Jason DeSouza
Henderson
Summary
Innovative and Strategic Individual with The Ability to Create and Maintain a Thriving Environment, Define and Communicate a Vision, and Inspire Action
Experienced with client engagement, sales strategy development, and territory management. Utilizes effective communication techniques to build lasting relationships and drive sales performance. Track record of maintaining high customer satisfaction and achieving sales targets through strategic planning and execution.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
District Sale Representative
Nicholas & Company
02.2024 - Current
- Las Vegas Aviators, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Golden Entertainment, Las Vegas Raiders Practice Facility, Zaytinya (Mezze Group, Jose Andres)
- Expanded a book of business from $0 to $3M in annual sales by securing and growing high-profile accounts across sports, entertainment, hospitality, and higher education sectors.
- Strengthened relationships with executive chefs, F&B directors, and procurement teams, delivering tailored product solutions and ensuring exceptional customer service.
- Conducted on-site visits, tastings, and product presentations with brokers and manufacturer reps to showcase product quality, versatility, and cost benefits.
- Negotiated pricing, contracts, and promotional programs aligned with client objectives and company profitability goals.
- Monitored industry trends, competitor products, and market demands to proactively recommend solutions for client operations.
Culinary Specialist
Advantage Waypoint
05.2019 - 02.2024
- Conducted product demos and sampling for 175+ customers, including major casinos and convention centers, driving product adoption and sales.
- Supported distributors in bringing new items to market, providing food demos and resolving product quality issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Played a vital role in supporting the sales team by providing culinary expertise, product knowledge, and creative solutions to drive customer engagement and product adoption.
- Bridged the gap between our food portfolio, client needs, and distributor demands, using culinary demonstrations, menu ideation, and product training to grow sales.
- Enhanced and strengthened customer and distributor relationships through strategic culinary initiatives and effective communication.
Marketing Associate
Sysco
12.2017 - 04.2019
Timeshare Sales Representative
Westgate Resorts
05.2017 - 10.2017
Pharmaceutical sales assistant
Supernus Pharmaceuticals
04.2015 - 08.2016
- Assist the local Sales Representative in Client Management, Growth, Sample Inventory and Organization.
- Assisting in the Sales Representative in Each Step of the call from Meeting Setups to Execution and Followup
Executive Chef
Reflection Bay Golf Club
03.2015 - 08.2016
- Oversee the execution of both special events and daily restaurant operations for a $2.2 million food and beverage component at the #4 golf course in the state, a Jack Nicklaus designed course.
- Maintain an average food cost of 28% and 21% labor cost off while evolving the entire menu toward organic, locally sustainable, and green food choices with consistent changes made to stay current with modern trends.
- Assisted the sales team in growing the business from an opening to a full $2.2 million dollars in the first year through tastings, weddings, local VIP events, charitable fundraisers, and hosting golf tournaments for the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
- Established Menus, Full PCAs, hiring, and operating procedures for a new component.
- Worked with local politicians, celebrities, and thought leaders throughout tenure, to ensure the presentation and execution of events was of the highest quality available.
Executive Room Chef
Caesars Entertainment
03.2014 - 08.2014
- Responsibilities
- Train, supervise and coordinate all personnel engaged in preparation and food development. Oversee ordering, production and inventory management to maintain a 33% food cost. Waste management, staff training and, on the job, coaching to ensure exceptional quality and presentation within a $14 million/year casino component.
Sous Chef
Station Casinos
05.2013 - 03.2014
- Train, supervise and coordinate all personnel engaged in preparation and food development. Oversee ordering, production and inventory management to maintain a 38% food cost. Waste management, staff training and, on the job, coaching to ensure exceptional quality and presentation within a $14 million/year casino component.
- Executed 3 outlets simultaneously: The Garden Buffet, Employee Dining, and The Garde Manger Kitchen
- Awards: Voted #6 on Gayot's Top Vegas Buffets, Best Of Vegas' Brunch: 2014
Kitchen Lead
01.2012 - 05.2013
- Motivate and Train Kitchen Personnel, Supervise and Coordinate All Personnel Engaged in Preparing and Cooking Food in Related Culinary Activities, Sourcing and Ordering, Developing Recipes and Portion Control Analysis (PCAs), Standardize Production Recipes to Ensure Consistent Quality, Establish Presentation Techniques and Quality Standards, and Plan and Price Menus. Established Inventory Processes, and Waste Management, HACCP Training, Safety Training, and Staff Training
- Maintain a 23% Food Cost at a $5 Million Dollar, Five-Point of Sale Property
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary
Southern California School of Culinary Arts Le Cordon Bleu
Pasadena, CANo Degree - Child/Adolescent Psychology Minor: Family/Drug Counseling
College of Southern Nevada
08-2028
Skills
- Experienced with MS Office applications
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Engaging sales presentations
- Hospitality Management
- Customer engagement strategies
- Skilled negotiator
- Cold calling
- Performance tracking
- Territory performance optimization
- Sector knowledge
- Competitive intelligence
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
Timeline
District Sale Representative
Nicholas & Company
02.2024 - Current
Culinary Specialist
Advantage Waypoint
05.2019 - 02.2024
Marketing Associate
Sysco
12.2017 - 04.2019
Timeshare Sales Representative
Westgate Resorts
05.2017 - 10.2017
Pharmaceutical sales assistant
Supernus Pharmaceuticals
04.2015 - 08.2016
Executive Chef
Reflection Bay Golf Club
03.2015 - 08.2016
Executive Room Chef
Caesars Entertainment
03.2014 - 08.2014
Sous Chef
Station Casinos
05.2013 - 03.2014
Kitchen Lead
01.2012 - 05.2013
Associate of Arts - Culinary
Southern California School of Culinary Arts Le Cordon Bleu
No Degree - Child/Adolescent Psychology Minor: Family/Drug Counseling
College of Southern Nevada