MARK ROCHE
Delray Beach,FL
Summary
EXECUTIVE PROFILE Accomplished sales executive with 35+ years of leadership in food service and food sales. Proven track record of driving revenue growth by developing strategic sales initiatives, expanding market share, and building lasting relationships with clients, distributors, and brokers. Adept at identifying emerging food trends, launching successful product lines, and negotiating high-value contracts across foodservice channels. Skilled in leading dynamic sales teams, optimizing sales processes, and consistently surpassing revenue and profitability targets in the competitive food industry.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Executive
Affinity Group
Pompano Beach, FL
03.2023 - Current
- Manage relationships with 7+ category managers across two OPCOs
- Launched 26 innovative dining concepts for colleges and universities in partnership with McCormick
- Cultivate relationships with major GPOs (Avendra, Premier, Vizient, Food Buy, Sodexo), leveraging prior experience with Compass Group/Food Buy, Marriott, and Sodexo
- Build strategic partnerships with four major South Florida hospitals, attending monthly leadership meetings to increase sales
- Led culinary initiatives at 20+ food shows for major distributors including US Foods, PFG Miami, Cheney Brothers, Gordon Food Service, and Sysco
- Exceeded performance expectations with an average of 12 client calls per week
Resort Manager
Banyan Cay Resort and Golf
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Oversaw operational setup during construction, including front desk, housekeeping, security, and spa
- Led task force at Hawks Cay overseeing front desk operations
- Managed culinary operations following chef departure, maintaining quality and service standards
- Role concluded due to property foreclosure prior to full resort opening
General Manager
Brotherhood of Thieves
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Reopened restaurant post-COVID-19, implementing comprehensive safety protocols
- Installed modern POS and wireless systems; authored new training and operational manuals
- Created a new website and brand identity
- Tenure ended following ownership lease restructuring
Sales Associate
Gordon Food Service
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Managed and expanded sales territory across New Hampshire
- Secured 16 new accounts in the first 8 months; built a prospect list of over 50 clients
- Designed a regional sales flyer to increase revenue
- Position eliminated during COVID-19 organizational restructuring
Food Service Consultant
Reinhart Food Service
11.2014 - 04.2019
- Oversaw a $4.9M sales territory with 65+ active accounts in New Hampshire
- Consistently ranked as one of the top 2 consultants in the Burlington region
- Twice received Reinhart Founders Club Award - Top 19 Consultants Nationwide
General/Sales Manager
Wellesley College Club
11.2011 - 11.2014
- Managed $2M annual operations during transition from third-party management
- Redesigned dining and banquet menus, improving food quality and controlling costs
- Implemented four new property management systems and led staff training
- Directed sales strategies to enhance membership engagement and retention.
Director of NU Conference Centers
Northeastern University Conference Centers
01.1987 - 10.2011
- Directed a $450K renovation upgrading rooms, furniture, and amenities
- Managed $6.5M in annual revenue across three conference properties
- Earned '5 Star' recognition for Warren Center and Henderson House
- Oversaw $550K in capital improvements
Previous Positions
Assorted Jobs
05.1987 - 02.2007
- State Street Financial (Sodexo) - Director of Operations (2006 - 2007)
- Providence Marriott - Director of Operations (2002-2006)
- Millennium Bostonian - Director of Food & Beverage (1999 - 2002)
- Marriott International - Various Roles (1987 - 1998)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI05.1987
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America - Hyde Park
Hyde Park, NY03.1984
Skills
- Operational Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Business Development & Sales Growth
- Client Relationship Management & Sales Strategy
- CRM software expertise
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Launched 26 innovative dining concepts for colleges and universities in partnership with McCormick
- Top Consultant Ranking: Managed $4.9M sales territory with 65+ accounts, boosting regional consultant ranking.
- Rapid Account Expansion: Secured 16 new accounts in 8 months, growing prospect list to over 50 clients.
- Revenue Management Success: Managed $6.5M annual revenue across three properties, achieving '5 Star' recognition.
- Twice received Reinhart Founders Club Award – Top 19 Consultants Nationwide.
Timeline
Account Executive
Affinity Group
03.2023 - Current
Resort Manager
Banyan Cay Resort and Golf
06.2021 - 03.2023
General Manager
Brotherhood of Thieves
05.2020 - 05.2021
Sales Associate
Gordon Food Service
04.2019 - 05.2020
Food Service Consultant
Reinhart Food Service
11.2014 - 04.2019
General/Sales Manager
Wellesley College Club
11.2011 - 11.2014
Previous Positions
Assorted Jobs
05.1987 - 02.2007
Director of NU Conference Centers
Northeastern University Conference Centers
01.1987 - 10.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America - Hyde Park