Robert Bankston
Tallahassee,FL
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in P&L management and multi-branch operations at Canteen. Proven track record of driving business growth, achieving over 20% annual sales increases, and enhancing customer retention. Skilled in strategic planning and team coaching, fostering high-performance cultures that deliver exceptional results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
District General Manager
Canteen
Tallahassee, FL
06.2025 - Current
- Direct all operational functions for the Canteen Tallahassee district, overseeing three branches-Tallahassee, Panama City Beach, and Fort Walton.
- Lead end-to-end operations across OCS, vending, and micro markets, ensuring consistent service standards, financial performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Provide full P&L leadership for a combined $23M+ operation, driving revenue growth and cost control across all business lines.
- Guide teams through organizational and acquisition transitions while maintaining workforce engagement and operational stability.
- Improve profitability through pricing strategy, vendor negotiations, and operational process improvements.
- Partner with corporate leadership on financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
- Develop and mentor managers and staff to strengthen leadership capabilities and accountability across multiple branches.
- Expand customer partnerships and implement growth strategies to increase market share and long-term retention.
General Manager
perQs Coffee Service
Tallahassee, FL
01.2018 - 06.2025
- Grew the operation from $600K to $3.2M within four years and expanded route operations from 1 to 4.
- Achieved 20%+ annual sales growth through proactive market development and customer retention initiatives.
- Increased Sales-per-Employee productivity to $375K annually.
- Negotiated contracts with regional and national clients to secure long-term revenue.
- Oversaw financial performance, route management, inventory control, and quality standards.
- Strengthened brand reputation through training, customer engagement, and consistent service delivery.
- Led teams across multiple markets, building a culture of accountability, communication, and performance.
Owner / Operator
Paper Fox Coffee
Tallahassee, FL
01.2017 - Current
- Founded and operate a successful brick-and-mortar coffee shop, managing all aspects of daily business operations.
- Oversaw lease negotiations, contractor coordination, and full store build-outs.
- Designed training materials, operating procedures, and employee guidelines to ensure consistent service.
- Managed budgeting, payroll, staffing, and inventory across multiple locations.
- Maintained profitability while delivering strong customer experiences and high standards of product quality.
Owner & CEO / Director of Business Development
Premier Solutions / Blue Grace Logistics
Tallahassee, FL
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Built a logistics company from $11K to $4.8M in revenue within three years.
- Advanced into a Director role with Blue Grace Logistics, increasing business revenue by 23% in one year.
- Negotiated transportation contracts and strengthened long-term customer and carrier partnerships.
- Led sales operations, including onboarding, mentoring, and training new representatives.
- Oversaw P&L, budgeting, payroll, and financial controls to ensure profitable, scalable growth.
- Designed supply chain strategies to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
- Delivered strategic account reviews to align customer needs with logistics and transportation solutions.
Education
B.S. - Business Administration
Troy University
Dothan, ALSkills
- P&L Management
- Multi-Branch Operations
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Business Growth & Development
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Contract Negotiation & Vendor Relations
- Customer Experience & Retention
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Financial Reporting & Budget Oversight
- CRM & Technology Tools (MS Office, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Clover, Homebase)
Timeline
District General Manager
Canteen
06.2025 - Current
General Manager
perQs Coffee Service
01.2018 - 06.2025
Owner / Operator
Paper Fox Coffee
01.2017 - Current
Owner & CEO / Director of Business Development
Premier Solutions / Blue Grace Logistics
01.2005 - 01.2017
B.S. - Business Administration
Troy University