Experience

Best Brands Inc.

• United States
• Beverage Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President of Sales, Beer Division

  • Apr 2022 - Present



AB InBev

• Belgium
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sales Director- National Retail Sales-Kroger West

  • Feb 2017 - Mar 2022



Anheuser-Busch

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Key Account Manager, Hy-Vee

  • Jan 2014 - Jan 2017

  Promoted to develop business at 293 decision points within the employee-owned Hy-Vee chain covering 8 states.• Manage sales development and account execution initiatives for the beer category within assigned decision points at Hy-Vee Grocery Stores, Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits, and Hy-Vee Gas Stations.• Leverage sales and marketing experience, relationships, and expertise to deepen overall partnership with Hy-Vee on selling strategies that enhance A-B’s brand execution through category management and pricing strategies.• Prepare and present periodic top-to-top business reviews with senior management levels within Hy-Vee corporate, and also at the local store level to sell-in ads, features, TPR’s, shelf space and displays.

• Key Account Manager, On-Premise

  • Jun 2011 - Dec 2013

  Promoted to lead sales team, revenue and profitable growth initiatives with venues and major national accounts.• Led & managed national business, promotions, sales, product placement, and brand programming initiatives for 21 venue and chain account decision points in 12 Midwest states, selling 450,000 cases and generating $8.1 million in annual sales.• 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 key on-premise chain accounts and venues.• Managed strong partnerships with Applebee’s Corporation, Applebee’s Franchisees, Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings corporate decision points, Fox and Hound, Johnny’s Tavern, Tanner’s Bar & Grill, Chili’s, and Outback Steakhouse; and at venues including Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, Sporting Park, Kansas Speedway, and Kansas City International Airport.

• District Manager

  • Feb 2009 - Jul 2011

  Promoted and relocated to lead sales growth initiatives and market execution with 3 Kansas wholesalers.• Managed a territory consisting of over 1,100 retail accounts selling 3.9 million cases of beer annually, growing sales and market share through the execution of local and national sales, marketing, promotional, and pricing programs.• Provided direction and leadership to wholesalers to identify sales opportunities, and maximize brand awareness, distribution, sales and profitability through communication of region priorities and development of annual business plan.• Performed regular market visits to coach and motivate wholesaler sales team, facilitate alignment with key company initiatives, and conduct annual Wholesaler Assessments to ensure compliance with Equity Agreement expectations.

• Region Sales Manager

  • 2006 - 2009

  Promoted and relocated to manage local sales and distribution efforts of a 3.7 million case sales territory.• Managed key pricing, sales, marketing and operational actions to grow sales and market share for the A-B portfolio in the Western Kansas sales area working closely with 7 independent wholesalers and over 1,400 retail accounts.• Coached wholesaler personnel on performance goals, identified sales opportunities, set account-level objectives, developed market-level programs, monitored competitive activity, implemented pricing plan, and ensured retail execution.

• On-Premise Marketing Coordinator

  • 2005 - 2006

  Recruited and relocated as primary contact with wholesalers, and focused manager of on-premise marketing programs.• Coached, trained and mentored a team of 13 Contemporary Marketing Representatives at 7 wholesalers to conduct on-premise promotions, trade calls, brand image building, merchandising, freshness, and selling skills at 250+ retail accounts.• Supported geographic marketing efforts, and considered as on-premise expert by developing marketing strategies and implementing promotional programs, special events, and product sampling with retailer and consumer interaction.

• Special Events Geographic Team Representative

  • 2004 - 2005

  Recruited to conduct on-premise marketing activities and promote Anheuser-Busch brands to contemporary adults.• Hired for a one-year assignment to organize and execute special event promotional plans, working with local wholesalers to improve product placement and sell-through during high-profile events in Southern California and various other cities.• Influenced purchase intent and market share growth by interacting directly with retailers and consumers at 25 on-premise accounts, and supporting sales personnel with promotional activities, product sampling and account merchandising.



Classic Eagle Distributing

• Sales Representative

  • 2001 - 2004

  Promoted to manage an off-premise sales route consisting of 20 key accounts in Lawrence and surrounding markets.• Executed the sales process for the A-B product portfolio and improved distribution, delivery, rotation and account service at package liquor, grocery, and convenience stores selling 450,000 cases and generating $7 million in annual revenue.• Built relationships and personally managed account calls, presentations, and negotiations for 20 retail accounts.

• Various Positions

  • 1998 - 2001

  Gained valuable entry-level wholesaler experience and formed a base of knowledge to position for future career growth.• Promoted to Contemporary Marketing Rep. in 2000 to create market-specific programs and execute customized marketing & promotional plans in 17 key on-premise contemporary adult accounts; increased individual account sales +18%. • Originally hired into weekend position to replenish shelves at 20 grocery stores, with subsequent promotions to warehouse truck loading & repack position, shelf-set coordinator to convert to new automated process, and draught line technician.