Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Katie Kerns

Katie Kerns

Louisville,KY

Summary

Knowledgeable Area Manager with solid sales history and in-depth hospitality experience. Diligent and professional with expertise in conducting market analysis and recognizing trends within territories. Client-focused with in-depth knowledge of industry marketing tools to provide proper exposure to clients' properties. Over 9 years of hands-on experience buying and selling in the hospitality industry. Adept at tracking clients' needs and explaining available options. Proficiency with CRM, Google, and Microsoft software.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Area Manager

Performance Food Group Co
09.2024 - Current
  • · Manage a diverse customer base of restaurants, C-Stores, and nursing/recovery establishments, ensuring timely order fulfillment and consistent service quality.
  • · Source and distribute a broad portfolio of products including fresh produce, frozen foods, dry goods, and specialty imports.
  • · Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular check-ins, personalized product recommendations, and responsive customer service.
  • · Generate and process weekly orders, monitor inventory levels, and coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure accurate, on-time deliveries.
  • · Identify and pursue new business opportunities through cold outreach, referrals, and innovative research skills.
  • · Negotiated pricing, volume contracts, and promotional programs, improving account profitability while maintaining competitive positioning.
  • · Track sales performance, customer preferences, and seasonal demand to adjust inventory planning and meet changing client needs.
  • · Resolve client issues quickly and professionally, from product shortages to billing discrepancies.
  • · Collaborate with procurement and category managers to introduce new products, optimize pricing, and enhance brand penetration.
  • · Ensure compliance with food safety standards, delivery protocols, and industry regulations during all stages of the distribution process.
  • · Collaborated with brokers and manufacturers to show new products on the market, and negotiate manufacturer deviations
  • · Overcame language barriers using new technology

KEY ACCOUNT SPECIALIST

Affinity Group
05.2022 - 09.2024
  • Set up new customer accounts and updated existing profiles with latest information.
  • Obtained pricing deals, negotiated contracts and solidified beneficial agreements.
  • Documented customer habits and preferences and recommended product and service updates to management.
  • Proposed additional service options to clients to capitalize on upsell opportunities.
  • Supported key promotions by contacting established and potential customers to discuss offerings.
  • Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions, and close deals.
  • Developed and implemented strategic account plans to generate new, advantageous customers.
  • Maintained relevance and fluency on company offerings and industry trends.

INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Gordon Food Service
08.2016 - 05.2022
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of available products to best serve customers and maximize sales potential.
  • Determined needs, delivered solutions and overcame objections through consultative selling skills.
  • Emphasized product features based on analysis of customers' needs.
  • Used CRM software to maintain detailed contact logs and account records.
  • Communicated sales promotions to customers to grow average customer account size and maintain strong revenue streams.
  • Collaborated with vendor representatives and company customers to set up optimal delivery schedules.
  • Followed up with customers after completed sales to assess satisfaction and resolve technical or service concerns.

BAKER

Nancy's Bagel Grounds
09.2015 - 08.2016
  • Complied with health and safety codes to protect staff and customers.
  • Packaged and labeled baked goods with accurate descriptions and ingredients.
  • Resolved customer concerns with positive approach and constructive strategies.
  • Filled out inventory and production sheets and informed head baker of stock levels.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Developed new products based on seasonal ingredients, holidays and dessert trends.

BREAD BAKER

Sullivan University
02.2014 - 09.2015
  • Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Mixed, proofed, shaped and baked dough for baguettes, bagels and other breads.
  • Recruited, hired and trained staff of hardworking associates.

Education

BBA - Business Administration And Management

University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
08.2022

Associate of Science - Baking And Pastry Arts

Sullivan University
Louisville, KY
07.2012

Skills

  • Compelling presentations
  • Persuasive negotiator
  • Sales expertise
  • Goal Setting
  • Order management
  • Solution development
  • Relationship building and management
  • Expansive personal network working in all Central States Territories

Accomplishments

  • 2019 Sales Support Team of the Year (GFS)
  • 2021 US Inside Sales Team of the Year (GFS)
  • Highest number of attendees for 2020 Virtual Food Show (GFS)
  • Created weekly customer tracking and training videos for GFS Food Show which led to highest Food Show attendance to date (GFS)
  • Pioneered new technology which led to the company investing in new software to enhance customer experience

Certification

ServSafe Certified

Timeline

Area Manager

Performance Food Group Co
09.2024 - Current

KEY ACCOUNT SPECIALIST

Affinity Group
05.2022 - 09.2024

INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Gordon Food Service
08.2016 - 05.2022

BAKER

Nancy's Bagel Grounds
09.2015 - 08.2016

BREAD BAKER

Sullivan University
02.2014 - 09.2015

Associate of Science - Baking And Pastry Arts

Sullivan University

BBA - Business Administration And Management

University of The Cumberlands

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