Seasoned Sales Manager and Food and Beverage Executive

Mark Saxton

**** ***** ****** **.

League City, TX

77573

Phone 281-***-****

Cell 281-***-****

*******@***.***

KEY WORDS

Sales manager, category manager, distributor, wholesaler, food and beverage distributor, tobacco distributor, sales director, leadership, experience, sales and marketing.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a challenging, responsible position as a Sales Manager/Director for a Distributor/Wholesaler of Goods and Services where a Capable and Effective Leader is needed to achieve Organizational Goals.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

• 20 years of successful Sales and Operations Management in the Beverage Industry, Food and Beverage Distribution, Tobacco Industry and the Hospitality Industry.

• Experience in both On and Off Premise Channels for Sales, Marketing and Distribution of Consumer Goods, specifically Distilled Spirit Brands and Tobacco Products

• Knowledge of Supply Chain Strategies and Procedures

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

• Efe International Foods, Inc.

Director of Sales and Marketing, August 2008 to Present

Create, develop and implement all sales and marketing strategies for the wholesale distribution of imported Turkish olive oils and other fine grocery items. Manage logistics, warehousing and shipping. Develop and maintain relationships with key buyers in target grocery markets (Middle Eastern, Indo-Pak, Mediterranean) in Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

• Great Discovery’s, Incorporated

Territory Manager, June 2005 to February 2008

Responsibility of the sales, maintenance, marketing and merchandising of our entire portfolio of tobacco products which include moist tobacco, domestic and premium humidified cigars. Geographic territory is south from Galveston, north to Crosby and all areas in between east of I-45. I also have responsibility for all major hotel properties in the Downtown Houston area as well as several major tobacconists in the Galleria area. During my tenure, I have managed to increase business over 27 % in my territory.

Glazer’s Distributors, 1995 to 2005.

Positions held:

• Category Manager, November 2003 to January 2005.

Plan and implement shelving and floor display schematics for distilled spirit products in retail outlets, placing company’s brands in the most marketable positions while improving customer flow. Requires the use of Intercept 8.2 space management and Planogram toolkit. Devised plans for major chains as well as independents; opening plans for new stores and shelf/floor re-setting for existing stores.

• Chain Development Manager, March 2001 to November 2003.

Managed and developed the entire Glazer’s spirits portfolio for Spec’s Fine Wine and Spirits. Manipulated pricing, deal structuring, and marketing plans as well as led the sales effort for the chain. Increased spirit sales to the chain $1.4 million from March ’01 to March ’02.

• District Sales Manager-Retail Spirits, April 1999 to March 2001

Led 12 person sales team covering approx. 250 package stores in the Greater Houston area, including Class B wholesalers and major chains. Ran 106% of quota for 2001.

• Pad Manager-On Premise Spirits, February 1998 to April 1999.

Headed up sales and marketing effort in the Greater Houston on-premise trade channel for the entire Glazer’s spirits portfolio. Organized brand promotions and staff training. Acted as liaison between suppliers and sales managers.

• District Manager, On-Premise Spirits, April 1995 to February 1998.

Directed an 8 person sales team responsible for approximately 300 on premise accounts in the Greater Houston area, covering all major clubs, restaurants, and hotels crossing all demographic sectors. Conducted brand training seminars for wait staff and managers. Created tracking and accountability policies and spreadsheets that have been implemented company-wide.

Sheraton Astrodome Hotel and Convention Center, July 1994 to March 1995

• Food and Beverage Director- Directed overall operation of convention center (40,000 sq.ft. of banquet and meeting space) and 4 food and beverage outlets. In 1994, increased food profit dollars by 16% and beverage profit dollars by 54.7% while maintaining a 23% food cost and a 22% beverage cost.

EDUCATION

• Received Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Madison University. GPA = 3.33

• Successfully completed General Manager certification program at Holiday Inn University

• Received title of Certified Food and Beverage Executive from University of Houston Hilton School of Hospitality

• Certified Trainer, Brown Forman Spirits Division

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Past President, Tulsa Metroplex Hotel/ Motel Association

• Former Chairman, TMHMA Community Relations Committee

• Past President, Texas Restaurant Association-Sabine Area

AN ATTRACTIVE AND FULLY FORMATTED HARD COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Contact this candidate