Resume

JAMES I. MERKEL

*** ********* *****, **********, ** 30004 . 404-***-**** (Cell)

. abmrhm@r.postjobfree.com

. http://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmerkel

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Entrepreneurial World Class Marketer, Brand Builder, Business

Transformation Leader

Accomplished Global Marketing & Sales Executive, with a record of success

in growing top and bottom lines, market share, profits and shareholders

value in the consumer packaged goods, food and beverage sectors. Built and

commercialized two successful start-up companies. Proven strengths in full

P&L management, "total marketing mix application", R&D, sales development,

operations, manufacturing, finance, and human resources. Demonstrated

leadership in creating market differentiation, building brand equity, and

developing a competitive business advantage in an expanding global economy.

Visionary strategic planner and thinker, excels at identifying

opportunities and creating innovative "solution strategies" that enhance

profitable growth, ROI, and customer loyalty. Pro-active team leader and

developer, interacts hands-on with all employees within the organization.

Promotes a collaborative work culture resulting in open communications,

idea exchange and environments that are based on mutual respect, trust, and

uncompromising integrity. Persuasive communicator with excellent listening

skills.

Key qualifications include:

. Corporate Vision and Strategic . Sales and Marketing Leadership

Planning

. Joint Ventures and Strategic . Major Acct.Development & Client

Business Partnerships Relations

. Talent Acquisition and Development . Financial and P&L Management

. Building Strong Teams . Cost Reduction / Containment and

Profit Optimization

. New Product Development and Launch . Global Market Penetration and

Strategy Pricing Strategies

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Froots Franchise Company, Atlanta, GA.

2007

to Present

Georgia Area Director / Franchise Owner

Approved independent agent assigned the rights and license to develop the

state of Georgia assisting franchisees to operate successful Froots

restaurants. Actively recruited new and qualified franchise owners, active

lead in securing high traffic real estate locations, negotiated leases,

consulted on construction build-out and opening of stores, provided

franchise owners with ongoing operational, marketing and training support.

Designed strategic sales and marketing initiatives increasing revenue and

brand image.

. Increased store revenues from $165,000 a year to $337,000 first 12 months of

operations and reduced costs 18%.

. Sold 4 store franchises in first 10 months resulting in + $1,000,000 in revenue.

. Established strategic partnerships with local chambers of commerce, schools,

health clubs, area businesses, corporations

positioning Froots as the"Community Involved Vendor". As a result, revenues

increased 48%, cash flow 64% and profits 19%.

. Teamed with renowned consultant, former McDonald's VP marketing, Tom

Feltenstein, creating Froots Corporate 2008

Marketing Programs. Company revenue for 2008 was +22.2% against same store sales

for the 12 month period in 2007.

The Hello Cola Company, Ball Ground, GA.

1995 to

2006

President & CEO

Provided executive leadership for + $9MM start-up niche beverage company

operating in the US, Mexico, Central America, Colombia and the Philippines.

Directed operations and strategic direction with full P&L responsibility

including long range planning, global product management and new product

development. Raised capital to launch company and led development of

proprietary product formulas and trademarks. Reported to Board of

Directors.

. Increased EBIT $1.5MM, improved quality of products, delivered 100% of product

contracts on time by negotiating strategic

partnerships with 6 bottler manufacturers and distributors in Mexico, Guatemala,

Colombia, and the Philippines.

. Expanded global sales to $6.5MM and increased gross profit 28% by attaining

sales contracts with 4 key global customers

including Price Smarts Clubs (24 stores) in Central America and Sam's Club

(32stores) in Mexico.

. Increased year-over year operating profit by an average of 32% each year.

JAMES I. MERKEL

Page 2

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World Wide Beverage Company, Atlanta, GA.

1990 to

1995

President & CEO

Envisioned concept and founded unique beverage marketing company by

creating a complete line of soft drink beverages, flavored one calorie

waters, natural spring water and RTD teas distributed by all Sam Clubs in

the US and internationally. Complete responsibility for P&L, sales,

marketing and operations leadership and vision. Cultivated successful long-

term relationships with entire Wal-Mart management teams and production

network of 13 bottler manufacturers and 1 international bottler.

. Structured and implemented a "guerilla" sales / marketing plan that successfully

built brand name recognition and grew the company

from start-up to more than $125MM in annual sales in 2 years.

. Sourced, developed and launched 13 new beverage products over a 2 year period

that generated $65MM in cumulative revenues and

$5.5MM to the bottom line. 20 oz. PET bottle introduced in 4 flavors was an

instant success, allowing Sam's to compete in the

convenience store segment with better profit margin than Coke & Pepsi.

. Assembled and managed production network of 13 US bottlers plus 1 in Bayamon,

Puerto Rico that produced over 24MM beverage

cases annually for Sam's club / Sam's Export. Increased bottler efficiency by

33%.

. Secured $500,000 line of credit with only 6 months of operating history to

purchase vending machines for each Sam's Clubs 225

locations. Paid off loan in 4 months. Vending increased WWB sales + 37%. Sam's

Club realized profits of $5MM annually.

Royal Oak Enterprises, Atlanta, GA.

1988 to 1990 Director of Marketing

Recruited to reverse negative sales trend and declining market share of

charcoal products. Revamped sales and marketing organization to include

more formal methodologies including marketing, pricing alignment,

compensation review, profitability and analysis.

. Initiated a strategy that eliminated the use of wholesalers and brokers, used

research data to reposition marketing direction and

identified key segments of opportunity resulting in - Increased sales 69% in 23

months and improved EBIT by $17MM.

Cadbury Schweppes / Sunkist, Atlanta, GA.

1983 to

1988 VP Eastern Regional Field Marketing - 1985 to 1988

Implemented strategic sales strategies / long-range marketing plans that

increased market share and profits in the eastern region - 16 states Maine

to Florida - 63MM unit cases, 43% of company's total sales revenues $25MM

marketing budget. Teamed with 7 Area Sales Reps executing marketing

programs for each market increasing sales and profit for both the bottlers

and parent company.

. Increased Eastern Region corporate brand sales +28% and Nielsen Market share

4.9% over 2 year period.

. Developed joint partnership with ADVO Advertising and Nutra Sweet, promoting

Corporate Diet brands that earned bottlers

incremental $12MM marketing funds in 10 months. Corporate Diet brand sales

increase +88% during this period.

Sunkist Region Manager - 1983 to 1985

. Reversed negative yearly sales trends of the AL. - GA. - FL. region from -21 %

annual sales to a + 23% annual growth

performer. Became a Top 5 Performing Region in the company.

The Coca Cola Company, Atlanta, GA

1981

to 1983

Market Action Team Leader - Atlanta, GA 1982- 1983

Led 40 person team responsible for surveying and prioritizing new growth

opportunities in Coke USA Top 5 North American markets. Increased total

corporate Nielsen share +6% in every market.

In- Plant Training - Fayetteville, NC - 1981 to 1982

Crucial 6 month training program that was extended six additional months to

assist new buyer with transition. Learned key fundamentals to managing a

business: production, inventory control, distribution, marketing and

finance.

JAMES I. MERKEL

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Scott Paper Company, Charlotte, NC

1980 to

1981

Key Account Manager - Promoted to call on Headquarter Buyers selling,

promoting, and merchandising The Scott Paper product lines to corporate

customers Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Thomas & Howard Wholesale, Food Lion

and Associated Grocers Mutual. Increased sales 12% to $77MM and gained

100% distribution on 8 new product items in all package sizes.

Sales Rep. - Directed key account management of retail customers in

assigned territory with consistent record of exceeding sales objectives

every quarter.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science . Marketing & Business Administration . University of

North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Bachelor of Arts . Recreation Administration . University of North

Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

. Board Member, Catholic Metro Athletic League of Atlanta - 1996 -1999

. St. Judes Jaguar Sports Association Founder & President - 7 years

. ?he Marist School Booster Club President 2004- 2005, Board Director 3

years

. Board Member, The Marist School Budget Committee -2003 -2005

. AAU Girls / Boys Basketball Coach - 1990 - present

.

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