Sales Customer Service

Ken Cruz

** ******* ***** *******

numbers: 671-***-**** / 969-7066

Columbia, SC 29206 Email:

*******@*****.***

SUMMARY

Strategic and results-driven, multi-lingual problem-solver, rainmaker, and

alliance-builder with a distinctive international track record of success

in taking startup, turnaround, and high growth companies to new levels.

Astute business acumen coupled with solid customer relations and operations

expertise ideal for securing new business opportunities, expanding customer

base, and achieving corporate goals. Competent leader and coach with

success in mentoring cross-functional teams to peak performance.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND LEADERSHIP EXPERTISE

. P & L Management

. Strategic Market Planning

. Customer Acquisition and Penetration

. Sales Force Training & Development

. New Business Development

. International Accounts

. Resource Maximization

. Merchandising and Promotions

. New Product Launch and Positioning

. Territory/Broker Management

. Channel Sales Strategies

. Relationship Development

. Customer Service and Retention

. Business Reengineering

CAREER PROGRESSION

Seven Seas Distributors, Inc.

2004 - Present

Hagatna, Guam

Vice President

. Established from concept to startup a thriving international wine and

spirits importer/exporter/distributor with a portfolio comprised of

highly-acclaimed boutique/specialty brands from the U.S. (Francis

Coppola Winery/ Rubicon Estates, Silver Oak, Duckhorn, Heitz Cellars,

Merryvale, Schramsberg, Ferrari-Carano, Parducci, Sokol-Blosser,

Anchor Steam Beer, McCormick's Distilling Company, Frank-Lin, Hangar

One Vodka, Playboy Energy Drink), Australia (Billyrock, Hunters Hill,

Toohey's NEW beer), Singapore (Tiger beer), Philippines, and Europe

(Newcastle Brown Ale, D'Aquino, Lindemans, Samuel Smiths, Ayinger,

Traquair, Rochefort, Westmalle, Pinkus) . Spearheaded international

and domestic sourcing visits to secure agency agreements with

prospective suppliers. Supervised a staff of 8.

. Increased sales volume (every year since inception by 100% ) and

distribution network (by 400% ) with an expanded sales force and new

DSD and hospitality clients ( to include AAFES and NEXCOM military

exchanges, ABC convenience stores, Circle K, Mobil, Kmart, CostULess,

Hilton, Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Outrigger, Pacific

Islands Club, Outback Steakhouse, Hooters, California Pizza Kitchen,

Roy's Restaurant, Planet Hollywood, Lonestar Steakhouse, TGIFriday's,

Chili's, Ruby Tuesday, and WDI International) and developed a regional

broker network with export markets.

. Presented portfolio to AAFES and NEXCOM Military Exchange management

panel and collaborated with them to launch core brands to their

clients. Participated in Navy MWR and NEXCOM-sanctioned tasting

events.

. Increased market share by 40% in 8 months by introducing value branded

items to specific markets via aggressive promotional effort using

GWPs, sampling events, co-op advertising opportunities with account

partners, server/staff incentives, media and menu support and the

creation of wine and signature cocktail lists, and exclusive pour

agreements.

. Collaborated exclusive pour agreements with event organizers for key

brands at high profile events like the Red Cross Red Ball fundraiser

(1000+ pax), annual Lexus Owners concert (1000+ pax), and the Guam

Business News Executive of the Year Gala.

. Developed private label items for tourist and export markets which

were customized to their needs, generating over $98,000 in sales .

Department of Labor, Government of Guam

2003 - 2005

Hagatna, Guam

Deputy Director (political appointment)

. Administered an $18,600,000 federally-funded (FEMA) emergency disaster

benefit program (Disaster Unemployment Assistance- D.U.A.) which

assisted over 3,600 displaced workers.

. Spearheaded the reorganization of an agency with 11 locally and

federally-funded divisions, 55 administrators and staff and a budget

of $3,000,000, eliminated the duplication of efforts, and allowed for

the cross training of established personnel to improve efficiency

within the department.

. Created awareness for revenue generating solutions for the locally-

funded, federally-mandated H-2B labor importation program that had

been neglected for over 16 years. Reassigned staff to right-size a

historically problematic division. Personnel were originally placed in

positions which weren't compatible with skill-sets.

. Coordinated enforcement efforts to assess fines with companies that

weren't in compliance with program mandates, generating over $100,000

in revenues.

Philip Austin Corporation

1989 - 2004

Tamuning, Guam

Regional Vice-President / Managing Director (1996-2003)

Multi-Venue General Manager (1991-1996)

Assistant Manager (1989-1991)

. Established and spearheaded an independent division outsourcing

management services to companies facing severe operational challenges.

Supervised a staff of 7 managers and 70 line staff.

. Instituted the turnaround of 7 casual dining outlets by implementing

guerilla marketing tactics, staff incentives, cross-promotions within

outlets, building alliances with creditors, distributors, and

government officials, and establishing aggressive cost controls.

. Arbitrated leases with landlords on clients' behalf for favorable

terms to realize cost savings of over $756,000 annually.

. Negotiated promotional and media support and contracts with Budweiser,

Coors, Heineken, and Miller distributors for all locations. Secured

outlets as the official after-concert venues for over 80% of

distributor-sponsored events.

. Achieved average annual sales in division of $2,750,000 .

Topsy Distributing Company

1996 - 1999

Maite, Guam

Regional Key Accounts/ Business Development Manager

. Maximized regional sales and marketing resources for on/off premise,

export, and duty-free categories for the world's oldest Seagram

(Chivas Regal, Crown Royal, Absolut Vodka, Barton & Guestier, Martell,

Sterling Vineyards) distributor. Supervised a sales force of 4.

. Orchestrated the successful launch of Absolut Vodka with key regional

clients, immediately gaining a 30% market share from leading brands

Stolichnaya and Smirnoff.

. Conducted staff training for key KTV accounts to educate and

completely reposition core brands. Increased CASH sales an additional

$118,000 within this hidden sector.

. Created a $0 budget promotional campaign to revitalize dormant stock

worth $98,000. Inventory sat idle for over 5 years.

EDUCATION

University of Guam

Mangilao, Guam

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management

Also attended San Francisco State University and Skyline College in San

Bruno, CA

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army

U.S. Army Quartermaster Officers Basic Course,

Fort Lee, Virginia

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