Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Career Note
Timeline
Generic

Yesim Ulas

Norwalk,CT

Summary

Experienced sales professional with a proven track record of managing $35M+ P&Ls and driving growth in the produce and foodservice sectors. Skilled in building customer relationships, tailoring sales strategies, building and leading sales team, and collaborating cross-functionally—driven by a deep passion for food, ingredients, and their applications.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Wholesale Manager

Baldor Specialty Foods
Bronx, NY
01.2024 - 05.2025
  • - Managed a $35M+ departmental P&L, overseeing budget planning, driving sales growth, and identifying cost-saving opportunities to improve profitability.
  • - Hired, trained, and coached a high-performing sales team, using KPI tools and Power BI dashboards to set clear goals, track progress, and support their development through regular one-on-ones.
  • - Worked closely with pricing, supply chain, operations, and transportation teams to ensure smooth coordination and timely, efficient deliveries contributing to customer satisfaction.
  • - Participated in multiple presentations and vendor meetings, gaining valuable insight into how buyers respond to different sales strategies and messaging.
  • - Believer in customer-focused selling—I made it a priority to listen carefully, understand each customer's needs, and tailor solutions accordingly.
  • - Created weekly route profitability reports to help leadership make informed decisions and improve margins on key routes.
  • - Represented Baldor at trade shows and conducted client visits to strengthen relationships, grow accounts, and identify new business opportunities.
  • - Fostered collaboration across departments to create a more integrated sales process, supporting both team and company-wide goals.

Country Manager – Turkey Office

Paramount Export Company
Istanbul
10.2011 - 06.2022
  • - Established and led the Turkey office, overseeing sourcing, logistics, and export operations for fresh produce and perishables across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia.
  • - Built strong customer relationships in diverse global markets by understanding cultural differences, buyer preferences, and local demand trends.
  • - Managed pricing, cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and trade documentation to ensure smooth operations and profitable outcomes.
  • - Helped launch private label and new product lines, translating customer insights and market needs into commercially successful offerings.
  • - Worked closely with growers, freight companies, and QA teams to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery.
  • - Led a small but effective team, encouraging communication, cross-training, and a shared sense of accountability.
  • - Attended major international trade shows, representing the company and developing new business opportunities.
  • - Developed a deep understanding of seasonality, product application (including fresh cuts), and quality standards across multiple produce categories.

Export Sales Manager

Paramount Export Company
Los Angeles, CA
01.2008 - 12.2010
  • - Managed air export sales to six Asian markets; grew revenue to $6.7M and achieved 20% YoY growth.
  • - Developed organic product lines for Southeast Asia and acquired customers in South Korea and Turkey.
  • - Negotiated with suppliers and forwarders; managed documentation and customer claims.
  • - Traveled internationally for trade shows and business development.

Education

Professional Designation - International Trade & Commerce

UCLA Extension
Los Angeles, CA

B.A. - Business Administration

Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey

Skills

  • P&L management
  • Budget planning
  • Sales growth
  • Team building
  • KPI development
  • Customer relationship management

Career Note

  • Jun 2022 – Jan 2024
  • Relocated to the U.S. and completed the permanent residency process (Green Card). Took a planned sabbatical while supporting family and preparing for re-entry into the U.S. job market.

Timeline

Wholesale Manager

Baldor Specialty Foods
01.2024 - 05.2025

Country Manager – Turkey Office

Paramount Export Company
10.2011 - 06.2022

Export Sales Manager

Paramount Export Company
01.2008 - 12.2010

Professional Designation - International Trade & Commerce

UCLA Extension

B.A. - Business Administration

Istanbul University

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