Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Cynthia Keefe

Virginia Beach

Summary

Dynamic sales professional with a proven track record at both Sysco and Bunzl Distribution, excelling in consultative selling and client relationship management. Skilled in visual display creation and effective presentations, I drive growth through strategic planning and a comprehensive understanding of market trends and effective solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Produce Specialist

SYSCO Food Services
08.2022 - Current
  • Assisted in product assortment management, trends and training sales team on key product categories.
  • Responsible for organization and creation of produce displays for sales meetings and food shows.
  • Learned proper handling techniques to ensure freshness and quality of products.
  • Continuing elevation of product knowledge through external training and self education.
  • Worked with suppliers and brokers to effectively market, sample and sell products to increase sales and provide solutions for end users.
  • Engaged with customers to provide information on produce selection. storage, yield, best application, market conditions, supply and seasonality challenges.
  • Consultative efforts and presentation of higher-margin specialty and value added products by showing operational efficiencies and profitability.
  • Increased produce category sales year over year through engagement with sales teams and building customer relationships and confidence.


Sales Professional

Bunzl Distribution NA
03.2020 - 08.2022
  • Developed and maintained diverse client base within the non foods, packaging and disposables redistribution market segment, using consultative selling, knowledge of evolving changes in the marketplace and customized programs.
  • Built relationships with customers and supplier to promote long term business growth.
  • Utilized CRM software to track sales activities, manage pricing, and maintain client records and reporting.
  • Analyzed sales data to adjust strategies and improve overall performance efficiency.
  • Built strong relationships with customers through personalized service, enhancing client loyalty through creative solutions, issue resolution and anticipating future needs.
  • Developed strategic sales plans for driving growth in key market segments, resulting in significant business expansion.


Brand Ambassador

Ultimate Creations
12.2017 - 03.2020
  • Developed and executed promotional strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
  • Coordinated event logistics with manufacturer and venue to ensure proper inventory level, booth visibility and staffing.
  • Enhanced brand recognition and representation of branc by executing promotional events and engaging customers with product demonstrations, using consistent messaging, visuals and marketing materials.
  • Increased brand awareness and loyalty at product and trade shows through expert knowledge of products, engaging booth design, consistent messaging and marketing materials, and compelling interactions with attendees,
  • Implemented referral program that incentivized word-of-mouth promotion, expanding customer base.
  • Maintained accurate records of product inventory, customer interactions and completed direct sales.

Sales Professional /Purchasing Manager Trainee

Bunzl Distribution NA
04.2007 - 12.2017
  • Analyzed market trends to identify new sales opportunities and improve strategic positioning to both existing customer base and prospective clients.
  • Developed and maintained strong client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and retention through consultative selling, prompt resolution of issues and creative solutions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline sales processes and improve operational efficiency for procurement processes.
  • Negotiated supplier contracts to secure favorable terms and pricing.
  • Optimized inventory levels by implementing demand forecasting techniques and just-in-time purchasing strategies.

Food and Beverage

Various
05.1998 - 04.2007
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked in diverse food and beverage operations in varied positions and roles, including management and culinary.

Education

High School Diploma -

Gates Chili Senior High School
Rochester
01-1983

Skills

  • Comprehensive understanding of products
  • Visual display creation and marketing
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Clear interpersonal communication
  • Responsive to new challenges
  • Organizational skills and critical thinking
  • Effective presentation and instructional ability

Timeline

Produce Specialist

SYSCO Food Services
08.2022 - Current

Sales Professional

Bunzl Distribution NA
03.2020 - 08.2022

Brand Ambassador

Ultimate Creations
12.2017 - 03.2020

Sales Professional /Purchasing Manager Trainee

Bunzl Distribution NA
04.2007 - 12.2017

Food and Beverage

Various
05.1998 - 04.2007

High School Diploma -

Gates Chili Senior High School
Cynthia Keefe