Oscar "OJ" Jr. Harper
Mustang,OK
Summary
Accomplished Sales Manager offering high performance leading development and implementation of superior sales strategy. Proven track record of identifying and creating profitable business opportunities, qualifying authentic prospects and cultivating strong partnerships. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership and development.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager Mid South Region
Tyson Foods
Springdale, Arkansas
01.2024 - Current
- Developed sales plans for Tyson Foods protein categories and channels.
- Negotiated pricing and promotions with distributors and foodservice partners.
- Established relationships with key clients, enhancing loyalty and retention of existing customer base.
- Led sales planning, development and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts.
- Monitored customer orders and resolved service issues quickly.
- Analyzed customer data to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities for growth.
- Developed pricing strategies to maximize profitability while ensuring competitiveness in the market.
- Coordinated forecasts with supply chain and production teams.
- Prepared division reports analyzing sales performance and outlining market strategies for informed decision-making.
- Presented product lines and market updates to buyers and brokers.
- Assisted senior management in developing long-term strategic goals for the company's growth.
Distribution Business Manager
Key Impact Sales and Systems
01.2021 - 12.2024
- Drive company sales by aggressively marketing and presenting manufacturers' products to maximize commissions.
- Manage annual, bi-annual, quarterly sales numbers and objectives to ensure customer and company goals are being met. This is for 72 different lines.
- Conduct outreach to Large Leverage Operators (LLOs) to establish and nurture business relationships. a list of Large Leverage Operators (LLOs) to set-up sales presentations, open lines of communication and to increase business activity and report on them. Make sure LLO list is accurate with contact information, sales activity, and viability of the account.
- Built and maintained distributor relationships by assessing needs, introducing new products, and proactively addressing customer concerns.
- Prepare for and perform sales calls to set-up appointments with distributor sales reps and/or customers and visit them to show product.
- Prepare and present at sales meetings and trainings to introduce products, allow a distributor sales representative to taste and see the product, and educate the sales team on the product.
- Manage the manufacturer's marketing plan with the distributor to maximize sales potential by ensuring the manufacturer receives an appropriate amount of marketing activities.
- Ensured Operator Specialist(s) complete Call Reporting, Objective Planning, and LLO Maintenance in the CRM to meet operational standards.
- Develop sales budgets and plans with district managers.
- Prepared reports for senior management and principals, delivering insights on sales, business activity, and market trends.
Education Sales Specialist
Key Impact Sales and Systems
02.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducted statewide sales and counseling for K12 schools, focusing on top 45 largest districts, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
- Oversaw over 70 national manufacturers, representing all forms of nutrition for K12 sites.
- Monitored and reported on monthly and quarterly sales goals set by company and manufacturers to ensure alignment with objectives.
- Coordinated all client-based food shows for regional distributors, including SNA and commodity-style shows and tastings.
- Maintained communication with State of Oklahoma for commodity ordering and fulfillment, managed bids and forecasting for schools.
Child Nutrition Manager
Oklahoma School for the Deaf
Sulphur, OK
03.2011 - 02.2019
- Developed meal plans according to the Federal Guidelines for Child Nutrition, following the HHFKA 2010 Act.
- Developed customized meal plans for students with dietary restrictions to maintain nutritional balance and ensure safety.
- Hired and trained staff in food knowledge, preparation, health and safety standards to enhance service quality.
Self - Employed
Sulphur, OK
08.2010 - 03.2011
- Worked in remodel construction, consulting, and additions to homes.
- Consulted on a restaurant Concept for a local Air Park.
Food Service / Catering Supervisor
Chickasaw Nation
Sulphur, OK
03.2009 - 08.2010
- Planned and catered meals at events on and off campus.
- Managed ordering of food, supplies, and equipment, supporting efficient operation of the cafe.
- Trained staff on customer service, food & beverage knowledge, and health and safety standards, ensuring readiness for opening of Chickasaw Cultural Center Cafe.
- Scheduled shifts for employees to ensure adequate staffing.
- Created menu items based on traditional recipes, enhancing cultural authenticity of offerings.
- Developed S.O.P. and HACCP procedure handbooks
Restaurant Co-Owner/Operator
OJ's Chili Creek Grill
Sulphur, OK
01.2008 - 03.2009
- Managed employee scheduling, training, evaluations, food preparation, wait staff supervision, customer service, ordering, and bookkeeping, ensuring efficient daily operations.
- Coordinated various tasks to ensure smooth operations at the restaurant. and developed a new restaurant.
- Operated a catering service during restaurant hours on and off site, expanding service offerings.
Education
High School diploma -
Wayne High School
Wayne, WV05-1980
Marshall University
Huntington, West VirginiaSkills
- Sales forecasting
- Pricing strategy
- Market analysis
- Sales process optimization
- Pipeline management
- Account management
- Territory sales management
- Distributor relations
- CRM reporting
- Product presentation
- Sales territory growth
- Marketing strategy
- Strategic thinking
- Relationship building
Personal Information
Title: Distributor Business Manager
Certification
Level one SNA Certificate, Nutrition level 101 certification from ICN Institute of Child Nutrition through the University of Mississippi, Food Safety in Schools certification from ICN Institute of Child Nutrition through the University of Mississippi, Serve Safe Certification, Microsoft Office, Motus, Concur, Word, Excel, Sales Force, Power BI
Accomplishments
- Jan 1, 2025, to Current
- Regional Sales Manager
- Tyson Foods
- January 1, 2021 - Dec 31 2024
- Distributor Business Manager (DBM) at Key Impact Sales. In this role, I manage accounts at Sysco Oklahoma at the distribution level. I was in constant communication with all manufacturers and the complete Sysco team.
- As a DBM, I was required to set quarterly sales goals that align with our KIP program. I have met or surpassed those goals for 8 consecutive quarters. I maintain an active portfolio of at least 40 LLO customers and over 200 customers total.
- From February 2019 - January 2021
- I specialized in K12 food sales. I have strong management, communication skills, and customer service abilities. Most of my career has been in restaurant supervisory positions. I have developed knowledge of nutritional values of meals and have had to plan meals according to Federal Standards.
AWARDS/CERTIFICATIONS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Past President of The School Nutrition Association of Oklahoma, Board member of Leadership Murray County, Class # 13 graduate, Past member and officer of Murray County Kiwanis Club, Past member of the Sulphur Rotary Club, Recipient of the DRS Directors Going the Extra Mile Award
Timeline
Sales Manager Mid South Region
Tyson Foods
01.2024 - Current
Distribution Business Manager
Key Impact Sales and Systems
01.2021 - 12.2024
Education Sales Specialist
Key Impact Sales and Systems
02.2019 - 01.2021
Child Nutrition Manager
Oklahoma School for the Deaf
03.2011 - 02.2019
Self - Employed
08.2010 - 03.2011
Food Service / Catering Supervisor
Chickasaw Nation
03.2009 - 08.2010
Restaurant Co-Owner/Operator
OJ's Chili Creek Grill
01.2008 - 03.2009
High School diploma -
Wayne High School
Marshall University