Eugene (Gene) Operle

VP Sales Regional Sales Manager Candidate

Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670-8628
Cell: (573) 450-6078
E-mail: Operle@sbcglobal.net
www.LinkedIn.com/in/GeneOperle/

Objective: Objective is to combine experience in calling on food industry executives with a positive,
passionate, and enthusiastic approach to contribute to the sales growth of a consumer packaged goods
company.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Hodgson Mill, Inc., Effingham, IL 5/1998-6/2014
Regional Sales Manager Natural, Organic, & Gluten-Free Grain-Based Food Products
Trained regional broker representatives on products to grow existing distribution and introduce
new products to distributor and retail entities
Interacted with category managers and buyers in conventional, mass, and natural retail entities
including Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and HEB
Worked with distributor and wholesaler corporate and regional headquarters including, but not
limited to, United Natural Foods and Kehe Distributors
Participated in national trade shows including Natural Product Expos, Fancy Food Shows, health-
related forums, and distributor selling shows
Prepared targeted presentation materials for retailers, distributors, and broker organizations
Assisted in training, supervision, and development of new sales managers in organization,
analyzed pertinent syndicated data, and prepared presentations for sales team

Koettings Foodway, Ste. Genevieve, MO 8/1987-2/1998
Vice President | Equity Partner/Store Management/Merchandising Retail Grocery
Bought all grocery, frozen, and dairy promotional merchandise, set pricing, and formulated
weekly store display schematics and coordinated department resets
Represented company at industry trade shows
Prepared advertising and promotion vehicles, such as weekly print ads mailed to homes
Supervised associates directly and indirectly to optimize labor availability and manage flow-
through of merchandise
Oversaw store opening and closing processes and participated in corporate budget development
Negotiated contracts with United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 655, on behalf of the
corporation

Malone & Hyde, Sikeston, MO 2/1982-8/1987
District Sales Manager Health & Wellness Products, General Merchandise, & Specialty Foods
Hired, trained, and supervised service merchandisers in Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky
Coordinated the scheduling of store resets, allotted appropriate manpower, and ordered required
merchandise
Initiated and nurtured business relationships with independent retail grocers
Participated in industry trade shows, selling special and seasonal merchandise to retailers


COURSES & SEMINARS

Working Effectively with Natural & Specialty Product Brokers 2004

Karrass Negotiating 2000

Strategic Broker Management 2006

Effective Communication Seminars 1982

Xerox Sales Training 1983


SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Quick and easy adaptation to and management of change
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, implement appropriate solutions, and ultimately
overcome obstacles
Effective at handling multiple tasks and projects while maintaining excellent verbal and written
communications
Innovative consultative & fact-based selling approach to influence potential buyers combined with
a high comfort level addressing individuals and groups
Proven track record of nurturing key relationships, leadership, and mentorship of individuals in a
team environment
Highly skilled presentation development and execution as well as cutting-edge negotiation
techniques
Consistent analysis and utilization of syndicated sales movement data
Effective corporate operations management and budgeting
Extensive travel and good stewardship of related monetary resources