Cole Lofton
Ruston
Summary
Accomplished Area Sales Manager with over 20 years of experience with regional sales management, consistently exceeding sales targets and driving market growth. Utilizes strategic planning and team leadership to maximize performance and effectiveness. Track record of building strong client relationships and implementing successful sales strategies.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Sales Manager
Republic National Distributing Company
09.2018 - Current
- Manage a team of District Sales Managers, specialists, and sales leads, enhancing performance through coaching, training, and mentoring
- Collaborate with state-level managers to share best practices and promote organizational success
- Foster a positive work environment by boosting team morale, recognizing achievements, and implementing engaging sales contests
- Conduct sales meetings to set goals, review team progress, and work one-on-one with Sales Leads to improve task performance
- Identify market opportunities for product expansion, contributing to company growth
- Led a team that sold 134,000 cases, generating $16.7M in sales for 2024, outperforming the state average by 1.5% in cases and maintaining dollar sales amidst overall declines
District Sales Manager
Republic National Distributing Company
04.2002 - 09.2018
- Enhanced team performance through coaching, training, and mentoring of sales leads and merchandisers
- Collaborated with district managers across the state to improve management practices and drive business success
- Promoted 7 sales leads to higher roles, including District Sales Manager positions
- Demonstrated consistent business growth for 20 of the 21 years as a manager
Sales Manager
Olive Garden
06.2000 - 04.2002
- Led a team in a high-volume restaurant setting, ensuring strong sales performance and customer satisfaction
Sales Representative
Bologna Brothers Wholesale
03.1996 - 06.2000
- Managed key client accounts, providing outstanding customer service and product knowledge to drive sales
Education
Associate Degree - Aviation Mechanics
CCAF
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Strategic Territory Management
- Sales Coaching & Mentorship
- Client Relationship Management
- Brand & Marketing Strategy
- Communication & Negotiation
- Operations & Logistics
- High-pressure Problem Solving
Accomplishments
- Mentored seven sales representatives, resulting in their promotion to District Sales Manager or higher roles.
- Established high standards for District Sales Managers, Sales Leads, and merchandisers to ensure consistent accountability.
- Managed a full book for spirits and wine in two-thirds of the state.
- Achieved consistent sales growth with only one year of sales or gross profit loss during a 21-year tenure at RNDC.
Timeline
Area Sales Manager
Republic National Distributing Company
09.2018 - Current
District Sales Manager
Republic National Distributing Company
04.2002 - 09.2018
Sales Manager
Olive Garden
06.2000 - 04.2002
Sales Representative
Bologna Brothers Wholesale
03.1996 - 06.2000
Associate Degree - Aviation Mechanics
CCAF
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