Frank Ducato
Pismo Beach,CA
Summary
Results driven, account and sales professional with over 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry.
Persuasive and consistent follow through are some of the skills I bring to the table. Building long-standing relationships, uncovering new opportunities and utilizing my extensive connections support my superior track record.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Produce Broker
The VegBoss
Santa Maria, CA
06.2019 - 12.2023
- Act as a "self-starter" agent between the consumer/customer and the grower/shipper to identify opportunities for arranging sales.
- Critical thinker and professionally curious about current growing trends and technological breakthroughs in agriculture.
- Utilize both network connections, as well as cold-calling techniques, to align and match produce sellers with prospective buyers.
- Applied 33 years of produce sales and brokering experience to weave together the best possible outcome for both shippers, growers and customers.
- Determined customer's creditworthiness prior to sale to ensure transaction will be completed.
Produce Broker
68 Produce
Salinas, CA
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Maintained effective communication with customers regarding product availability and delivery schedules.
- Diligent to resolve issues promptly for customers to foster positive customer experience.
- Developed strategies for sourcing produce with best quality at lowest cost.
- Managed shipment logistics including tracking shipments from vendors to customers' warehouses, including all inspections and product complaints.
Vice President of Sales
Terry Fleming, Inc
Salinas, CA
06.2000 - 05.2018
- Participated in industry events and trade shows to promote the company and to recruit new hires and business relationships.
- Leveraged expertise and passion for "all things involving agriculture" to foster industry trends and competitive intelligence.
- Analyzed customer data to identify new sales opportunities.
- Lead contract negotiations for successful terms for all parties.
- Trained and mentored 20+ new and existing account executives and interns on solutions selling strategies, customer relationship management, and advanced product knowledge in a non-static, fast-paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Business And Management
Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo, CASkills
- Client acquisition and retention
- Financial acumen
- Industry trends - grower methods
- Identify, bid and close contract negotiations
- Strategic planning and account management
- Articulate in communicating value-based propositions, ROI and gaining trust for a positive customer experience
- Transportation planning
- Time management Self-starter
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Produce Broker
The VegBoss
06.2019 - 12.2023
Produce Broker
68 Produce
05.2018 - 06.2019
Vice President of Sales
Terry Fleming, Inc
06.2000 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Business And Management
Cal Poly
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