Mick Kruse

• Increased sales revenue $210MM to $300MM by developing and implementing innovative sales strategies. 2024 average growth 18.5% vs PY in revenue
• Secured key accounts with targeted presentations, strengthening store brands amongst industry leaders. Key accounts, Kroger, Target, Supervalu, Ahold Delhaize, Meijer, Wegmans, Winco, Wakefern, Topco, Smart N Final, Giant Eagle as well as many others.
• Responsibility included all grocery accounts in the United States including Target.
• Heightened product awareness levels and increase profit margins 11% through negotiations with store brand Vice Presidents and Category Managers
• Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning. Grocery channel exceeded budget last 3 years for both revenue and profit.
• Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships. Wakefern, Stater Brothers, Ahold Delhaize and Winco all new business in 2024.
• Developed short and long-term sales strategies to gain market share, developed KPI's for each business manager, uncover new sales opportunities and increase revenue.
• Crafted overall team and account sales strategies and coordinated activities of sales executives to achieve revenue goals.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction through fostering ongoing strong relationships and providing exceptional communication with customers.
• Identified new business opportunities through comprehensive market analysis and trend forecasting.
• Introduced new products or services to market with carefully orchestrated go-to-market strategies.
• Navigated complex negotiations to secure favorable contracts for long-term success. Successfully secured 3 year contract with Kroger, Meijer and Topco, 2 year agreement with Ahold Delhaize.
• Fostered performance development of staff through ongoing coaching and mentoring on best practices. Team consisted 4 business manages, 3 Commercial managers and 1 Director of sales.
• Managed budgets effectively to allocate resources towards high-impact initiatives. Was with in budget for salary, travel and supplies each of the last 5 years.
• Cultivated a culture of excellence within the sales team by setting clear expectations and prioritizing professional development opportunities.
• Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement. Average score of 8.5 in Office Vibe.

• Responsible for 2 Business Managers.
• Primary accounts, Panera, Supervalu, Jimmy Johns, Target, Smart N Final, Winco, Topco
• Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
• Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
• Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
• Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
• Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
• Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
• Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
• Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
• Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.

• Barrel O' Fun went from $32MM annually to $450MM annually and sold to Shearers Snacks.
• Developed sales strategy based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions. Added new branded items and expanded out private label business to include Costco, Walmart, Schnucks, Deep River and many more.
• Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
• Exceeded targets by building, directing, and motivating high-performing sales team.
• Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions, and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.

Managed 9 sales people and over 90 independent distributors.

• Built positive and productive relationships with store and independent distributors.
• Expanded DSD network to cover United States.
• Added private label to my responsibilities, including Supervalu, Panera, Nash Finch, Coborns and Topco.
• Supervised 3 plant locations to enforce high-quality standards of operation.