LEE ROWDEN
WILLIAMSBURG,VIRGINIA
Summary
Accomplished professional with success in national and regional accounts, non-commercial and GPO accounts, distribution sales, corporate distribution management, new product development and customization, foodservice marketing program creation and launch, and sales agency management.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
National Foodservice Sales Director
Dessert Holdings
, USA/Mexico
01.2020 - 01.2024
- In 2020 I was given added responsibility for sales and management of Dessert Holdings Field Sales including sales agencies, foodservice distribution, and Mexico
- Accomplishments: Exceeded Chain Sales Plan FY’ 23 of $56MM ($59.6MM); Exceeded Non-Com and Field Plan FY’ 23 by 8%; Secured Sodexo/USA and Premier Healthcare agreements for 2020 -2023;
- Darden achieved $23.7MM FY’ 23 vs. 0.0 in 2016 (added additional core item at Olive Garden)
- Developed two new items for McAlister's Deli/Focus Brands $1.2 MM in '23
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans to increase customer base and ensure customer retention.
- Negotiated contracts with potential clients while maintaining a focus on profitability objectives.
- Managed financial forecasting for future sales activity based on historical performance metrics.
- Monitored competitor activities in order to anticipate changes in the marketplace.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key organizations and professionals to support future business growth objectives.
- Presented sales proposals to prospective customers to build new opportunities.
- Analyzed business and sales targets using critical problem-solving skills.
National Account Sales Manager
Dessert Holdings
, Foodservice Division
01.2016 - 01.2019
- As National Account Sales Manager for the foodservice division, responsibilities include sales of The Original Cakerie and Lawler’s Desserts products into national and regional chain accounts
- Accomplishments: Exceeded Sales Plan FY’ 19 of $16MM; Exceeded Sales Plan FY’18 of $12MM; Penetration of Darden Group $4MM; Penetration of BBI Group resulting in $3MM increase in 2019
- Grew brand awareness by increasing market penetration with customer-focused approaches.
- Demonstrated products at customer locations and answered questions.
- Monitored trends in customer industries and marketplaces to shape sales methods.
- Boosted profit opportunities, generating new accounts and successfully managing existing customer base to meet advertising needs.
National Sales Executive
Harry & David
Wholesale Division
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Responsibilities include sales and management of existing foodservice, travel and convenience channels for the wholesale division while generating new opportunities at commercial and non-commercial accounts
- Creating cross-functional strategies and taking a leadership role for implementation within the division
- Accomplishments: Marketing and Sales initiatives generated sales increases of 21% in FY’15
- Restructured sales agency team for foodservice and specialty business channels.
Director of National Accounts
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
Foodservice Division
01.2003 - 01.2013
- To increase the Pinnacle profile with foodservice national accounts, non-commercial/GPO accounts, military and corrections channels
- Increase sales to existing accounts by introducing new items and programs and acquiring new distribution
- Specify, secure and develop new account partnerships
- Created and deployed non-commercial initiatives to increase penetration and drive compliance
- Accomplishments: Sales Champion Award Winner 2009 Double-digit sales increase over $30MM base Exceeded sales plans for commercial and non-commercial accounts FY’00-FY’13 Secured long-term agreements with the following accounts:
- Foodbuy/Compass
- Premier Healthcare
- Sodexo-USA
- Chick-fil-A
- Subway
- Bloomin’ Brands
Eastern Division Sales Manager
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
Foodservice Division
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Managed Maine to Florida broker agencies, assigned national accounts, developed and implemented corporate strategies for increasing distribution network, division marketing funds management, division P/L and plan attainment in the sale of Vlasic and Swanson products
- Accomplishments: Secured national agreement with Burger King $2MM New product innovation and single-source for new Subway item $1.8MM on base of $26MM
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and customers.
- Created business plans to ensure long-term growth in revenue and market share.
- Developed marketing campaigns to introduce new products or services into the marketplace.
- Established partnerships with key clients by providing exceptional customer service.
Senior Product Manager/National Account Sales
Smithfield Packing Company
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Increased national account sales, enhanced P/L management for the bacon category, cost-risk management for raw materials, new product development and field marketing programs
- Developed costing and product programs to assist Smithfield Companies sister organizations in securing agreements with foodservice chains
- Accomplishments: Developed, collaborated and secured agreements with the following:
- Coordinated product launches and promotional activities across multiple channels including web, email and social media.
- Participated in product demos at trade shows or other industry events.
- Planet Hollywood
- Logan’s Roadhouse
- Carnival Cruise
- Houlihan’s
- Restructured foodservice bacon product category by decreasing true cost of goods sold and increased profitability
- Creation and execution of Foodservice Bacon strategic plan that included elimination of non-performing items, assignment of specific target margins, and field sales incentives for operators, distributors and foodservice sales personnel.
National Sales Manager
Claw Island Foods
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Sales to foodservice, retail and specialty markets.
Eastern Division Manager
Custom Foods
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Sales to national chains, K-12 and industrial accounts.
Mid-Atlantic Region Manager
Armour Swift-Eckrich
01.1986 - 01.1996
- Broker Manager, Corporate Accounts Manager, Regional Chains
Mid-Atlantic Region Manager
Doskocil Companies, Inc.
01.1986 - 01.1996
- Broker Manager, Corporate Accounts Manager, Regional Chains
Foodservice Sales Representative
Hillshire Farms & Kahn’s
01.1986 - 01.1996
- Territory Manager, Broker Manager, Regional Chains
Education
Skills
- Chain account sales and development
- Non-Commercial/GPO sales and compliance management
- Distribution group sales and management
- Sales Agency Management
- Strategic Initiative creation and implementation
- P&L Management
- New product development
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Contract negotiation
Timeline
National Foodservice Sales Director
Dessert Holdings
01.2020 - 01.2024
National Account Sales Manager
Dessert Holdings
01.2016 - 01.2019
National Sales Executive
Harry & David
01.2014 - 01.2016
Director of National Accounts
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
01.2003 - 01.2013
Eastern Division Sales Manager
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
01.2000 - 01.2003
Senior Product Manager/National Account Sales
Smithfield Packing Company
01.1998 - 01.1999
National Sales Manager
Claw Island Foods
01.1997 - 01.1998
Eastern Division Manager
Custom Foods
01.1996 - 01.1997
Mid-Atlantic Region Manager
Armour Swift-Eckrich
01.1986 - 01.1996
Mid-Atlantic Region Manager
Doskocil Companies, Inc.
01.1986 - 01.1996
Foodservice Sales Representative
Hillshire Farms & Kahn’s
01.1986 - 01.1996
Similar Profiles
FEBIN JOSEPHFEBIN JOSEPH
Production Associate at Dessert HoldingsProduction Associate at Dessert Holdings
Sullivan NevadaSullivan Nevada
Microbiology (Food Safety) Manager at Dessert HoldingsMicrobiology (Food Safety) Manager at Dessert Holdings
Cathy ManfrediniCathy Manfredini
Accounts Payable Specialist (Contract) at Dessert HoldingsAccounts Payable Specialist (Contract) at Dessert Holdings
Alessya SmileyAlessya Smiley
Shift Leader at Chick-Fil-AShift Leader at Chick-Fil-A
Erika WesternErika Western
Server at Bonefish Grill RestaurantsServer at Bonefish Grill Restaurants