JAIRO Roberto GANDO
Lodi
Summary
Senior Operations and Marketing Executive with 30+ years leading international food importation, brokerage, and brand development across the U.S. East Coast. Proven track record expanding distributor networks (20+ distributors, 180+ retail accounts) and driving revenue growth. Supporting clients with up to $2M in annual sales, delivering $400K+ for key brands, and increasing product weekly sales 4x. Experienced in FDA/HACCP compliance, cold-chain and DSD logistics, ERP implementation, pricing/P&L oversight, and B2B negotiations. Practical, hands-on leader who is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Italian and focused on consistent, profitable market expansion and long-term business stability.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Antichi Sapori, Inc.
Lodi
05.2018 - Current
- Lead daily operations and strategic direction for overseeing operations for U.S. importer of Italian specialty foods., overseeing sales, purchasing, logistics, quality, and compliance.
- Managed end-to-end supply chain from Italy to U.S., ensuring FDA and HACCP compliance, maintaining cold-chain integrity, and facilitating timely customs clearance.
- Led ERP implementation to integrate inventory, purchasing, and sales systems, improving forecasting, order accuracy, and interdepartmental coordination.
- Develop and maintain pricing strategy, cost controls, and P&L oversight to protect margins and support sustainable growth.
- Drove brand growth through targeted marketing initiatives, including "Real Deal" campaign, and strengthened social media presence to enhance retailer demand.
- Cultivated strong vendor and distributor relationships to secure reliable product flow and enhance on-time delivery and service levels.
- U.S. importer of Italian specialty foods
Founder/Fine Product Broker
Freedom Trading
Lodi
07.2009 - Current
- Founded and operate food brokerage serving NY, NJ, CT, and PA; managed product placement, sales strategy, DSD logistics, and market expansion for imported brands, enhancing market reach.
- Negotiate distributor agreements, set pricing and promotional strategies, and support sales execution across multiple product lines, driving revenue growth.
- Increased Giulia Specialty Food's annual sales by over $400K, contributing significantly to overall revenue.
- Built and maintained relationships with 20+ distributors and 180+ retail accounts, expanding distribution and visibility across regional markets.
- Boosted weekly sales for Via Veneto Import from $2K to $8K by implementing targeted sales strategies.
- Expanded customer base for Fancy Foods Inc., resulting in $2M in annual sales through strategic outreach.
Education
Marketing and Advertising -
Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte
EcuadorInternational Logistics Administration I & II -
Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil
EcuadorTheology - Highest Honors
Ebenezer Bible Institute
Newark, NJSkills
- Strategic marketing and brand development
- Supply chain management
- Pricing strategy
- Cost control
- P&L oversight
- B2B sales
- Distributor relations
- Contract negotiation
- Direct store delivery logistics
- ERP systems
- Operational improvement
- Market Analysis
Certification
- CPR/AED Certified - American Red Cross
- Certified Lifeguard - American Red Cross
- HACCP and FDA Import Compliance
Accomplishments
- Generated over $2M in annual revenue through new client and market development
- Expanded distribution across NY, NJ, CT, and PA, securing 20+ distributors and 180+ retail accounts
- Increased client sales performance from $2K to $8K weekly within one year
- Led implementation of an ERP system to improve inventory control and sales tracking
Leadership Experience
- Trilingual: English, Spanish, Italian
- Board Member and Trustee: Gospel Tabernacle Church (2003-Present)
- Former President: Kayak and Canoe Ecuadorian Federation
- Former Athlete: Ecuadorian National Water Polo Team
Timeline
General Manager
Antichi Sapori, Inc.
05.2018 - Current
Founder/Fine Product Broker
Freedom Trading
07.2009 - Current
Marketing and Advertising -
Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte
International Logistics Administration I & II -
Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil
Theology - Highest Honors
Ebenezer Bible Institute