James Suthard

• Manage retail distribution with key partners like GFI, UNFI/Tony’s, KeHE, World’s Best Cheese, and Vesta.
• Overseeing retail grocery sales in major outlets such as Safeway, Raley's, Wakefern, Spec’s, Nugget, Whole Foods, Kawalski’s, and Molly Stone’s.
• Growing Food Service sales with Sysco/European Imports, Chef’s Warehouse, Vesta, and Shamrock.
• Achieved a remarkable 30% increase in first-year sales over 2022.

• Managed sales to Restaurants, Hotels, and Casinos in Northern CA and NV.
• Led a team of three, focusing on customer service, value, and new product line growth.
• Achieved a 22% increase in business during tenure.

• Initiated the development of new product lines and growth strategies in the Food Service category.
• Conducted training and implemented tools for the Sales Team.
• Managed a team of 5 inside sales representatives, providing guidance, coaching and training.
• Analyzed customer data to identify potential opportunities for growth in new markets.
• Conducted weekly one-on-one meetings with each inside sales representative to review performance and set individual goals.

• Promoted all products and services of PFG, building sales with new and existing customers.
• Provided training and support to team members on product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer service best practices.
• Worked closely with existing accounts to grow market share.

* Prospecting/New Business Development:

* Approach and build relationships with new or potential customers.

* Grow territory in total sales, number of accounts, and sales per account.

* Account Maintenance: Consistently demonstrate responsiveness, strong customer focus, and ability to build good customer relationships.

* Serve as an ongoing customer resource and a problem-solver.

Managed account base: 230 distribution clients representing multiple product lines. Accountable for yearly budgets; marketing programs, line penetration and category sales growth.

Product Training: Organize and conduct training meetings and product seminars for customers, brokers and distributor representatives. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of company’s and competitors’ evolving product lines.

Inventory Control: Monitor product distribution from Advance Food Company to end user. Anticipate and resolve problems to ensure smooth product flow.

Business/Organizational Functions: Effectively manage geographic territory for efficient and thorough account coverage. Prepare sales plans and report for senior management.

Key Accomplishments

 Consistently meet or exceed sales objectives that require significant new as well as retained business every year. (8% total sales growth in 2010, 11% sales growth 4th quarter 2010).

 Successfully expand sales to existing customers through relationship-building and cross-selling; demonstrate thorough knowledge of our products, training ability and line conversion opportunities (Sysco L.A. Lamb and

Veal product line conversion 2003, $100,000 in new sales).

 Recognized for effective account troubleshooting and strong sales presentation skills; often called on to assist with major projects (Successful product launch, Sirloin Burger with Jack in the Box, creator of the Philly Burger for Carl’s Jr.)

Honors and Awards

 Grand Achiever Award, 2004 (awarded to top sales for attitude, sales growth and other contributions).

 Award of Excellence, 2008 (awarded for training and sales presentation abilities).