JOSEPH AUDET
CPG
Chelmsford,MA
Summary
Over my career, I have successfully navigated my clients through complex programs and opportunities. My budgeting, ROI analysis, forecasting, and presentation skills have been instrumental in achieving their goals. Let me bring my expertise to your team and help you succeed. With great pride and skill, I launched my brand predominantly online, securing distribution in college bookstores and HEB. From inception to execution, I was fully immersed in creating this brand.
Results-driven business professional with proven track record in driving growth and fostering strong client relationships. Skilled in strategic planning, market analysis, and negotiation, consistently delivering impactful solutions. Known for strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving targets, ensuring reliable performance in dynamic environments. Proficient in CRM software, sales forecasting, and project management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer/Business Development Manager
Advantage Solutions
01.2012 - Current
- I play a crucial role in ensuring our team's Success by overseeing day-to-day sales for my clients, including forecasting, planning, administration. Experienced in training and development of Retail Sales Merchandisers (RSMs) to help improve skills and outcomes. With my guidance, our team achieved exceptional results and maintained high productivity.
- Empowered the business by connecting clients, distributors and retailers while providing customers access to today's best products.
- Manage clients sales totaling over $65 million dollars.
- Negotiated and implemented yearly promotional plans for my wholesalers, distributors and retail clients to attain the best possible ROI.
- Worked with clients on overseeing account reconciliation.
- Worked in clients TPS systems as required.
- Utilized our internal access to syndicated and customer data systems to provide tools to clients to help me analyze their business recognize opportunity gaps, promotional lifts, sales growth and competition within their categories.
- Understand the client's business as it relates to the customer, to design a go-to-market strategy for each brand involved. Including but not limited to targeting the appropriate brands with the proper customers and implementing, executing on promotional programs and tracking ROI.
- Oversaw all account plans/programs by partnering with category managers to ensure the best brand positioning on the shelves for each client.
- Provided recommendations for new product launches and assisted in the execution.
- Supported the clients in creating, managing, tracking, and achieving their budgets and forecasts.
- Worked closely with other stake holders internally and externally to ensure all clients were supported and met their customers' standards.
- Developed and leveraged relationships with key decision makers in assigned customers.
- Participated in and led meetings for area or other RS area meetings.
- Provided flawless follow-up from sales calls with and for clients, including a timeline for execution for all parties.
Theory of Kombucha
Food Theory Brands
Livingston, NJ
01.2019 - 01.2022
- As a co-founder, I was critical in bringing the Theory of Kombucha to life and ensuring the brand runs smoothly daily. My expertise and dedication have been invaluable in building a thriving business that delivers high-quality products to our customers.
- Our journey began with online sales and then moved to targeting college bookstores. As we grew, we continued to expand our reach and eventually made our way to the shelves of HEB. Our passion for providing quality products and exceptional service has been the driving force behind our success.
- Negotiated a partnership that transformed our logistics and financial operations to a new efficiency level requiring a comprehensive setup of critical processes. We could guarantee seamless operations and timely delivery with our expert handling of warehousing, transportation, shipping, purchase order management, invoice creation, and accounts receivables.
- Partnered with a talented designer to craft captivating packaging that showcases our unique brand identity and elevates our online and in-person presence.
- Achieved three consecutive years of positive cash flow and year-over-year sales growth. My dedication to the brand and our strategic approach helped us to achieve these results. Our Success is a testament to the strength and potential of the Food Theory Brand.
- This brand was sold in 2022, yet it continues to thrive.
- Theoryofkombucha.com
- Annual sales: $540K; Staff: 3.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Retail Sales Manager
Advantage Solutions
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Develop and maintain solid working relationships with my customers, the vendor community, employees and internal departments.
- Direct of a team of 24 associates which consists of 3 supervisors, 1 merchandiser and 20 field sales personnel.
- Responsible for increasing sales and distribution for over 40 manufacturers in multiple retail chains, distributors and wholesalers throughout New England within all classes of trade.
- Participated in and led meetings for area or other RS area meetings.
- Responsible for driving my team to gain ACV for all of our clients.
- **Facilitated training sessions for new hires, enhancing team onboarding and operational effectiveness.**
- **Conducted regular performance evaluations of retail sales staff to identify areas for improvement and growth.**
- Trained new sales associates on company policies, selling techniques, and customer service best practices to maximize their potential.
- Analyzed sales data and trends to identify areas for improvement in both individual and team performance, leading to increased revenue.
- Addressed customer complaints professionally and efficiently, resulting in satisfied customers who continued to patronize the store.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss goals, progress toward targets, and areas needing improvement or focus for the entire team.
- Provided ongoing coaching and feedback to sales associates, fostering an environment conducive to learning and professional growth.
Education
BS - Business Administration
Eastern Nazarene College
Quincy, MASkills
- Build a successful Brand and helped manage all aspects of the business from pricing, operations to sales budget Eventually sold the business for a profit a couple of years ago
- Through research and persuasion, convinced Demoulas Market Basket to install the "Taste for Life" Magazine This decision made their account increase by $20MM in just four years
- Built a Successful career with extensive knowledge in the CPG industry calling on both natural can conventional customers that include UNFI, Kehe, C&S, Ahold, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Market Basket, Hannaford, Wegmans and more
- Skyrocketed division sales by $750K after securing five clients for the Military division The Military (DECA) is a highly lucrative market with excellent growth potential By tapping into this market, we have increased our sales and expanded our division's reach
- I have proven abilities to develop specific plans for success for brands like yours, while securing thousands of points of distribution (ACV) and generating millions in sales for my clients
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Analyzing Syndicated Data
- Brand Development
- Team/Broker Management
Timeline
Theory of Kombucha
Food Theory Brands
01.2019 - 01.2022
Customer/Business Development Manager
Advantage Solutions
01.2012 - Current
Retail Sales Manager
Advantage Solutions
01.2008 - 01.2012
BS - Business Administration
Eastern Nazarene College