Aaron Weber
Lancaster,PA
Summary
Results-oriented procurement leader with a proven ability to drive profitability and market competitiveness. Expertise in global sourcing and category strategy, successfully managing teams across diverse product lines. Significant contributions to vendor relationships and business restructuring initiatives enhance overall operational efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Merchant
Clark Associates, Inc.
Lancaster, PA
05.2026 - Current
- Restructured team into merchandising, operations, marketing, and sourcing to improve departmental efficiency.
- Negotiated enhanced vendor contract discounts for Clark National Accounts division, optimizing cost savings for chain accounts.
- Negotiated additional discounts for the Clark National Accounts division for vendor contracts with chain accounts.
- Strengthened relationships with strategic domestic and import vendors, facilitating annual business reviews to align objectives.
Vice President, Procurement, Durable Goods
Clark Associates, Inc.
Lancaster, PA
01.2020 - 05.2025
- Managed purchasing teams across durable goods categories, including food service equipment, smallwares, tabletop, janitorial, furniture, and industrial products.
- Built and scaled a global sourcing team and managed vendor relationships across 20+ countries, and visited vendors and/or tradeshows in Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand, Italy, Germany, China, and India.
- Directed source diversification initiative at Clark, reducing dependence on China and mitigating tariff costs.
- Reformulated our industrial category strategy and narrowed the scope enhancing productivity and return on investment of the team and products.
- Oversaw Complex Equipment initiative to evaluate and research products and services for WebstaurantStore, contributing to growth of custom walk-ins and stainless steel offerings.
- Expanded Avantco Refrigeration into top-mount and front-breathing prep tables and included Wi-Fi capabilities and monitoring.
- Facilitated the creation of department-wide initiatives, including Ready to Ship, Stocking Classification, and inventory watchtower.
- Established private label brand team to define brand standards, update trademarks, and enhance packaging requirements.
- Presented at Race for the Answers as part of Clark’s Derby Weekend events, welcoming executives and sharing updates on the department.
- Strategized parts offering working with Partstown and buying parts direct from top industry manufacturers.
Director of Purchasing, Heavy Equipment
Clark Associates, Inc.
Lancaster, PA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Developed short- and long-term category strategies, introducing new SKUs and vendor partners, including private label and domestic suppliers, enhancing product offerings.
- Introduced Avantco Ice Machine line, including under-counter units, modular options, and storage bins, to enhance product selection.
- Expanded Avantco Refrigeration by adding A-series product line for reach-ins and prep tables and introducing refrigerated and dry bakery cases, gaining market share and reaching new customers.
- Launched Avantco Ice Machine line with under-counter, modulars, and bins.
- Created internal brand support and training that assisted Clark Food Service Equipment, WEBstaurantStore & The Restaurant Store in their understanding of our private label offering.
Buyer & Senior Buyer, Heavy Equipment
Clark Associates, Inc.
Lancaster, PA
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Negotiated a program with Scotsman Ice to buy products directly rather than through distribution, increasing the profitability of the category and promoting them to the preferred brand.
- Negotiated product programs with domestic manufacturers and engaged in CPG Buying Group Conference to enhance supplier relationships.
- Oversaw inventory control and developed forecasts for imported products, ensuring high service levels for customers.
- Traveled to China to inspect & align with our private label manufacturers to expand the catalog and create efficiencies.
- Expanded private label catalog to include underbar refrigeration, ice cream freezers, black & stainless-steel wire shelving, and new metal and wood chair styles.
- Reported directly to the CEO, and built brands Avantco Refrigeration, Regency, and Lancaster Table & Seating.
Accountant
Clark Associates, Inc.
Lancaster, PA
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Executed accounting functions to enhance sales, purchasing, and operational reporting accuracy.
- Managed accounts receivable to maintain optimal cash flow.
Education
MBA - Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA05-2027
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA05-2010
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Inventory control
- Vendor negotiation
- Market analysis
- Price structuring
- Business growth strategies
Certification
- Certified Food Service Professional
- Lean Six Sigma, Black Belt
Board Service
- Elizabethtown College School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board
- Elizabethtown College International Business Board
Timeline
Principal Merchant
Clark Associates, Inc.
05.2026 - Current
Vice President, Procurement, Durable Goods
Clark Associates, Inc.
01.2020 - 05.2025
Director of Purchasing, Heavy Equipment
Clark Associates, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2020
Buyer & Senior Buyer, Heavy Equipment
Clark Associates, Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2017
Accountant
Clark Associates, Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2012
MBA - Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Robert Morris University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Elizabethtown College