James Breuer
Eden Prairie,MN
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in commodity trading and international sales. Proven track record in contract negotiation and market analysis with exceptional relationship-building skills, adept at managing logistics and inventory in fast-paced environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Commodity Trader
Self Employed
Eden Prairie, MN
06.2001 - Current
- Created a book of business by researching and onboarding over 30 customers in the Midwest and nationally, becoming their market specialist for pork ribs.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, resulting in an average trading margin of 20%.
- Developed and marketed a private label, providing market protection from competition and maximizing profit.
- Maintained and managed inventory levels with various co-packers, along with negotiating processing and storage fees.
- Assembled sales confirmations upon completing trades with customers.
- Managed logistics for trades, ensuring timely execution and compliance.
Director of International Sales
Lamex Foods
Edina, MN
06.1996 - 06.2001
- Opened and established the South Korean market, becoming the largest shipper of frozen meat and poultry, with a trading volume of over 150 containers monthly.
- Reached $1 million in trading profit in less than three years.
- Promoted to the Director role within the first three years.
- Strategically sourced pork from processing facilities in the U.S. for export to Asia
- Developed a customer base in the U.S. for imports of pork ribs from England, which included large national restaurant and grocery chains
- Negotiated contracts and worked directly with freight forwarders to handle international logistics.
- Traveled internationally to maintain customer relations, and keep informed of market conditions.
Senior Research Analyst
Fingerhut Companies
Minnetonka, MN
06.1991 - 06.1996
- Segmented customer base for specialized mailings and offerings using statistical models
- Presented segmentation results to marketing team
- Monitored individual mailings to ensure effectiveness of segmentation strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Economics
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND05-1991
Skills
- Market analysis
- Contract negotiation
- Logistics management
- Inventory management
- Data analysis
- Customer service
- Quantitative skills
- Agricultural markets
- Procurement
- Commodity sales
Timeline
Independent Commodity Trader
Self Employed
06.2001 - Current
Director of International Sales
Lamex Foods
06.1996 - 06.2001
Senior Research Analyst
Fingerhut Companies
06.1991 - 06.1996
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Economics
North Dakota State University