Lara McCullough
NATIONAL SALES LEADER
Lawrence
Summary
Dynamic sales and marketing professional with extensive experience in retail, foodservice, and in-store bakery sales. Proven track record of delivering tailored, hands-on training to diverse sales teams while fostering an environment that empowers and engages individuals. Committed to promoting accountability and driving results through positive interactions and strategic guidance. Adept at leveraging industry insights to enhance team performance and achieve organizational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
National Sales Manager
FroDo Baking Company
10.2022 - Current
- Key member of sales team, contributing to strategic direction of the business unit
- Developed, planned and implemented strategic selling plans to achieve sales objectives
- Managed and grew relationships with national and regional accounts
- Qualified new customer targets
- Worked cross-functionally with marketing, plant management, QA, R&D, technologists, and leadership
- Managed and directed brokers for National retailers
Corporate Account Manager/Regional Sales
D&W Finepack
07.2021 - 09.2022
- Relationship and business management of key corporate distribution customers in the United States and Canada including, DOT Foods, US Foods, Sysco, PFG, Bunzl, Veritiv and others.
- Regional distribution management of 10 Midwest States with responsibilities for business growth, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning to meet company sales goals.
Director of Sales
DITSCH/Pretzel Baron
10.2017 - 02.2021
- Serve as a key decision maker analyzing customer, market, and competitor trends with a focus on business efficiency and cost savings; redefining goals and executing a sales and marketing plan to increase profitability and strengthen existing channels.
- Creating a long-term strategic plan (3-5 years).
- Develop and impart product and production knowledge to retail customers to satisfy their needs.
- Interface with customer service, logistics, finance, and quality control to ensure a cohesive work environment and customer satisfaction.
- Prepare annual sales and revenue budgets for all current and potential customers.
- Execute consultative business reviews with existing customers and persuasive proposals for prospects.
- Introduce company product portfolio to new customers.
Regional Sales Manager
CSM Bakery Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Advance and nurture opportunities with key food service distribution and industry accounts by leveraging superior product knowledge and client relationship skills.
- Establish product portfolio formulating and delivering customer centered solutions.
- Support new and existing business development.
- Direct and bolster all aspects of customer relations.
Project Training Manager
Robbie Manufacturing, Inc.
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Provide customer relationship management software training.
- Create and administer onboarding training materials.
- Conduct webinar training for brokers and regional representatives.
- Evaluate training success and present results to leadership.
Field Customer Specialist
General Mills, Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2013
Area Manager
Kraft Heinz Company
01.2006 - 01.2007
Operator Account Manager
Unilever Food Solutions
01.1998 - 01.2006
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Ottawa University
Overland Park, KSBachelor of Arts - undefined
Ottawa University
Ottawa, KSSkills
- Goal-inspired strategic business planning
- Skilled in client interaction strategies
- Customer focused product development and innovation
- Targeted marketing initiatives
- Profitable promotional activities
- Problem solving
- Negotiation
- Impactful business proposals
Highlights Of Special Achievements
Analyzing opportunities against capabilities and company sales goals to establish a sales plan to exceed company sales targets and prepare for future sales growth., 260% Growth in Sales over 2 years due to strategically built relationships with Kroger ISB decision makers and the National broker sales team through market visits, contests, and informative business reviews resulting in becoming the exclusive soft pretzel provider and a $1.1 MM growth in 2018., Collaborating internationally with various departments to improve and develop business processes., Recognized by Global Sales Head for excellence in cross-functional team leadership., Recruit, train, and supervise others to meet and exceed expectations., Commended by management in 2017-07 for excellence in leadership and employee training practices.
Education And Associations
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Ottawa University, Overland Park, KS
- Bachelor of Arts, Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS
Timeline
National Sales Manager
FroDo Baking Company
10.2022 - Current
Corporate Account Manager/Regional Sales
D&W Finepack
07.2021 - 09.2022
Director of Sales
DITSCH/Pretzel Baron
10.2017 - 02.2021
Regional Sales Manager
CSM Bakery Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2017
Project Training Manager
Robbie Manufacturing, Inc.
01.2013 - 01.2016
Field Customer Specialist
General Mills, Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2013
Area Manager
Kraft Heinz Company
01.2006 - 01.2007
Operator Account Manager
Unilever Food Solutions
01.1998 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Ottawa University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Ottawa University