Open To Work
Chris Wisekal
Linden,USA
Summary
Strategic hands-on executive with over 36 years of experience in building and scaling distribution and transportation operations, driving rapid revenue growth, profitability, and operational excellence across multisite organizations and start-ups. Deep leadership across P&L, sales, procurement, operations, transportation, HR, and food safety, with a track record of ERP implementations, process redesign, and building high-performing teams. Extensive experience securing and executing state and federal government contracts directly (no third-party negotiators), while developing vendor and carrier partnerships that improve cost structure and service levels.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Farm/Ag Consultant
Sweet Glen Farm
Linden, TN
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Oversaw day-to-day farm operations, including regenerative agriculture practices and breeding program management.
- Implemented operational planning and production oversight to support sustainability and long-term yield objectives.
Chief Executive Officer
Palazola Produce CO.
Memphis, TN
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Led enterprise strategy and execution; grew sales from ~$18M to ~$62M during the first pandemic year and ~$44M the second year while delivering net profits that exceeded the prior 20 years combined.
- Repositioned the business model to respond to market shifts-expanding from restaurant-heavy revenue into government contracting and diversified channels.
- Implemented ERP modernization (initial system AFS, followed by a second ERP), improving operational visibility and enabling scale.
- Built strategic partnerships with regional trucking providers to improve service reliability and profit performance.
- Formed supplier alliances (dairy, meat, and other categories) to fulfill government contract requirements and broaden product offering.
- Partnered with other distributors to reduce regional operating costs while completing multiple government contracts and bidding future awards.
- $100 million combined contracts, USDA
- 150 headcount, 40 vehicle fleet size
Silent Partner / Advisor
Wisekal Architectural Designs, Inc.
Perry, GA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Introduced updated sales strategy and improved client acquisition/bidding approach.
- Modernized business technology by updating software and computer systems to improve productivity and reliability.
Chief Executive Officer / President
Freshpack Produce Inc.
Denver, CO
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Directed P&L and enterprise operations; increased annual sales from ~$40M to ~$108M through diversification and operational scaling.
- Implemented ERP modernization and deployed PeopleNet fleet management to improve dispatch, visibility, compliance, and fleet productivity.
- Expanded from retail-only into a diversified customer portfolio including government contracts, hospitality, schools, multi-unit restaurants, meal kit delivery, cross docks, and other segments.
- Designed and launched a transportation backhaul program, generating $4M+ in annual revenue.
- Built partnerships with other distributors to reduce costs and strengthen regional footprint.
- Expanded product portfolio including organic, local, and conventional lines; grew repack and wash capabilities to create additional revenue streams.
- 100 trucks, 165,000 Warehouse Sq. Ft. Combined across locations, Serviced 15 States
EVP (Start-up Distribution Center)
FreshPoint Arizona
Chandler, AZ
01.2008 - 01.2012
- First EVP in the organization to lead a full start-up (vs. acquisition), building operations from the ground up.
- Oversaw construction and launch of a state-of-the-art distribution center in Chandler, AZ.
- Built and trained start-up teams across sales, operations, procurement, and transportation.
- Implemented internal controls to reduce shrink, stock issues, and obsolescence, strengthening inventory accuracy and profitability.
- Streamlined processes to increase efficiency across sales and operations, supporting growth to $20M+ in revenue within four years.
- Established strong vendor and customer relationships statewide to accelerate market entry and retention.
- 25 Trucks, 30,000 Sq. Ft. Warehouse
Executive VP + Transportation EVP
FreshPoint Overton, FreshPoint Transportation
LaVergne, TN
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Led turnaround and expansion of the transportation division, building and coaching a high-performing operations team.
- Scaled fleet from 20 tractors to 50+ in two years while strengthening strategic sales planning and market share growth.
- Increased inbound/outbound sales and lane utilization across national routes (East Coast to West Coast).
- Headcount: 400, Predominantly serviced foodservice customers of direct and third-party customer mix.
Executive VP (3 Locations)
Overton Produce
, [NC / TN]
01.1996 - 01.2005
- Opened multiple warehouses in North Carolina producing $50M+ in annual revenue.
- Grew revenue from ~$21M to ~$85M through commercial expansion, operational discipline, and procurement leverage.
- Negotiated vendor/supplier agreements to improve net income and strengthen supply continuity.
- Expanded a tomato re-pack operation in Nashville to support all warehouses.
- Led purchasing strategy across multiple locations to maximize buying power and margin performance.
- Managed operations continuity and leadership transitions during ownership changes, including retirement/sale and organizational restructuring.
- Headcount: 400, Predominantly serviced foodservice customers of direct and third-party customer mix.
Operations Manager
Shoney's Inc.
Macon, GA
01.1987 - 01.1996
- Managed day-to-day operations in a national distribution environment, supporting service, productivity, and safety standards.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Vienna, GA
Middle Georgia Technical Institute
Vienna, GA01-1989
Skills
- P&L Leadership
- Operational planning
- Strategic partnerships
- Turnarounds & Growth Strategy
- Government Contracts (State/Federal)
- Food & Produce Distribution
- Transportation/Fleet Operations
- Procurement & Vendor Negotiation
- ERP Selection/Implementation
- Inventory Control/Shrink Reduction
- Warehouse/Distribution Center Start-ups
- Team Building & Coaching
- Client Acquisition & Retention
- Operational Process Improvement
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Regulatory compliance
Websites
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workSalary Range
$45000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Farm/Ag Consultant
Sweet Glen Farm
01.2023 - 01.2025
Chief Executive Officer
Palazola Produce CO.
01.2019 - 01.2023
Silent Partner / Advisor
Wisekal Architectural Designs, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2019
Chief Executive Officer / President
Freshpack Produce Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2017
EVP (Start-up Distribution Center)
FreshPoint Arizona
01.2008 - 01.2012
Executive VP + Transportation EVP
FreshPoint Overton, FreshPoint Transportation
01.2005 - 01.2007
Executive VP (3 Locations)
Overton Produce
01.1996 - 01.2005
Operations Manager
Shoney's Inc.
01.1987 - 01.1996
Associate of Applied Science - Vienna, GA
Middle Georgia Technical Institute