JAMES I. MERKEL
*** ********* *****, **********, ** 30004 . 404-***-**** (Cell)
. **********@***.***
. 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
.