Derrick Thompson
Conway
Summary
Dynamic Area Sales Manager with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and expanding market presence in Arkansas. Expertise in building strong client relationships and leading high-performing sales teams to exceed targets. Skilled in analyzing market trends and developing strategic initiatives that enhance competitive positioning. Committed to fostering a collaborative team environment while delivering exceptional customer service and achieving organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Sales Manager & GM
PepsiCo
04.2025 - Current
- Assisted in developing sales strategies to increase market penetration.
- Directed a team of 11 sales managers in Central Arkansas to enhance customer service experiences for a diverse customer base exceeding 500.
- Participated in training sessions on product knowledge and customer engagement.
- Supported team efforts in executing promotional campaigns and events.
- Gathered feedback from customers to identify areas for product improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline sales processes.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability for customers.
- Established strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased customer retention and satisfaction.
- Enhanced team performance by providing ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring to sales representatives.
- Reported sales activity, generated sales quotations, and proposals and maintained customer contact database to achieve sales objectives and quota.
Area Sales Manager
Pepsi
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Developed and executed sales strategies to increase market penetration across designated territories.
- Managed 5 Sales managers across the North Central Florida Geography calling on over 200+ customers to driver superior customer service
- Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities.
- Established and maintained relationships with key clients, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to implement promotional initiatives aligned with sales objectives.
- Conducted regular sales presentations and product demonstrations to prospective customers.
- Monitored inventory levels and coordinated with supply chain for timely product availability.
- Managed a successful sales team, consistently achieving and exceeding monthly sales targets.
Area GM
Pepsi
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Managed 8 Direct reports across sales, delivery and warehouse functions
- Managed a 70MM Net Rev locations
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to company standards.
- Conducted regular audits of safety protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored key performance indicators, identifying areas for improvement in service delivery.
- Fostered a positive work environment through team-building activities and open communication channels.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
Unit GM
Pepsi
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Directed daily operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to company standards.
- Managed 5 Direct reports across sales, delivery and warehouse functions
- Managed a 50MM Net Rev location
- Implemented staff training programs to enhance team performance and operational knowledge.
- Developed customer engagement initiatives, enhancing brand loyalty and satisfaction rates.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
Large Format Sales District Leader
Pepsi
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Managed a team of 11 Sales professionals
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Small Format Sales District Leader
Pepsi
06.2020 - 01.2022
- Led district operations to ensure alignment with corporate sales targets and strategic initiatives.
- Managed a team of 9 Sales Proffesionals
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team performance and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline logistics, improving distribution processes across multiple locations.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback to drive employee development and engagement.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, reducing waste while ensuring product availability for customers.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing brand visibility and customer loyalty within the district.
- Promoted ongoing collaboration among staff members through cross-functional teams focused on shared goals for student achievement.
- Oversaw the hiring process for new staff, ensuring a diverse and highly qualified team of educators.
Merch Manager
Pepsi
06.2018 - 06.2020
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency across departments.
- Managed 30 merchandisers across the state of Arkansas
- Developed and executed strategic plans to optimize inventory management and reduce waste.
- Streamlined reporting processes, improving accuracy and reducing turnaround times for key metrics.
Bulk CR
Pepsi
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Called on 5 Key customers where i drive superior customer service selling some of the most iconic brands in the world
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
PT & FT Merch
Pepsi
11.2015 - 06.2016
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Merchandised 7 accounts for my base customers
Education
Programs -
PepsiCo
12-2022
Skills
- Effective relationship management
- Sales team leadership
- Sales territory management
- Customer issue management
- Service excellence
- Operational management
Accomplishments
2021 & 2025 ELITE Performer of the Year Award for Springdale and Monticello Arkansas locations. 2021 Sales District Leader of the Year Award
2021, 2025 ELITE Performer of the Year
2021, 2025 ELITE Performer of the Year
Timeline
Area Sales Manager & GM
PepsiCo
04.2025 - Current
Area Sales Manager
Pepsi
01.2025 - 04.2025
Area GM
Pepsi
05.2024 - 01.2025
Unit GM
Pepsi
09.2023 - 06.2024
Large Format Sales District Leader
Pepsi
01.2022 - 09.2023
Small Format Sales District Leader
Pepsi
06.2020 - 01.2022
Merch Manager
Pepsi
06.2018 - 06.2020
Bulk CR
Pepsi
06.2016 - 06.2018
PT & FT Merch
Pepsi
11.2015 - 06.2016
Programs -
PepsiCo