Jake Baxter Sales & Business Development Manager Profile jakelissabax@gmail.com • 4803499666 www.linkedin.com/in/jake-baxter-558098292 Gilbert, AZ, 8523 Qualifications Summary Performance-driven professional, expert at devising and implementing tactical sales/business development and account management plans with focus on achieving bottom-line outcomes across diverse industries. Adept at delivering high-quality customer service and building relationships with potential business partners to operate at optimal performance levels. Excel in shipment management, cold calling, and nationwide new business relationship development. Well-versed in sourcing quality produce, negotiating contracts, and driving sales growth, while overseeing produce lifecycle from cultivation to distribution. Transformational leader; skilled in leading multiple teams to achieve shared vision and goals. Instrumental in negotiating freight costs for produce shipments and optimizing transportation expenses. Extensive experience in analyzing market pricing, logistics, and implementing cost-effective strategies for wholesalers, importers, and growers in North America. Areas of Expertise • Sales Enhancement Leadership • Strategic Planning & Execution • Business Development • Account Management • Branding & Merchandizing • Customer Satisfaction & Retention • Profit & Revenue Optimization • Market Penetration • Relationship Building • Recruitment & Training • Inventory Control • Team Building & Leadership • Budgeting & Forecasting • Cross-functional Collaboration • Continuous Process Improvement Career Experience Shine of East Valley, Gilbert, AZ 2023 – Present Business Development Manager Drive optimal business performance by directing crew members and daily business operations. Increase business productivity by developing and implementing budgets and targeted marketing plans. Improve employee morale and job satisfaction by conducting thorough team performance evaluations and providing targeted training sessions. Enhance positive word-of-mouth referrals and achieve business growth by fostering trust-based customer relationships. Key Contributions: • Increased customer loyalty and repeat business by cultivating customer relationships and delivering exceptional services. • Raised customer awareness and promoted company offerings by participating in local trade shows. • Cultivated skilled team environment by coordinating crew activities and overseeing recruitment and training processes. • Provided positive customer experience by addressing customer complaints and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. • Attained business success by maintaining proactive awareness of marketing advancements. Miedema Produce, Hudsonville, MI 2009 – 2023 Salesman Augmented revenue and profitability for existing accounts and contracts by using robust strategies. Expanded market reach and business by uncovering new opportunities for national sales accounts. Managed product procurement to meet orders and contracts for leading nationwide clients, including major grocers, wholesalers, food service providers, and processors, such as Schnuck, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons/Safeway, Spartan, and Meijer. Key Contributions: • Maximized national sales growth and strengthened strong relationships with growers by leveraging 13 years of direct experience in fresh produce industry. • Offered diverse product range to satisfy market requirements through procurement and sales of root vegetable commodities. such as radishes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, beets, rutabagas, onions, and Michigan summer vegetables. • Amplified company visibility and brand awareness by arranging local and national trade shows. • Guaranteed optimal product quality by maintaining understanding of quality standards, logistics, and market dynamics. • Led profitable sales transactions by negotiating F.O.B orders effectively. • Boosted operational proficiency by utilizing industry-specific software platforms. • Demonstrated versatility and expertise in cross-border business dealings by serving U.S. and Canadian customers. • Encouraged strategic decision-making and business planning by remaining updated regarding evolving market trends and profit/loss margins. Additional Experience Productions Manager, Falcon Pallet Management, Grand Rapids, MI Professional Athlete, Professional Baseball Player, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix, AZ Professional Athlete, Professional Baseball Player at Detroit Tigers, Detroit, MI Education General Studies in Business Management University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas, Arlington TX Associates of Arts Cypress College, Cypress, CA