Steven (Bob) Bernstein

516-***-**** • adumme@r.postjobfree.com

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER – FOOD DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY

Brand Management / National Distribution / Broker Network Builder-Manager

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Sales executive with 25+ years of experience in the food distribution industry in leadership roles including National Sales Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, and NY Sales Manager

Outstanding track record of expanding regional food business to nationwide sales

Excellent communicator skilled in sales presentations and product demonstrations

Broad industry experience in groceries, supermarkets, specialty, kosher, natural and organic distributors

In-depth industry contacts with major supermarket chains, retailers, brokers, and manufacturers

Effective negotiator and liaison between producers, retailers, and distributors

Collaborative sales leader and team builder mentoring sales personnel for managerial growth

Proven ability to successfully develop private label programs

Highly motivated multi-task manager skilled in consultative sales and client relationship building

BUSINESS BACKGROUND

L&S PACKING CO., East Farmingdale, NY 2014-2021

National Sales Manager

Recruited to open national market for manufacturer of private label and branded Italian specialty products.

•Developed business strategy to expand regional sales to national sales by building regional broker networks, national distributors, and delivering presentations to C-level executives at supermarket headquarters

•Managed all facets of sales, merchandising, marketing, promotions, and point-of-sale advertising

•Set up all existing and new accounts and global distributors and brokers to transition new brands

•Participated in industry food shows and established distribution sources for various retailers

•Managed and provided support to distributors, account managers, and sales force

Achievements:

•Successfully brought annual sales from $0 to $10 MM utilizing industry expertise

•Expanded product line to kosher, natural and organic distributors to increase annual revenues

•Key player in acquisition of Golds and Fox’s U-Bet accounts

•Successfully maintained contact with national team through remote technology during COVID-19

VICTORIA PACKING COMPANY, Brooklyn, NY 2005-2014

National Sales Manager

Managed $10 MM of branded business for a $40 MM manufacturer of private label and Italian specialty products. Company sold in 2014.

•Devised innovative strategies to expand a regional company to nationwide sales within 1 year

•Utilized in-depth contacts with brokers and distributors to gain new retailers

•Set up and staffed industry trade shows and conferences to enhance company image

•Serviced major national retailers including Stop & Shop, Shoprite, King Kullen, Kings, and A&P/Pathmark in addition to independent groceries

•Provided support to regional and national sales teams to execute marketing and promotional campaigns

Achievements:

•Managed Headquarters sales for local direct store distribution network

•Achieved YTY sales increases of 15% or higher in several consecutive years

•Successfully penetrated national market in a high competitive industry

Steven (Bob) Bernstein

MILLBROOK DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, E. Brunswick, NJ 1999-2005

Director of Sales – Independent Store Division

Executive responsibilities in new company formed after merger-acquisition.

Created sell programs, sales bulletins, and Plan-O-Grams for all accounts and sales staff

Worked closely as key liaison between purchasing, brokers and manufacturers

Achievements:

Increased sales 100% for an account base including Key Food, Krasdale, White Rose, Fairway, Barnes & Noble, Duane Reade, and CVS

I. EPSTEIN & SONS, formerly DuBro Foods, Inc., Maspeth, NY 1977-1999

New York Sales Manager (1998-99)

Managed metropolitan area sales including supervision of entire sales force.

Hired, trained and managed 30+ supervisory and sales personnel

Planned and coordinated sell programs for all accounts

Established relationships with supermarket headquarters and regional managers

Achievements:

Negotiated sale of company and retained as Director of Sales with Millbrook Distribution Services

Vice President/General Manager, DuBro Foods, Inc. (1990-1998)

As V.P./General Manager of DuBro Foods, expanded merchandise line to include ethnic foods targeting independent retailers

Managed a $2 MM business for I. Bernstein Distribution Corp. specializing in the sales of kosher food products throughout all New York City boroughs

Achievements:

Increased annual sales revenues from $4 MM to $8 MM within 5 years

Vice President/Principal, I. Bernstein Distribution Corp. (1977-1990)

Learned the industry in a family business, I. Bernstein Distribution Corp., rising to Vice President/Principal.

Negotiated merger with DuBro Foods in 1990, remaining as Partner Manager.

EDUCATION

BROOKLYN COLLEGE

Bachelor of Science, Business

SKILLS

Microsoft Office Suite

REFERENCES

Available upon request

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