Suzanne M. Small

**** ***** **** ****** • Justice, IL 60458

adt7uq@r.postjobfree.com • 708-***-****

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An accomplished leader in Foodservice Sales, Training and Retail Operations with a proven history in analysis and creation of best-in-class operations, sales, and training solutions for internal and external customers. Strong behavioral and technical expertise with robust foodservice financial, operational, consultative and performance management results. A self-directed collaborator capable of managing a variety of projects and working effectively under pressure to meet company and municipal goals.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SMS Solutions Specialists, Inc, Justice, IL December 2015 – Current

An Illinois corporation adopted to provide consulting solutions to businesses needing help with training, business strategy and marketing services.

President and Founder

Short and Long-term Contract work with owners and managers to create and provide solutions to business needs. Corporate clients included – Elohi Strategic Advisors, Smithfield Foods, Behan Oil

Village Of Justice, IL May 2011 – May 2021

Justice is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States, established in 1911. The population was 12,200 as of the 2020 census.

Elected Trustee – 2011 - 2017

Elected Village Clerk- 2017 – 2021

Rewards Network, Chicago, IL Aug. 2011 – April 2015

Rewards Network is a results driven, measurable restaurant marketing and loyalty company that connects 11,000+ restaurants with engaged diners through proven, measurable, integrated digital marketing and communication.

Director of Sales Capability (2012 – April 2015)

Director, Sales Training (Aug 2011 - 2012)

Farmer Brothers Foodservice, Torrance CA. Feb. 2009 – Aug. 2011

Farmer Brothers Co. is a leading manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea, and culinary products. Farmer Brothers purchased the Sara Lee DSD Coffee and Tea Division in March 2009.

Director of Sales Support (2009 – 2011)

Training and sales support leadership for independent, regional, and national account sales teams including sales competencies, behavioral training, and product & equipment expertise.

Sara Lee Company, Downers Grove, IL. Sept.2004 – Feb.2009

Sara Lee is a global manufacturer and marketer of high quality, brand name beverage, food, and household products for consumers throughout the world.

Sr. Manager, Foodservice Training (2006 – 2009)

Coffee Development / Product Subject Matter Expert (2004 – 2006)

Chapin Hall Center for Children (at the University of Chicago): Aug.2003 – Sept. 2004 Grants/Contracts

Sweet Traditions LLC: (Krispy Kreme Doughnuts) Jan. 2002 – Aug. 2003 Store Opening Specialist

Archibald Candy: (Fannie May Candies) Jan 1999 – Dec. 2002 Factory Outlet Store Manager

BAB Holdings: (Brueggers Bagel Bakery) 1994 - 1999 Director Distribution & Training

Fast Trac Café: 1993 – 1994 Owner & President

Grandma Gebhardt’s Inc.: 1991 – 1993 Chicago Training Manager

PepsiCo Corporation: (Taco Bell): 1980 – 1991 District Manager – Chicago Metro

Suzanne Small p2

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Business and Customer Development

Created sales cycle training and lead generation process for field and national account sales teams.

Partnered with functional teams to enhance strategic business alliances with more than 125 key accounts including Morton’s, MGM, Sysco, US Foods, and Handee Marts including sales negotiations, business reviews and customer training.

Provided retail operations and training expertise for Brokers, National, Regional and Independent Operators and Distributors

Collaborated with Marketing departments to communicate consumer and customer insights to field operations and customers.

Financial Management

Management of P/L and Sales Support budget that led to double digit cost improvement

Created sale budget process to include sales pipeline valuation, execution, and management

Total P/L management in Retail and Foodservice segments resulting in positive year over year results.

Created financial analysis tools for our internal and external clients that allowed them to determine return on investment and profit potential. This led to significant sales revenue.

Organizational Training and Resource Support

Created and implemented learning (product and behavioral) modules for all sales and operations team members to support the integration of two companies as well as created sustainable team member development.

Partnered with HR, Finance and Marketing to create department specific training to enhance the team’s core efficiencies.

Created foodservice training strategy to connect marketing and sales objectives to achieve annual operating plans.

Created and launched the tiered strategy training for FOODSERVICE

Designed and launched e-learning for beverages for internal sales teams and our distributive partners.

Developed and launched field sales process for distributors, brokers, independent, key account and national account customers.

Consistently brought in as coffee and training expert for existing and potential new key customer meetings to show breadth of expertise within Sara Lee and then Farmer Brothers.

Created and led turn-key training for new key national accounts, distributors and operators including, portfolio development, signature menu items and segment specific operations solutions.

Retail Accomplishments:

Initiated analysis and design for high volume customer flow which when adopted companywide led to a 25% net sales growth per location.

Created opening project flow chart and checklist for opening new locations which reduced the construction time of store openings by an average of two weeks.

Designed training manuals and processes for management training which resulted in a savings of $72,000 in employee productivity in the first year.

Partnered with Product Development teams to introduce new menu items that resulted in more than $20M in revenue growth.

Created and implemented production & distribution system. This led to increased overall operating profit of 10%.

Developed and managed product line extensions that yielded overall average sales growth per unit of 30%.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing –

American Intercontinental University, Hoffman Estates, IL

Human Resources and Training Certification –

Moraine Valley College, Palos Hills, IL

Foodservice Sanitation Certification – Illinois Restaurant Association

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