LAURA LAKOWSKI
CATEGORY SALES MANAGER
Ingleside,IL
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
CATEGORY SALES MANAGER
Lipari Foods
WARREN, MI
05.2019 - 08.2024
- Negotiated terms of sale agreements with vendors in order to obtain preferred pricing or other benefits for the company. Independent accounts and chain accounts in a five-state region.
- Monitored competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules.
- Aligned budgets to company goals and increased revenue on a quarterly and yearly basis.
- Collaborated with suppliers to determine strategies for improving sales and profit.
- Achieved profit growth opportunities by analyzing data and identifying selection gaps. Void reporting on chain accounts and category products, ensuring sales targets are met.
- Key Liaison supporting sales team members and KAMs to drive sales and deliver sales results. Communicating daily with teams on product knowledge and programs to sell to customers.
- Participated in regional general sales meetings and company-driven trade shows.
- Ensure all customer files are up to date using Powersell program with order guides and Web Focus reporting.
- Built and ensured key sales plans for all customers in regions were executed.
- Set buyer appointments and visited buyers, selling and presenting new items and sales programs. Also delivered results with broker presentations.
FRESH SALES CONSULTANT
SUPERVALU UNFI
Minneapolis, MN
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers in the Chicago area and IL marketplace to increase sales revenue. Traveled to accounts selling existing items and sales presentations on seasonal items, and survey programs sold to buyers and store owners.
- Generated daily reports on sales activities for management review. Reviewed sales weekly, monthly, and quarterly with the regional manager. Ensured sales budgeting was on target. Forecasted future sales opportunities quarterly.
- Analyzed customer needs and preferences to recommend appropriate products. Developed action plans for accounts for the regional team, including regional managers and account managers, and executed plans in the assigned market.
- Participated in regular training sessions on new products and services.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by providing follow-up support after purchases. Consistent sales visits, creating programs, and ensuring all promotions were sold on every sales call.
- Maintained accurate records of all sales activities in the CRM system. Sales Force.
- Resolved all customer issues for the products represented.
- Provided detailed product information to customers, including features, prices, and availability. Executed programs that work best to increase profitability, aligned with the regional sales expectations.
- Trained customers on best practices and Supervalu programs.
- Participated in company trade shows and all regional meetings.
Skills
- Data-driven decision-making
- Customer Engagement
- Sales Presentations
- Competitor Analysis
- Promotional planning & execution on programs
- New item expertise
- Product knowledge & trainer
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Sales Negotiator
- Category Reviews
- Category development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Direct sales
- Strategic account development
- New Business Development
- Business development and planning
- Analytical problem solver
Education
Associate of Science - SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC AG AND BUSINESS
COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY
Grayslake, IL 01.2011 - 05.2013
Associate of Science - AG BUSINESS THERAPY STUDIES
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 01.1997 - 04.1998
Associate of Science - AG
NORTHERN MARIANAS COLLEGE
01.1986 - 04.1988
Timeline
CATEGORY SALES MANAGER
Lipari Foods
05.2019 - 08.2024
Associate of Science - SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC AG AND BUSINESS
COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY
01.2011 - 05.2013
Associate of Science - AG BUSINESS THERAPY STUDIES
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
01.1997 - 04.1998
Associate of Science - AG
NORTHERN MARIANAS COLLEGE
01.1986 - 04.1988
FRESH SALES CONSULTANT
SUPERVALU UNFI
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