Jeremy J. Stratton
North Ridgeville
Summary
Results-oriented sales leader with extensive experience in key account management and customer relationship management. Expertise in driving measurable results and fostering strong broker networks to enhance market penetration and profitability.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales USA
MAUSAC GROUP (Bliss Foods)
03.2025 - Current
- Building ground up customer base for the Mid-Market Grocery and Specialty Business within the US and Canada.
- Tasked with building a broker network across the US and Canada territories.
- Attending all trade shows, with heavy focus on In-Store Bakery
National Sales Manager-Grocery (US & International)
Signature Brands LLC
01.2019 - 03.2025
- Key Accomplishments- Gained over 11 million dollars in NEW business over 4 years, over 3 million Internationally.
- Maintain and grow Grocery and Specialty Channel for Center Store, Seasonal and In Store Bakery in the United States.
- Manage multiple brokers across North America calling on Grocery and In Store Bakery.
- Direct responsibility for all international customers and brokers.
- Key Account responsibility for online business with Amazon, Amazon Private Label, Zulily, LTD, Alibaba and all Vender Direct Fulfillment.
- Key Account responsibility for all Grocery Branded and Private Label business working with Kroger, Giant Eagle, Sprouts, Albertsons, Ahold, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Costco, Harris Teeter and Grocery distributers UNFI/Supervalu, C&S and Kehe.
- Key Account responsibility for Specialty accounts that include Hershey, Disney Parks, Cedar Fair, Martha Stewart and Military.
- Manage, support, and attend all Trade Shows.
East Region Sales Manager (DSD/Alternative Channels)
Sunny Delight Beverage Company
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Key Accomplishments- Grew 2 Liter Sales within the DSD network +2% or 65,000 cases within 3 years.
- Grew Broker network sales in to Alternative Channels to 1.5m from 350K adding over a dozen new wholesalers.
- Work with 65 DSD bottlers spanning 15 states, as main point of contact for the Sunny Delight and Fruit2O brands.
- Built ground up relationship and go to market strategy with Broker Network spanning 15 states to expand Brands into wholesale and Convenience Store channels.
- Brands included Juicy Juice, Hugs, Daily’s Mixers and Sunny Delight Beverages.
- Trained Broker Network sales force on brands, conducting kick off meetings and being involved in customer calls as a SME.
- Key Account responsibilities for National Accounts within region (Speedway, Circle K, TSA, Thornton’s, MAPCO, Five Star and UDF) also maintained relationships with all RAE’s in region keeping company brands top of mind.
- Conduct sales meetings/presentations for the purpose of educating Dr. Pepper Snapple Group sales management on brands and new product innovation resulting in building the capabilities of the front line sales force, expanding market penetration and increased profitability.
- Execute/activate chain promotional activities at store level.
- Order and maintain all point of sale for 65 bottlers within company budget.
- Successfully created market wide incentives to coincide with innovation product launches and marketing programs.
- Conduct continual route rides with the district sales managers and account managers with the purpose of opening new accounts, expanding on brand sku line up, executing company’s look of success and educating on best practices.
- Controlled all Region Invoices and Accounts Payables and P&L.
District Sales Manager (Convenience Retail)
Coca-Cola Refreshments
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Key Accomplishments- Grew overall case sales +90,000 within 4 years.
- Won “Best In Class” display Award.
- Built ground up relationship with key convenience chain created over 5,000 new cases and adding over 40 new products to their Beverage Category.
- Full responsibility for sales execution in all local, regional and national assigned accounts for Bottle Can and Fountain business.
- Responsible for the execution of all sales priorities and initiatives.
- Managed P&L and Sales/ POS budgets.
- Responsible for identifying and developing core talent, coached and developed a team of direct reports while ensuring a culture of learning and development existed throughout the selling organization.
- Responsible for building relationships with Key Account District and Regional Management serving as the connection point with Sales area leadership in operations.
- Accountable for selling in and adherence to Calendar Marketing Agreements.
- Executed and fulfilled all channel, package and pricing plans provided by the Commercial Leadership.
- Provided a feedback loop to the department team and Director of Sales on marketplace conditions, including competition, channel plans, pricing architecture.
- Key Account Responsibilities for Convenient Food Mart Stores controlled CMA, Set Ads and put together all Marketing Promotions for chain.
Market Category Manager (Sparkling Beverages)
Coca-Cola North America
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Key Accomplishments- Created Best in Class Bottler Kick off for launch of 2 liter Contour Bottle.
- Called upon to create a selling module for selling in Olympics Programming into key Retail customers.
- Selling Module was used as a template for all future marketing programs.
- Collaborate with bottler leadership team to drive market leadership through the design and execution of strategic marketing plans.
- Developed selling strategies and materials to benefit front line sales force. (e.g. Power points, One pagers, Customer Sell in Decks)
- Monitor market conditions and report competitive activity to management team in order to understand program effectiveness and any implementation barriers.
- Work with key stakeholders to develop value based relationships with, and leverage, our marketing assets, such as The Pittsburgh Steelers, NHRA, Kent State University and Bowling Green State University, to maximize share growth.
- Created, managed and executed BGSU Athletics marketing to accelerate expansion of targeted brands at retail as well as extend our reach and build market presence, for both BGSU and Coca-Cola.
- Responsible for the development and execution of innovative marketing strategies for both existing and new brands, leading sales rallies resulting in building the capabilities of the front line sales force.
Area Sales Manager (Glaceau Brands)
Coca-Cola North America
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Key Accomplishments- Grew overall volume for brands from 250,000 to over 400,000 cases within 2 years.
- Won “Best Bottler Kickoff” for launch of vitaminwater10.
- Work with Coca-Cola bottlers as main point of contact for the vitaminwater and smartwater brands.
- Manage sales and promotions for four Coca-Cola bottlers with volume exceeding 400,000 cases.
- Conduct sales meetings/presentations for the purpose of educating Coca-Cola sales management on brands and new product innovation resulting in building the capabilities of the front line sales force, expanding market penetration and increased profitability.
- Execute/activate chain promotional activities at store level.
- Order and maintain all point of sale for multiple bottlers within company budget.
- Successfully created market wide incentives to coincide with innovation product launches and marketing programs.
- Conduct continual route rides with the district sales managers and account managers with the purpose of opening new accounts, placing cold equipment, expanding on brand sku line up, executing company’s look of success and educating on best practices.
- Built ground up relationships with over a dozen local sports affiliates to help promote brands.
District Sales Manager
Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Key Accomplishments- Grew overall volume over 10% or 70,000 cases within 3 years.
- Called upon to lead Margin Minder Training for sales department.
- Lead, developed and motivated sales force of five account managers and eleven merchandisers.
- Managed sales and promotions for 540 large and small format grocery and convenience retail accounts with volume exceeding 770,000 cases.
- Trained and hired account managers and merchandisers.
- Key account responsibilities for four large format independent grocery chains setting ads, activating company promotional and marketing programs at store level.
- Conducted weekly sales meetings with staff.
- Managed and meet yearly merchandising budget.
Account Manager Large Format
Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Key Accomplishments- Grew overall case sales over 3% or 4,000 cases within 1 year.
- Was called upon to be the Point of Sales Captain for the sales department.
- Handled daily communications and sales for 12 grocery store accounts with product sales of 130,000 cases.
- Built relationships with store management to achieve maximum space and display allocation.
- Presented sales promotions and exceeded sales goals.
Account Manager Small Format
Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Key Accomplishments- Grew case volume +5% or over 4,500 cases within in 1 year.
- Handled daily communications and sales for 120 gas and convenience stores with product sales of 90,000 cases.
- Built relationships with store owners and management to achieve maximum space and display allocation.
- Presented sales promotions and exceeded sales goals.
Account Manager
Gil Schwartz Distributing Company
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Key Accomplishments- Doubled Case volume from 30,000 cases to 60,000 cases within 2 years.
- Introduced and launched over 20 new product lines.
- Handled daily communication and sales for 120 grocery and convenience store accounts with product sales of 60,000 cases.
- Help to establish new product lines for western Cuyahoga County.
- Prospected and acquired new business.
Store Manager
McDonalds Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Key Accomplishments- Reduced Weekly Supply costs by 10%, also reduced monthly food costs by over 30%.
- Called upon and placed on Operational Excellence Team.
- Responsible for daily operations including managing, training, and evaluating staff performance.
- Interview and hire new staff members.
- Monitor weekly supply and food orders, month end inventory, and control food costs.
Account Manager-(Cotton Club Beverage)
American Bottling Company
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Key Accomplishments- Grew case sales 10% or 13,000 cases over 3 year period.
- Handled daily communication and sales for 150 accounts with product sales of 130,000 cases.
- Met with store owners and managers on a continual basis.
- Presented sales promotions to achieve space and display allocation.
Merchandiser-(ABARTA)
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Responsible for distribution and set up of product into grocery store accounts.
- Assist Account Manager in pre-selling of products.
- Built and maintained display.
Skills
- Account Management
- Sales strategy
- Market analysis
- Broker management
- Key account management
- Trade show participation
- Customer relationship management
- Project Management
- Branding
- Project Planning
- Staff Development
- Sales and Marketing
- Market Growth
- Staff Training
- New Business Development
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Collaboration
- Leadership
Letters Of Recommendation
- 12/16/10, This letter is in reference to my business association with Jeremy Stratton. As AVP, Franchise Operations, I had the opportunity to work closely with Jeremy on a variety of projects and initiatives. Jeremy is responsible for the Sparkling Beverages portfolio across the Western PA Market Unit. Our primary focus was to profitably grow the overall business. Over the past year, we were not only able to do that in the Central Region, but we were able to grow the Sparkling Business for the first time in 5 years. Jeremy was instrumental in driving the monthly Sparkling priorities and focusing on improving the AMPS across the Market Unit he owned. Jeremy’s self-starting nature and high standards for success were evident as he was able to develop a positive rapport with all Region managers and associates. Several specific examples come to mind. Jeremy was called upon to lead a Best Practice discussion on Selling Modules to 75 people on our Sales Operations call. He developed a role play structure to sell in Olympics to customers. This process was used as a template going forward for selling in all major marketing initiatives. Jeremy is the marketing lead on Bowling Green State University and was able to develop several programs to increase football and basketball ticket sales while driving Coke volume both on campus and in retail. Jeremy takes personal satisfaction in a job well done and is not satisfied with average performance. I consider Jeremy to be an honest individual with the highest degree of integrity and a person who is devoted to the Coca-Cola business. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Jeremy again on any assignment. I would gladly answer any questions regarding Jeremy’s credentials. Please feel free to call me directly at (412) 877-3919 if I can be of further assistance., James F. O’Keefe, AVP, Franchise Operations
- 12/01/08, I strongly recommend Jeremy Stratton for any job that requires quick thinking, great organizational skills and a pleasant demeanor when working with people. I had the pleasure of being one of Jeremy's customers when he served as Regional Manager for Glaceau’s sales department. He was a great asset during the transition of the Glaceau business from the 7 up distributor to Cleveland Coca-Cola. He was responsible for a territory that is serviced by multiple warehouses and two different ownerships. Jeremy always prioritized his goals and he helped us double the first year’s sales volume versus the 7 up business. Jeremy was efficient and effective in his professional role, but also took the time to engage my employees and retail customers with a genuine interest in how they were doing. I wish all our employees had the desire to win like Jeremy., Randall Cornette, Director of Sales and Marketing, Cleveland Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Timeline
Director of Sales USA
MAUSAC GROUP (Bliss Foods)
03.2025 - Current
National Sales Manager-Grocery (US & International)
Signature Brands LLC
01.2019 - 03.2025
East Region Sales Manager (DSD/Alternative Channels)
Sunny Delight Beverage Company
01.2015 - 10.2018
District Sales Manager (Convenience Retail)
Coca-Cola Refreshments
01.2011 - 01.2015
Market Category Manager (Sparkling Beverages)
Coca-Cola North America
01.2010 - 01.2011
Area Sales Manager (Glaceau Brands)
Coca-Cola North America
01.2008 - 01.2010
District Sales Manager
Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group
01.2005 - 01.2008
Account Manager Large Format
Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group
01.2004 - 01.2005
Account Manager Small Format
Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group
01.2003 - 01.2004
Account Manager
Gil Schwartz Distributing Company
01.2001 - 01.2003
Store Manager
McDonalds Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2001
Account Manager-(Cotton Club Beverage)
American Bottling Company
01.1996 - 01.1999
Merchandiser-(ABARTA)
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
01.1994 - 01.1996