Michael Valenti

847-***-**** adt7am@r.postjobfree.com Antioch, IL 60002

SUMMARY

Professional Sales Executive with 30 years of experience. Built my own Food Brokerage company,

(Midwest Sales & Marketing) with entrepreneurial CPG companies. Created Marketing programs, budgets, sales teams for Local markets and Nationally. The customer base Changed in Chicago, majority of major retailers corporate buying office left the Market. I was recruited to become VP of Sales from one of the Manufactures I Represented (Aspire Brands Inc. Healthy Energy Drinks). Opened our first customer in the US, Jewel Osco. In 4 years built a National Brand in the very completive Beverage category Energy Drinks. Developed a National Distributors network, National Retail Sales team and worked with operations to developed and train the customer service department. I have worked with and sold for over 100 CPG companies of the years from Major Brands to start up companies. Looking to be a part of a Dynamic Company and take sales to the next level.

SKILLS

Market Trends Understanding

Sales and Market Development

Staff Training and Development

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Budgeting

Interviewing for New Manufacures

EXPERIENCE

VP of Sales, Aspire Brands Inc., March 2014-September 2022 Chicago, IL

Aspire was a start up beverage company. I started with the company as they started in the USA. I created the Sales and Customer service departments. Developed a National distribution network through Specialty Food Distributors and DSD Beverage companies.

Created a National Retail sales team to sell Aspire at store level. Sold the first customer in the US Jewel Osco. Took Aspire from 0 Sales in the US to 35 million. President/Owner, Midwest Sales & Marketing, Inc., March 2003-March 2015 Chicago, IL

Started Midwest Sales & Marketing (Food Brokerage Company) Represented over 30 Manufactures specializing and creating value programs, private label and Hispanic Foods in IL, WI, MN, IN and MO.

Created and controlled the Dollar programs at Jewel Osco, Cub Foods, Strack & VanTil, Woodman's, Central Grocers, Certified Grocers, and Roundy's. Key Manufactures: Delta Brands, Pegasus International, Boise Cascade Paper, Personal Care Products, IMS (Cadet Dog treats), MW Polar (Fruit Cups, canned seafood), Buds Best Cookies, Republic Plastics (Private Label Foam Plates) were the core companies I represented. Account Executive, Hockfield & Associates, March 1996-April 2003 Palatine, IL

Hockfield & Associates is a Rep Agency that specialized in selling to Walgreens, Osco Drug and Target Health and Beauty care. I was brought in to create a grocery a grocery department.

Manufactures I brought into the Company were Rubbermaid, Pam Oil (Complete Automotive Programs for Grocery), Select Brands (complete HBC private label program). Grew the Grocery and Dollar business to $15 million in Sales Key Manufactures that I launched in Grocery: Jason Cosmetics, Natrol Vitamins, InGear

(Backpacks, Luggage and water bottles).

Account Executive/Retail Sales Manager, Sales Force Company (Food Broker), January 1992-June 1996

Chicago, IL

Account Executive for Certified and Central Grocers for all General Merchandise and Health & Beauty Care for the largest GM/HBC Broker in Chicago. Key Manufactures and Brands: Schering Plough, Bausch & Lomb, Kiwi shoe care, Sudafed, Rubbermaid, Good Cook Kitchen Gadgets, VO5, EZ Foil Pans, Curel lotions, Turtle Wax, Colgate, Soft Soap. and many more.

Retail Sales Manager for all 3 Il offices: 30 sales Reps across the state calling on: Jewel Osco, Dominicks, Omni, Eagle Foods, Cub Foods and all the independents. Retail Sales Manager, Chicago Marketing Concepts, March 1990-April 1992 West Chicago, IL

Retail Sales Manager and Account Executive for small Food Brokerage Company. Key Manufactures: Rubbermaid, EZ Foil Pans, and Good Cook Kitchen Gadgets. Created and developed programs for Certified and Central Grocers. Sales Force Companies purchased CMC

Sales Trainee, Eby Brown, June 1989-July 1990

Elgin, IL

Merchandiser setting up Convenience Stores

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Some College (No Degree)

Physical Education, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale IL