Lafayette Pickens

PepsiCo Beverages North America — Columbia, SC
2025 – Present

• Lead all sales, distribution, and merchandising operations across a high-volume territory.
• Manage relationships with key retail partners including grocery chains, convenience stores, and foodservice accounts to maximize product placement and brand visibility.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans aligned with PepsiCo’s objectives.
• Negotiate shelf space, promotional displays, and pricing agreements to drive incremental volume and market share gains.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with warehouse and delivery teams to ensure efficient order fulfillment and on-time delivery.
• Analyze territory performance using sales data and CRM insights to identify opportunities for expansion and operational improvement.
• Train and motivate route sales representatives and merchandisers, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.

• At the helm of AT&T's retail operations, my role as Retail Sales Manager III encompasses the full spectrum of sales and operational leadership.
• My expertise in sales processes and scheduling has been crucial in exceeding sales objectives and propelling company initiatives forward.
• The responsibility of managing a dynamic team of 12, including two assistant managers, has honed my ability to nurture talent and maintain seamless store operations.
• The core of my professional mission lies in delivering exceptional customer service and resolving complex issues, which has significantly contributed to the store's revenue growth.
• With a focus on strategic planning and sales management, my commitment is to continue driving business success and fostering a high-performance culture within our team at AT&T.
• Managed store revenue, cash handling, and deposit reconciliation to ensure financial integrity.
• Oversaw day-to-day operations, business tasks, and a team of 12 direct reports, including 2 Assistant Store Managers.
• Exceeded sales objectives, resolved customer issues, and handled escalations effectively.
• Recruited, trained, and evaluated employees to build a high-performing team.
• Built a strong talent pool to prepare for staffing gaps due to promotions, peak selling seasons and turnover.

• Assist customers with the setup of Directv, Fiber, and Broadband services while convincing customers to switch to At&t wireless service.
• Meet and exceed sales goal monthly attainment postpaid voice gross adds.
• Perform weekly sales prospecting with local businesses to increase sales opportunities.
• Business to Business sales; Qualify leads, assess needs, and recommend solutions (negotiate and implement agreements).
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current technology trends relevant to the organization's solutions portfolio.
• Developed communication plans for updates related to changes in product functionality or services offerings.