Paul M. Kraus

P: 714-***-**** acq05s@r.postjobfree.com

PROFILE

Results-oriented sales and marketing professional with extensive experience in the tobacco, food, retail sales and

manufacturing industries. Highly competitive, self-starter and goal oriented with experience in sales operations. Well organized with a track record that demonstrates self-motivation, entrepreneurial ability, creativity, and initiative to achieve corporate goals. Attains objectives through creative solutions and persuasive selling. Professional and enthusiastic individual who utilizes effective negotiation, communication and analytical skills to produce viable business results.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Choice Organic Teas, Seattle, WA 2014-2015

Regional Sales Executive, Southern California Region

Managed a diverse clientele across Southern California consisting of over 20 foodservice industry accounts. Acquired new business and successfully increased sales of existing accounts.

Key Achievements:

Successfully acquired eight new clients through participation in trade shows, cold calling and referrals, ranging from Corporations, Universities, Distributors and Restaurants.

Recognized by Top Management for “doubling the business” for key accounts.

Ongoing sales training to distributors including product education, launching of new products and merchandising standards.

Consulted with Top Management on a weekly basis to discuss new and current clients, products, accessories and market trends.

Coached and supported client’s sales force with merchandising standards including new product launch and product education.

Sysco, Walnut, CA 2011-2013

Marketing Associate/Sales Representative

Managed a diverse geographic territory consisting of over 25 foodservice industry accounts with a revenue base exceeding two million dollars. Developed new business and successfully penetrated existing accounts and minimized loss business to achieve profitable sales growth and special objectives within assigned territory.

Key Achievements:

Successfully added 16 new clients through cold calling and referrals to company service portfolio increasing client base by 300%.

Provided extensive operational support to new and existing clients.

Penetrated target accounts, selling all product categories with a primary focus on “Center Of The Plate” opportunities. Consistently exceeded company goal by 15-20%.

Participated in sales and marketing opportunities; food shows, business outreach events, promotional and special interest programs, sales blitzes and product knowledge seminars.

Recognized by management for acquiring new profitable account with annual sales over 500K.

Evaluate market trends and recommend products to customers, based on business needs and goals.

Maximizing customer satisfaction level by monitoring customer complaints, handling customer grievances and resolving their issues for customer retention.

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Reynolds American Inc., Anaheim, CA 1999-2010

Territory Manager III/Sales Representative

Managed a diverse geographic territory consisting of over one hundred independent, chain and wholesale accounts with a revenue base exceeding four million dollars. Negotiated and sold product marketing programs, concepts and contracts. Increased sales and profit as a product advisor to retailers. Instrumental in stabilizing vacant territories, training sales representatives and managing merchandising personnel.

Key Achievements:

Led the division during new product introduction at the largest regional chain with average store sales exceeding company goal by 150%.

Increased revenue by 15% within two years through strong client relationships with existing customer base.

Consistently met and exceeded quarterly/annual sales revenue goals, up to 114% above quota.

Successfully built outstanding relationships with store management/owners by providing expert category/consumer insights and advice through the development of individual business plans.

Recognized by key account management for success in new product education and distribution contests at largest regional chain.

Exceeded annual goals by increasing value-added promotional sales from 85% to 98% of accounts in a two year period and increased annual revenue by $150,000 in a declining market.

Earned division performance award for successful contract negotiations in two regional chains composed of a total of 14 locations after a three year “lock out.”

Received regional recognition award as a result of uncovering a wholesale price discrepancy which resulted in a cost savings of $290,000.

Nabisco, Compton, CA 1996-1999

Sales Representative

Managed a diverse geographic sales territory with drug, mass merchandiser and direct/wholesale accounts. Recruited, trained and managed a merchandising team in developing and maintaining merchandising displays to increase sales.

Key Achievements:

Established working relationships with 65 accounts – creating new sales exceeding $375,000 in the first year.

Re-introduced and promoted the Oreo Ice Cream Cone product line, achieving approximately 70% penetration while exceeding sales goal by 194%.

Improved sales for major account by increasing sales volume by 45% in one year.

Introduced new wholesale food promotions at nine key sub-jobber accounts and increased sales volume by $175,000 annually.

Improved merchandising strategy which increased sales growth of the convenience store division by an average of 50% resulting in an annual sales volume of $190,000.

EDUCATION

Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, M.B.A.

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, B.S.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Skilled with Windows, MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook.), Salesforce.com

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