Eric O'Brien

**** ******* *****, *********, ** 49316

Cell: 616-***-****: abgixu@r.postjobfree.com

Executive Profile

Accomplished and dedicated executive with 22 years of experience leading marketing and sales initiatives that

generate revenue. Have successfully employed servant leadership skills to train and supervise diverse employees

in order to maximize performance and productivity. Driven to manage costs and establish mutually beneficial

partnerships with users, vendors and service providers.

Skill Highlights

Project management Employee relations

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Leadership/communication skills Self-motivated

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Product development Strategic Planning

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New product delivery Customer-oriented

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Negotiations skills Customer Relations

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P&L Management New Business Development

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ROI conscious Client account management

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Professional Experience

National Product Manager - Chemical & Beverage

May 2010 - November 2012

Gordon Food Service, Canadian Division – Grand Rapids, MI

Defined a strategy and business plan for consolidation of eight divisions into a centralized location for two

product categories

Directed strategic initiatives to achieve positive communication and implementation between divisional

leadership and vendor partners

Reduced and controlled expenses by formulating strong relationships with vendors

Implemented a reliable service network for Mosaic coffee throughout Canada

Improved strained relationships with vendor community to build trust with internal leadership teams within

divisions

Repositioned Mosaic coffee within the Canadian marketplace

Marketing Category Leader, Non-Foods Product Categories

January 2004 - May 2010

Gordon Food Service – Grand Rapids, MI

Assumed Chemical and Beverage Specialist’s management and produced a solid team

Successfully consolidated Non-Foods Product Specialist role by adding two extra categories

Solid annual growth while preparing leaders to succeed at next level

Incorporated Chemical and Beverage Service Specialists into a cohesive team

Managed a team of 30 marketing professionals

National Product Manager, Chemical & Beverage/Tabletop Product Categories

June 1998 - January 2004

Gordon Food Service – Grand Rapids, MI

Developed and implemented the Mosaic Brand of coffee

Executed slot reduction programs which opened up over 200 new opportunities

Created the first Point of Sale program for the chemicals and helped upgrade the internal and external websites

Reduced and controlled expenses while enhancing sales and margin every year

Defined strategy and business plan for Non-Food categories to achieve positive ROI each year

Executed integrated advertising campaign across multiple media channels

Image Marketing Specialist

January 1998 - June 1998

Gordon Food Service – South Bend, IN

Created templates on how to be a successful Marketing Specialist

Presented the concept of “How to Market Your Image” for GFS customers

Helped Distributor Sales Representatives learn to hunt for themselves by increasing their confidence in the

selling process

Worked with GFS corporate national marketing team to increase tools to sell non-foods categories

Distributor Sales Representative

January 1989 - January 1998

Gordon Food Service – South Bend, IN

Grew profitability and customer base while covering a territory in Northern Indiana and Western Lower

Michigan

Winner Circle Winner - Opening new business

Masters Challenge Winner – Penetrating existing business

Multiple contest first place finishes

Business Manager-Assistant Athletic Director

August 1978 - January 1989

Kentwood Public Schools – Kentwood, MI

Managed East Kentwood High School budget and coordinated school building functions

Helped develop and build first Ice Arena that was publicly owned on East Kentwood High School property

Created profitable pro shop on Ice Arena property

Instructed and mentored both high school athletes and coaching staff

Girls Varsity Softball coach

Education

Aquinas College

Business of Administration

Bachelor of Science

Hobbies & Interests – Reading, sports, coaching young people, Sunday school teacher, and outdoor activities.

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