Jason Kesler
Raymore,USA
Summary
National account executive with extensive experience at J.M. Smucker Co., specializing in account management and customer relationship development. Demonstrated ability to drive significant brand growth through effective sales analytics and trade marketing strategies. Committed to building strong partnerships and achieving outstanding results in competitive environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
National Account Executive
The J.M. Smucker Co.
01.2023 - Current
- Drove growth of Hostess, Uncrustables, Folgers, Meow Mix, and others in convenience class of trade for Central Region.
- Focused on key convenience national accounts, strengthening business partnerships.
- Led sales and management activities for retail and distributor accounts in Central Region.
- Lead the management and program architecture of the WAM distributor group.
- A consumer package goods company with a broad portfolio of leading iconic food and beverage brands
Director of Sales – Central Region
Hostess Brands
01.2013 - 01.2023
- Reintroduced and grew the Hostess brands in the convenience class of trade for the Central Region.
- Managed over $70M in annualized revenue, driving strategic growth initiatives.
- Successfully launched the Hostess fresh bread and buns program driving it to a position of category leader in just 3 years with a 25.8% dollar share in Midwest Convenience.
- Have grown the Hostess brand to the category leader in Midwest Convenience with a 52 week dollar share of 32.1.
- Directed account management for key retail national accounts, enhancing client relationships and maximizing revenue potential.
- Management of traditional convenience warehouse distributor network, including direct oversight of the WAM distributor group.
- Led management and architectural development of WAM distributor group, optimizing operational effectiveness.
- Manage and direct the activity of the Acosta Sales & Marketing team for the Central Region.
- Hostess is a revived iconic American brand focused on great products in the sweet baked goods category.
National Sales Manager
Revolymer (US) Inc. REV7 Gum
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Grew the business to +1MM in sales in just 2 years.
- Achieved a 15% ACV in the convenience class of trade within the first year of distribution.
- Led the sales efforts in the launch of a new confectionary gum in a highly competitive category.
- Oversaw national account management and conducted calls across grocery, convenience, and drug classes of trade, enhancing customer relationships and driving sales growth.
- Secured product listings with major distributors including McLane, Coremark, Eby Brown, HT Hackney, Supervalu, C&S Wholesale, Unified Grocers, and Nash Finch, expanding distribution channels.
- Secured distribution in key retail accounts: QuikTrip, WilcoHess, ShopRite/Wakefern, FasMart, and Six Flags.
- Developed and managed trade marketing programs across multiple classes of trade, aligning initiatives with P&L targets to maximize profitability.
- Hired, trained and managed a team of 20 regional brokers nationally.
Business Development Manager, Central & Southeast Regions
Frito-Lay Growth Ventures/Warehouse Brands
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Achieved +9MM in sales activity within the grocery and convenience classes of trade for Stacy’s Pita Chip, Spitz Sunflower Seeds, and True North branded snacks items over a 17 state region.
- Exceeded sales goals in 2010 by achieving a rate of 134% to plan and increased Stacy’s Pita Chip dollar share by +21 points.
- Held account responsibility for key retailers and wholesale distributors, driving engagement and ensuring alignment with business goals.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with key accounts AWG, Harris Teeter, and Meijer, enhancing brand presence and market share.
- Achieved new placements of Spitz and Stacy’s at key accounts such as: AWG, Ingles, Food City, Racetrac, QuikTrip, Casey’s, Pantry, Meijer and Giant Eagle.
- Built sustainable trade promotions that exceeded sales objectives while maintaining spending efficiency compared to the previous year.
- Successfully launched Stacy’s Pita Chips into the convenience class of trade.
- Executed the first ever pallet program for Stacy’s Pita Chips at Giant Eagle.
Midwest Regional Business Manager
Stremick’s Heritage Foods
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Managed licensed Nesquik Ready to Drink and Coffee-mate Liquid Coffee Creamer business across convenience and AWG grocery channels throughout Midwest.
- Led key account management for QuikTrip, Casey’s, Walgreens, Kum and Go, Holiday Station Stores, Loves; conducted sales forecasting, managed accrual based budgets, and coordinated broker and distributor relationships.
- Consistently achieved all sales goals for both direct retailers and distributors.
- Grew sales of Heritage products from $8M to $13M over a 5 year period.
- Successfully launched the Heritage Foods Organic Milk brand with AWG grocery retailers throughout the Midwest.
- Oversaw distribution operations for traditional warehouse and extensive DSD dairy distributors, including Prairie Farms Dairy and Kemps Dairy.
- Managed territory across 10 central states.
- Heritage Foods is a UHT dairy foods manufacturer and one time licensing partner of Nestlé.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing Management,
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR01-1997
Skills
- National account management
- Key account strategy
- Customer relationship management
- Contract negotiation
- Sales analytics
- Trade marketing
- Retail channel development
Timeline
National Account Executive
The J.M. Smucker Co.
01.2023 - Current
Director of Sales – Central Region
Hostess Brands
01.2013 - 01.2023
National Sales Manager
Revolymer (US) Inc. REV7 Gum
01.2011 - 01.2013
Business Development Manager, Central & Southeast Regions
Frito-Lay Growth Ventures/Warehouse Brands
01.2008 - 01.2011
Midwest Regional Business Manager
Stremick’s Heritage Foods
01.2002 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Marketing Management,
University of Arkansas