Phaedra Ruffalo, M.S., CPSI
CONSULTANT - Food and Beverage Marketing Innovation and Strategy at GourmetPro - Food & Beverage Experts- Claim this Profile
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Dutch Limited working proficiency
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Bio
Greg Tyler
I have worked with Phaedra for a number of years and have always considered her to be one of the most energetic, professional and caring people in the industry. She always brings fresh ideas to the table and her drive to complete work/programs is top-notch. I would highly recommend Phaedra for a number of types of positions but in my opinion, she excels most in marketing, public relations and strategic planning.
Gary M. Apito
Phaedra is world class. She possesses exceptional leadership skills and instincts. She has been an amazing business partner with a well thought out strategy that paid dividends for both of our organizations. Her network, tenacity, and sales and marketing prowess combined with her strong integrity and professionalism makes her a unique source for consulting and advice.
Greg Tyler
I have worked with Phaedra for a number of years and have always considered her to be one of the most energetic, professional and caring people in the industry. She always brings fresh ideas to the table and her drive to complete work/programs is top-notch. I would highly recommend Phaedra for a number of types of positions but in my opinion, she excels most in marketing, public relations and strategic planning.
Gary M. Apito
Phaedra is world class. She possesses exceptional leadership skills and instincts. She has been an amazing business partner with a well thought out strategy that paid dividends for both of our organizations. Her network, tenacity, and sales and marketing prowess combined with her strong integrity and professionalism makes her a unique source for consulting and advice.
Greg Tyler
I have worked with Phaedra for a number of years and have always considered her to be one of the most energetic, professional and caring people in the industry. She always brings fresh ideas to the table and her drive to complete work/programs is top-notch. I would highly recommend Phaedra for a number of types of positions but in my opinion, she excels most in marketing, public relations and strategic planning.
Gary M. Apito
Phaedra is world class. She possesses exceptional leadership skills and instincts. She has been an amazing business partner with a well thought out strategy that paid dividends for both of our organizations. Her network, tenacity, and sales and marketing prowess combined with her strong integrity and professionalism makes her a unique source for consulting and advice.
Greg Tyler
I have worked with Phaedra for a number of years and have always considered her to be one of the most energetic, professional and caring people in the industry. She always brings fresh ideas to the table and her drive to complete work/programs is top-notch. I would highly recommend Phaedra for a number of types of positions but in my opinion, she excels most in marketing, public relations and strategic planning.
Gary M. Apito
Phaedra is world class. She possesses exceptional leadership skills and instincts. She has been an amazing business partner with a well thought out strategy that paid dividends for both of our organizations. Her network, tenacity, and sales and marketing prowess combined with her strong integrity and professionalism makes her a unique source for consulting and advice.
Credentials
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Certified Business Coach
Evercoach by MindvalleyAug, 2022- Nov, 2024 -
Data Strategy: Leverage AI for Business
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyJul, 2022- Nov, 2024 -
Presentation Training
The Executive TechniqueAug, 2015- Nov, 2024 -
Effective Negotiating
KARRASS® NegotiatingMay, 2014- Nov, 2024 -
CPSI - Creative Problem Solving Institute (Facilitator training)
Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI Conference)Jun, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
CXPA Professional Member
Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA)Apr, 2022- Nov, 2024
Experience
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GourmetPro - Food & Beverage Experts
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Japan
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Business Consulting and Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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CONSULTANT - Food and Beverage Marketing Innovation and Strategy
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Dec 2022 - Present
An international network of CPG food and beverage experts supporting industries new business needs for expansion. North American advisor and product innovation expert supporting innovation strategies for GourmetPro’s clients. An international network of CPG food and beverage experts supporting industries new business needs for expansion. North American advisor and product innovation expert supporting innovation strategies for GourmetPro’s clients.
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SURGE Innovators
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Metro Atlanta
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CONSULTANT - CEO/Founder
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Mar 2022 - Present
Food strategy in motion that delivers strategic design thinking rooted in insights that translates to marketable results. SURGE Innovators is a comprehensive food strategy and marketing innovation consulting and coaching firm for the global food and beverage industry, specializing in food service (national accounts and non-commercial), CPG, food manufacturing, agriculture, and convenience store channels. Skills: - Strategy design thinking - Translate insights - Mapping out key trends and white space in a global context - Business coaching for cross-functional teams from C-suite to middle management - Lead immersive food trend tour - Facilitate and lead ideations - Strategic analysis and planning - Food & packaging breakthroughs & brand innovation - Global market and brand development - Map customized strategic roadmaps - Delineate priority messaging in designing customer experience and user experience - Business integration & activation - Train key stakeholders
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American Egg Board
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United States
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Advertising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Food Chain Outreach and International Development
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Jan 2021 - Dec 2021
A newly created position per new leadership restructure in Jan. 2021 - designed AEB Food Chain Outreach strategy, customer targets for new customer collaboration for 2022 launch for CPG, retail, and food service clients. Leveraged data to improve scale growth strategies with a cross-functional team. Established a 5-year strategic plan for increasing egg products globally for implementation in 2022 with industry partners, USAPEEC (United States Poultry Egg Export Council).Position eliminated due to organizational restructuring, the second one in 2021.
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Senior Director, Market Development
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Jul 2017 - Jan 2021
Led and managed the design of global marketing and innovation strategies based on international and food industry experience for the Market Development department with a deep understanding of consumers and cultures across all markets, utilizing quantitative and qualitative research insights to drive business impact for CPG and food service clients, that would create a meaningful consumer experience and customer experience while building long-term value for the American Egg Board's brand legacy.
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Newly Weds Foods
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United States
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Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Marketing Manager-Global
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May 2014 - Jul 2017
Restructured and led marketing department by implementing new project management/qualitative research methodologies.Supported customer marketing strategies and new product development initiatives with cross functional teams globally. Restructured and led marketing department by implementing new project management/qualitative research methodologies.Supported customer marketing strategies and new product development initiatives with cross functional teams globally.
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Grupo Bimbo
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Food and Beverage Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Innovation Director
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Jan 2013 - May 2014
Innovation Director for U.S. and Canadian markets targeting retail, in-store bakery, and foodservice channels. Leveraging qualitative and quantitative research and created concepts leading cross-functional teams that resulted in numerous successful launches for branded, private label, and licensing initiatives. (Formally Maple Leaf Bakery, aquired in 2014) Innovation Director for U.S. and Canadian markets targeting retail, in-store bakery, and foodservice channels. Leveraging qualitative and quantitative research and created concepts leading cross-functional teams that resulted in numerous successful launches for branded, private label, and licensing initiatives. (Formally Maple Leaf Bakery, aquired in 2014)
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Schwan's Company
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United States
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Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Sr. Manager - Innovation and Market Research - Food Service
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2011 - 2013
Identify, validate and build new food & technology platforms and brand development for the Schwan's Food Service company via qualitative and quantitative research.
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Manager- Marketing Innovation - Food Service
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2011 - 2012
Evaluate current brand strategies and identify future food, health & nutrition, packaging and technology trends for the expansion of Schwan's Food Service current and future platforms.
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Mars
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United States
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Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Business Development & Innovation Manager
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Mar 2005 - Dec 2010
Primary focus on product innovation and renovation (from inception to launch) of the Uncle Ben's portfolio within the Foodservice industry. I also support any National and Regional chain customization projects and website.
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Marketing Manager
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2005 - 2007
Marketing Manager for the Uncle Ben's Brand for the Foodservice segment (commercial and non-commercial accounts) of Mars Foods Incorporated. Started as Trade and Channel Marketing Manager in March 2005 and was promoted after 5 months to Marketing Manager.
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Kraft Heinz
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United States
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Food and Beverage Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Marketing Manager
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2003 - 2005
Marketing Manager for the Quality Chef Frozen Soup brand in the Foodservice channel (National, Street and non-commercial accounts). Marketing Manager for the Quality Chef Frozen Soup brand in the Foodservice channel (National, Street and non-commercial accounts).
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Schwan's Company
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United States
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Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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National Account Marketing Manager - Mrs. Smith's Brand
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2000 - 2003
Product Manager for the Mrs. Smith's Dessert brands (previously a Flowers Food Company, until April 2003) in the Foodservice segment. I worked on both National accounts, street sales and private label (Sysco and US Fooodservice).Launched several new products both regionally and nationally. Product Manager for the Mrs. Smith's Dessert brands (previously a Flowers Food Company, until April 2003) in the Foodservice segment. I worked on both National accounts, street sales and private label (Sysco and US Fooodservice).Launched several new products both regionally and nationally.
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Cardinal Brands
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Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Regional Sales Manager - Adams Business Forms
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1999 - 2000
Regional manager of 13 states with a broker sales force for this product line. Products were guest checks and cash register rolls for the Foodservice segment. Regional manager of 13 states with a broker sales force for this product line. Products were guest checks and cash register rolls for the Foodservice segment.
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Trader Joe's
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Category Manager/Buyer
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1998 - 1999
East Coast buyer/category manager in expanding the chain to the east coast from 13 stores to 33 stores in the late 1990s. I oversaw and increase revenue by 27% ++ collectively in the following categories, produce, floral, household goods, housewares, breakfast cereals, and protein bars. Currently, they have over 200 stores on the east coast and in the midwest. East Coast buyer/category manager in expanding the chain to the east coast from 13 stores to 33 stores in the late 1990s. I oversaw and increase revenue by 27% ++ collectively in the following categories, produce, floral, household goods, housewares, breakfast cereals, and protein bars. Currently, they have over 200 stores on the east coast and in the midwest.
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Taylor Farms
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United States
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Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Sales Manager
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1994 - 1998
Sales manager for the southeast region focusing on retail and national foodservice segments. Start-up, was one of the first five employees. Now a billion dollar company. Sales manager for the southeast region focusing on retail and national foodservice segments. Start-up, was one of the first five employees. Now a billion dollar company.
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Education
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1988 - 1992
Rochester Institute of Technology
BS, Food Marketing & Distribution -
1992 - 1994
Rochester Institute of Technology- Saud
MS, Hospitality (focus on Food Marketing)
Community
