Heather Brand
Lombard,IL
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Acosta Group, excelling in business development and customer relationship management. Recognized for outstanding sales performance and awarded for creativity in team leadership. Proficient in financial management and adept at problem-solving, driving significant growth through strategic planning and effective training initiatives.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Manager Assistant
Acosta Group
10.2008 - 10.2025
- Supported Business Managers/clients - generate contracts, maintain/revise proprietary systems, including Acosta Relay. Claims and order processing management.
- Developed training materials for new employees. Conducted training on Teams calls.
- Fostered relationships with key Business Managers to align business objectives and enhance collaboration.
- Proficiency in CAS/Spotfire, bCom, Blue Planner, Trade Pro proprietary systems as well as customer portals.
Phone Marketing
Acosta Group
10.2000 - 09.2008
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Responsible for calling core group of independent chains on weekly basis to sell in new items, offer warehouse clean-up deals and increase case sales.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Account Executive
Market Data Retrieval; Division of Dun & Bradstreet
01.1985 - 03.1995
- Developed and maintained client relationships to drive sales growth. Midwest hub. Educational data, school databases.
- Executed strategic account plans aligning with client needs and marketing trends. Interpret Marketing data in ever changing landscape.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to maximize results.
- With assistance from seasoned managers, conducted market analysis to identify new business opportunities and client requirements. Contract renewals and new business opportunities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL12-1983
Skills
- Financial management, system budgets, claims management
- Customer service, order processing, problem solving
- Project management, plan execution/contract building
- Customer relationship management
- Decision-making, ability to work independently while prioritizing and shifting tasks
- Documentation and reporting, writing projects in addition to regular tasks
- Business development, numerous Acosta Positively the Best awards for pallet/case sales, performance
- Sales and marketing Nominated for Chairman's awards, Ovation nomination from client
- Team building and leadership, noted for Teamwork, being responsive and creativity
- Staff training, assisted in Teams training offsite associates during AI/employees group transition
Affiliations
Active in Parish
Timeline
Business Manager Assistant
Acosta Group
10.2008 - 10.2025
Phone Marketing
Acosta Group
10.2000 - 09.2008
Account Executive
Market Data Retrieval; Division of Dun & Bradstreet
01.1985 - 03.1995
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Western Illinois University