Experience

Agency Brand Management

• Canada
• Food and Beverage Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• • Jan 2020 - Present

• • Sep 2016 - Present

  LBN Brand Management Inc. LBN is a Canadian, service focused, brand management brokerage company representing manufacturers in the natural and organic products industry. www.lbnbrands.com



UNFI

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

• National VP of Supply Chain, Supplier Relationships, and Customer Service / National Director Purcha

  • 2014 - 2015

  Promoted to newly created VP position for leading U.S. independent national distributor of natural, organic, specialty foods. Led national Purchasing, Customer Service, and Supplier Relationship teams with 40 direct reports, $300 million sales, and over 1,000 suppliers. Managed coast-to-coast supply chain. • Improved targeted customer fill rates by 300+ basis points and reduced shrink by designing, rolling out, and leading a sales forecasting tool for use by sales team and buyers. • Transformed fragmented, regional teams to unified national team that enabled cost savings, strengthened negotiating position, streamlined processes, and drove industry-wide improvements. • Negotiated supplier agreements with sales from $100,000 to $10 million. • Provided direction to US companies wanting to bring products to market in Canada, advising on pricing, product selection, and labeling and packaging regulations. Show less



Ubuntu Life

• United States
• Retail Apparel and Fashion
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business Development Manager, LIFE Line

  • 2013 - 2014

  Consulted with small sustainable development not-for-profit to enable ongoing growth by implementing sound business processes. Lead a creative team based in Austin and Mahi Mahiu, Kenya • Catalyzed doubling of customer count, volume dollars, and product line by signing major US customers and aligning their goals with organizational vision. • Instituted procurement and inventory management practices that improved efficiency and reduced costs for complex logistics of international sourcing. Show less



Whole Foods Market

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Jan 2010 - Jun 2013

  Contributed on leadership team that raised bottom line 16% in 2012 and saw double-digit growth across all aspects of regional financial plan in all prior years. Held responsibility for all 8 product teams (produce, meats, seafood, whole body, prepared foods, bakery, grocery, specialty) plus local forager, customer service, data, and senior distribution coordination. Oversaw procurement direction and strategy for 18 stores with over 3,000 team members. Oversaw regional distribution center. Prioritized distribution, processor, grower relationships. Oversaw separate distributions and pricing systems in US and Canadian markets. Developed strategic pricing. Strategized new or troubled markets. Provided hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews.• Drove sales growth of 10% plus comps each year, with total sales in 2012 over $500 million with 15% + comps.• Propelled 26% growth of $7 million distribution center through store sales growth and vendor consolidation.• Took over long-vacant position and brought clear goals, empowerment, and leadership to a low-performing team. • Spearheaded pioneering Department Summits that gathered thought leaders from every level of organization to brainstorm and innovate, leading to significant sales increases.• Tapped by company executives to train other VPs on my sales, marketing, and leadership strategies.• Generated increases in basket size by launching quarterly Marketing Summits and roadshows that carried marketing themes throughout organization.• Increased locally sourced product offerings by working with small vendors and offering business loans to increase production through improved marketing, packaging, and production.• Achieved vendor consolidation and improved pricing in both US and Canadian markets. Show less

• • Sep 2007 - Jan 2010

  Promoted within new Whole Foods organization following merger with Wild Oats. Oversaw region of British Columbia and 2 US states. Opened 3 stores in BC and US. • Oversaw brand growth and management following acquisition to ensure execution of regional programs; carried company culture and policy through all levels of organization.• Provided ongoing leadership of 4 plus stores with $82+ million in annual retail sales.• Consistently achieved or exceeded financial plans for all stores. Show less



Wild Oats Markets

• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• • 2004 - 2007

  Led operations of Wild Oats and Capers stores in British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Directed purchasing, operations, IT, and finance in Canadian markets. Strategized operational and financial objectives. Recruited, trained, and evaluated department managers and store directors.• Exceeded budget targets in every P&L line item over 5 years and led sales volume growth from $23 million to $46 million CDN.• Oversaw $1 million SG&A spending.• Regained the BC markets leader status by implementing sophisticated blended pricing strategy and working with manufacturing partners to develop everyday value program. Show less

• • 2002 - 2004

  Directed operations and ongoing management of $42+ million in annual retail sales for Capers Community Markets. Partnered with public relations firm to develop strategic planning process. Formulated and allocated annual SG&A spending of $1 million. Directed total company rebranding.• Increased Canadian sales growth 47.5% over 3 years plus $5 million in revenue enhancement while decreasing expenses. • Drove comprehensive overhaul of business strategy that enabled strong growth despite stiffened market competition and a Hep-A outbreak that led to 50% loss of business. Show less

• • 1997 - 2002

  Managed store operations, including financial planning, purchasing, Human Resources, and 95+ staff. Initiated community partnerships with local businesses, customers, and residents.• Recognized as Store Director of the Year for 3 years.• Increased customer count, sales, and basket size by over 30%