volume, productivity, and retained margin.It has been a privilege to share my experiences through workshops at numerous industry events, including the Northeast Organic Farming Association Conferences, CCMA, INFRA, Organicology, Expo East, and the Eco Farm Conference. I have also been a regular presenter to the University of Vermont Farmer Training Program.Understanding that co-ops and progressive independents have an important opportunity to nurture deeper connections in their communities through the development of quality food systems and customer service, my approach is to give clients the tools they need to foster that link by strengthening their visual identity, enhancing retail systems, and becoming highly functional operators.

Listed skills include Customer Service, Strategic Planning, Retail, Public Speaking, and 11 others.