Austin Ford
Chicago
Summary
Experienced commercial leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and leading high-performing sales teams. Successfully implemented strategic sales initiatives that led to significant market expansion. Demonstrated expertise in building strong client relationships and leveraging market insights to optimize sales strategies.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Sales
Perdue Farms
03.2025 - Current
- Achieved national sales targets for ACI through effective broker management and relationship building with key divisions.
- Increased TTL portfolio sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic plans and setting performance goals for the sales team.
- Managing direct team of 2 national sales reps, providing guidance, coaching and support.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Achieved established KPI's for company, broker network and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
National Account Manager-Kroger, Meijer
LAMB WESTON
11.2021 - Current
- Managing vast high-volume portfolio of 60+ Own Brand and Branded label products with track record of annual growth.
- Strategic initiatives involve dynamic, highly complex business functions and joint business planning for total business solutions.
- Spearheading customer business development calls weekly across Category, Marketing, and Own Brand department units.
- Deeply involved customer insights provided through analytical tools integrated by Kroger data reporting suite.
National Account Manager-Dollar Channel
LAMB WESTON
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Responsible for exclusive category captain control of Lamb Weston branded business in 17,000+ Dollar General formats.
- Established Dollar General as a Top 3 client for the retail business unit driven by rapid store growth and incremental distribution assets.
- Developed strategic customer partnership and launched new business with Dollar Tire in 400+ stores.
- Portfolio generated multi-million-dollar revenue growth featuring incremental slots for key items and innovation.
- Implemented operational efficiencies establishing full truck ordering, joint forecast planning, and customer backhaul.
Area Business Manager
LAMB WESTON
03.2019 - 03.2021
- Managerial responsibility for Natural Channel distributor, chain, and independent business spanning the West region featuring Alexia with a centralized focus on key customers such as KeHE, Natural Grocers, Fresh Thyme, and INFRA.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration and communication with dedicated territorial broker team.
- Developed strategic customer relationships within KeHE to deliver multi-million-dollar sales growth initiatives.
- Generated substantial channel trade savings behind incorporating indirect customer action plans.
- Launched joint business partnership with Fresh Thyme, installing Lamb Weston as the category captain.
Category Manager
US FOODS, INC.
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Drafted action plan and constructed business development strategy to introduce new growth opportunity and exclusive brand penetration within the Non-Foods division. Delivered incremental growth to the bottom line through RFP and product cost savings.
- Defined project deliverables and monitored status of tasks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to draft project schedules and plans.
- Developed joint business plans with strategic partners resulting in year over year growth and category savings.
- Launched innovation products in collaboration with product development team targeting new customer segmentation.
- Negotiated incremental marketing funding to support business initiatives and company events.
Buyer
SHOPKO CORPORATION
01.2017 - 10.2017
- Coordinated, managed, and led efforts to achieve annual financial plan in all metrics of a $80 million annual business. Delegated responsibility to a team of direct reports and developed young emerging talent for increased opportunity.
Business Analyst
MEIJER CORPORATION
08.2015 - 12.2016
- Managed a $300 million product flow portfolio by developing metrics used to determine inefficiencies and areas of improvement. Documented process outline and developed requirements for functional improvements in product flow.
- Reduced organizational operating costs 20% by streamlining processes.
- Created solutions in the areas of inventory, sales reporting, distribution and product upgrades that led to system improvements and streamlined processes.
Merchandise Associate
MEIJER CORPORATION
06.2014 - 08.2015
- Collaborated with merchandising team and cross functional partners to execute business plan for target fiscal year.
- Utilized data analysis and strong presentation skills to develop strategies resulting in incremental financial results to bottom line.
- Successfully achieved sales and margin plans in consecutive quarters resulting in positive profit gain to the company.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MISkills
- Sales expertise
- Strategic marketing planning
- Strategic business development
- Executive engagement strategies
- Data-driven category analysis
- Sales training and leadership
- Revenue growth
- Sales funnel management
- Pipeline development
Accomplishments
- Promoted to Senior National Account Manager in 2023.
- Hired and Promoted to Director of Sales at Perdue Farms in 2025.
- Supervised team of 3 high performing national sales members.
- Awarded Lamb Weston Commercial Salesperson of the Year in 2023
- Awarded Lamb Weston Retail Salesperson of the Year in 2022.
Certification
Promotion Optimization Institute-Fall 2024
Timeline
Director of Sales
Perdue Farms
03.2025 - Current
National Account Manager-Kroger, Meijer
LAMB WESTON
11.2021 - Current
National Account Manager-Dollar Channel
LAMB WESTON
03.2021 - 11.2021
Area Business Manager
LAMB WESTON
03.2019 - 03.2021
Category Manager
US FOODS, INC.
10.2017 - 03.2019
Buyer
SHOPKO CORPORATION
01.2017 - 10.2017
Business Analyst
MEIJER CORPORATION
08.2015 - 12.2016
Merchandise Associate
MEIJER CORPORATION
06.2014 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Western Michigan University
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