ERIC HURST
Aliso Viejo
Summary
Dynamic sales management professional with over 20 years of experience in large-scale food, beverage, spirits, and retail sectors. Proven expertise in customer relationship management, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving drives consistent achievement of sales targets while fostering substantial business growth. Strategic thinker with a track record of building strong client partnerships and enhancing team performance to exceed organizational goals. Committed to leveraging industry knowledge and innovative strategies to deliver exceptional results in competitive markets.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Account Development Specialist
Reyes - Gate City
01.2026 - Current
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to enhance account retention.
- Executed strategic outreach initiatives to identify new business opportunities within assigned territories.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline account management processes and improve service delivery.
- Analyzed client feedback to drive product improvements and align offerings with customer needs.
- Led training sessions for junior team members on best practices in account development and relationship management.
- Actively participated in ongoing training programs, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of industry developments and best practices.
- Improved sales revenue by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the market.
- Mentored junior team members, sharing insights on effective account management techniques and strategies.
Regional Sales Manager
Woobo Distribution
01.2022 - 03.2025
- Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development. Supported sales team members to drive growth and development. Gained market share in new sales performance through aggressive team training. I have negotiated contracts with distributors, vendors, and retailers in the region and national. Penetrated new markets by investigating competitor products, services, trends and market analysis. I have led sales planning, development and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts. Experience in route building and planning for DSD for multiple accounts. Responsible for BevMo-Gopuff, Total Wines, Albertsons companies, Smart & Final, Target, and Gelsons. Oversee and maintain over 200 restaurants, liquor stores, bars, c-stores, and concert venues. Extensive experience in on/off premise accounts.
Field Supervisor
UNFI - United Natural Foods
02.2016 - 12.2022
- Trained and monitored field sales representatives to teach tasks and improve performance. Responded to inquiries promptly from customers regarding services provided by the company's field operations department. I supervised, coordinated, and scheduled activities of field sales team. Responsible for organic food deliveries and product merchandising for Kroger and Smart & Final. Extensive travel throughout California where business and service were needed. Extensive DSD routing, planning, and budgeting.
Sales Representative Lead
Pepsi Bottling Company
06.2010 - 02.2015
- Communicated regularly with upper management regarding progress towards departmental objectives. I conducted regular meetings with the team to review performance metrics and set objectives. I supervised store resets to maximize sales and product placement. Experience in grocery chain, c-stores, large and small format. Set high standards for merchandising standards and display placements.
Education
Associates - Business Administration
Saddleback College
01-1993
Skills
- Account Management
- Distribution channel management
- Sales presentations
- Sales expertise
- Training and mentoring
- Market share growth
- Time Management
- Project Management
- Conflict resolution
- Business acumen
- Problem solving
- Adaptability
- Data analysis
- Customer service
- Work ethics
- Teamwork
- Critical Thinking
- Computer Literacy
- CRM proficiency
- Goal oriented
Certification
ABS - Certified In California
Timeline
Account Development Specialist
Reyes - Gate City
01.2026 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
Woobo Distribution
01.2022 - 03.2025
Field Supervisor
UNFI - United Natural Foods
02.2016 - 12.2022
Sales Representative Lead
Pepsi Bottling Company
06.2010 - 02.2015
Associates - Business Administration
Saddleback College