Sales

Lena R. Willens

*** ***** **** ****** *****, Illinois 60089

847-***-**** ***********@*****.***

25+ years of experience and relationships within all areas of the Food Service industry. Dynamic leader with the proven ability to increase territory revenues and profit margins while developing client relationships and brand awareness. Self-motivated with the desire to surpass expectations while leading by example to create a positive, highly productive environment. Excellent managerial and supervisory skills with expertise in restaurants, catering, client/customer service, labor management, and inventory control. ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

Microsoft and Apple proficient, CRM

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Affinity Sales & Marketing, Arlington Heights, IL

Account Executive Multi-Unit Accounts December 2019–Present

● Worked food shows to present items to the public and sell case deals for distribution or large buys.

● Met and exceeded both organizational and manufacturer objectives annually.

● Created and maintained collaborative relationships with operators and manufacturers based on a strong operations background, strategic planning, consistent follow up, and understanding of markets and demographics.

● Drove sales by collaborating with Sysco, US Foods, Gordon Food Service, and all other independent distributors.

● During COVID shutdown worked with operators on ways to maintain, adapt, and grow their businesses.

● Represented over 70 food manufacturers ensuring maximum client satisfaction by providing exceptional and personalized service.

● Spearheaded food shows to ensure optimal results. Gordon Food Service, Kenosha, WI

Customer Developmental Specialist September 2010–December 2019

● Managed the business relationships between GFS and restaurants, hotels, caterers, and other commercial/non-commercial food service customers to achieve both customer growth and profitability.

● Strategic thinker and innovative planner using creativity to build relationships, network, and link resources.

● Traveled throughout my territory, consulting with existing customers and building relationships with prospective customers.

● Utilized and applied customer profitability/pricing models to negotiate customer agreements.

● Coordinated the demonstration and presentation of products, emphasizing key features to benefit each customer's operational needs.

● Created and delivered business plans based on customer goals and objectives.

● Discussed, received, and verified order information with customers using our proprietary order entry system as needed to include customer credits and to establish sales performance goals.

● Collected on accounts to manage the credit relationship with our customers.

● Educated and promoted GFS proprietary technology solutions to enhance the customer experience including menu development, engineering, inventory control systems, and wait staff training.

● Participated in customer events, including trend events and food shows, to educate the customer, improve their profitability, and drive sales.

● Mentored new employees.

● Graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program.

● Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Women in Sales, and Sales Advisory Committee.

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