Clay Marcum
Salisbury ,MD
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven sales and business management professional with 30+ years of experience in the foodservice industry. Proven expertise in sales leadership, business development, strategic planning, and distributor management. Extensive background working with Sysco and other major foodservice distributors, leading military sales operations across the U.S., Middle East, and Europe, and managing large-scale teams. Adept at driving revenue growth, optimizing sales strategies, and fostering strong industry relationships.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Led Sysco sales operations and assisted with the overall Sysco relationship for all Acxion clients
- Managed and strengthened relationships with Sysco operational merchandising MVP teams across three Sysco markets.
- Developed and managed strategic Sysco region relationships with Acxion Sysco Region Leads.
- Oversaw sales strategies and execution for key client Sysco partnerships.
- Developed and managed a unique direct business relationship with Sysco for fresh beef patties and Italian products that were Sysco-exclusive or manufactured directly by Sysco.
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
Vice President of Sysco Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2013 - 12.2023
- Led a 100-person team dedicated to Sysco Corporation, headquartered in Houston, TX.
- Developed and executed strategic sales initiatives, driving revenue growth for Clients and Sysco.
- Managed and strengthened relationships with Sysco operational merchandising MVP teams across three Sysco market.
- Developed and managed a unique direct business relationship with Sysco for fresh beef patties and Italian products that were Sysco-exclusive or manufactured directly by Sysco
- Helped expand the company from a regional to a national footprint
- Awards: Broker of the Year, Sysco Corporation (2016), 2021 Cargill Foodservice Compass Award for Leadership
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
Trainer - Mergers & Acquisitions Integration
Acxion Foodservice
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Led training programs for newly acquired companies across the U.S
- Executed onboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions post-acquisition
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
Director of Marketing
Acxion Foodservice
01.2008 - 12.2011
- Managed national marketing initiatives to align with business objectives.
- Helped to develop additional marketing services for interested clients.
- Led a team of designers to create compelling marketing materials, sales presentations, and promotional strategies that supported sales efforts.
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
Director of Sysco Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Led sales operations and managed a Sysco direct sales force across the Mid-Atlantic and South regions.
- Helped expand the company from a regional to a national footprint.
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
Director of Military Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2000 - 12.2008
- Oversaw military sales operations across the U.S., Middle East, and Europe
- Built strong relationships with military procurement and government buyers.
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
Distributor Business Manager
Acxion Foodservice
Pocomoke City, Maryland
03.1996 - 12.2008
- Managed business operations within Sysco in Pocomoke, MD (Lankford Sysco, now Sysco Eastern Maryland ) and Sysco Hampton Roads, VA.
- Led a team of sales professionals, increasing distributor and client market share while providing professional training to Sysco Marketing Associates.
- Formerly KeyImpact Sales
- Awards: Broker of the Year, Lankford Sysco /Sysco Eastern Maryland (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Marketing Associate
Sysco Corporation
Eastern Shore, MD
01.1995 - 03.1996
- Developed new business and penetrated existing accounts by evaluating market trends and recommending products to help clients succeed
- Conducted business reviews with Sysco customers to optimize their foodservice purchasing strategies
- Provided consultative sales support, helping customers increase efficiency and cost savings
- Awards: Rookie of the Year - Run for the Gold (1995)
- Executed strategic marketing plans to drive growth and retention and overall revenue for business.
Operator Specialist
RPA Food Brokerage
Hampton, VA
09.1993 - 02.1995
- Represented foodservice manufacturers and suppliers, promoting products to restaurant operators
- Worked directly with Sysco customers in the Hampton Roads area, helping them select and optimize foodservice solutions
- Conducted product demonstrations, menu consultations, and sales training for Sysco customers and Marketing Associates
- Collaborated with Sysco sales teams to drive product penetration and increase client visibility
- Awards: Broker of the Year, Eastern Maryland (formerly Lankford Sysco) (1993, 1994)
Restaurant Manager
S&A Restaurant Group
Hampton, VA
06.1992 - 08.1993
- Managed daily restaurant operations, staff scheduling, and customer service
- Ensured high standards for food quality and customer satisfaction
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA05.1992
Graduated -
Poquoson High School
Poquoson, VA01.1987
Skills
- Sales Leadership & Business Development
- Distributor & Military Sales
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Team Leadership & Training
- Foodservice Industry Expertise
- Mergers & Acquisitions Integration
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Revenue growth
- Client relationship management
Timeline
Director of Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2024 - 01.2025
Vice President of Sysco Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2013 - 12.2023
Trainer - Mergers & Acquisitions Integration
Acxion Foodservice
01.2010 - 12.2012
Director of Marketing
Acxion Foodservice
01.2008 - 12.2011
Director of Sysco Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2006 - 12.2008
Director of Military Sales
Acxion Foodservice
01.2000 - 12.2008
Distributor Business Manager
Acxion Foodservice
03.1996 - 12.2008
Marketing Associate
Sysco Corporation
01.1995 - 03.1996
Operator Specialist
RPA Food Brokerage
09.1993 - 02.1995
Restaurant Manager
S&A Restaurant Group
06.1992 - 08.1993
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Christopher Newport University
Graduated -
Poquoson High School
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