Emily De Sousa, MBA

Joyful Ventures specializes in helping small to mid-sized CPG companies drive sales growth. We do this by scaling their current brick and mortar retail partners, adding omnichannel retail and wholesale to their DTC business, or expanding into international markets. We help organizations: ● Optimize sales processes ● Analyze their current and future product sales Pipeline ● Improve Lead generation and conversion ● Develop revenue targets, then create and execute the strategy to achieve them ● Create a company strategy that supports revenue growth through multiple channels ● Explore international expansion opportunities

Oversaw selling activities to maximize sales and margin growth to achieve sales targets. Manage senior sales account managers and select key accounts to achieve and exceed key business objectives. Establish monthly, quarterly and annual budgets. Develop customer-specific sales strategies.

• Manage all aspects of national and regional accounts • Negotiate and manage customer contracts, including pricing and promotions • Provide strategic insights and understanding of customer requirements in all channels • Develop and maintain key customer contacts at all levels • Forecast demand at SKU level by account on a monthly basis and prepare annual budgets

The buying habits of today’s consumers are changing. Consumer product companies are facing new challenges created by changing consumer shopping behaviors, retail consolidation and emerging markets. UpLevel Consulting offers over 15 years of experience in B2B sales, marketing and business consulting. Let us help you successfully maneuver this ever-changing environment and take your sales to the next level.

• Developed and implemented multi-channel sales strategy to maximum sales across all segments of business, "growing the pie" rather than just splitting it. • Promoted to head of sales after five months with company • Established partnerships with over twenty new retail and distribution partners • Worked closely with marketing team on brand segmentation • Liaison with external graphic designer to develop new product for key accounts

•Managed all aspects of sales and marketing for juvenile and pet products, annual sales of over $10 million •Established over thirty(30) new major retail partnerships in less than four years, including a customer who became top performing customer in less than six months. •Created and maintained Sales Budgets/Forecasts and evaluated results on monthly basis. •Implemented profit-driven retail programs to increase product placement by 30% at key retailers. •Managed a team of three (3) customer care representatives and ten (10) independent sales representatives. •Developed and implemented social media strategy to drive sales and gain consumer awareness of KidCo and Command Pet brands.

•Obtained global placement of new brand of pet products, Tall Tails. •Grew sales from zero to over $500k in less than nine months. •Assisted in definition and development of Tall Tails website and social media campaign. •Wrote business plan to analyze market segment and provide clear brand strategy for specialty and mass markets. •Implemented strategy to define optimal product assortment. •Managed in-house customer service representative and six (6) independent sales representatives.

•Oversaw sales and distribution of consumer products; provide management, marketing and sales consulting in US and internationally, covering over 70 countries and annual sales over $16 million. •Promoted to Director of Sales and International Business after being involved in sales for only four (4) months. •Increased sales by over 40% in three years through international distributor partnerships. •Maintained long-term leadership in the market segment, identifying and developing comprehensive business alliances. •Designated as national and international corporate representative and spokesperson at meetings with key stakeholders, trade shows, and as company representative at association meetings. •Account management of licensed items produced for Carter's Retail stores. •Managed three customer care representatives and over sixty (60) independent sales representatives.

•Maintained price competitive position in marketplace while meeting profit margins and revenue budgets, and coordinated transport and distribution of large or difficult consignments with international counterparts. •Worked with suppliers to improve quality and reduce defects. •Handled and approved customer returns. •Attended trade shows, seminars, and channel partner events. •Managed "second tier" US retailers, such as Buy Buy Baby, Burlington Baby Depot, and Diapers.com. •Oversaw network of Sassy Independent Representatives in juvenile, infant, food and drug markets. •Coordinated annual ABC Kids Expo booth.

•Marketed and sold Peg Toys, Infant Bath Toys, Toddler Toys, and Feeding products to Key accounts. •Completed conversion to new package graphics in 2007. •Analyzed IRI market information and conducted focus groups. •Prepared annual Marketing Plans. •Worked with other marketing managers to develop annual catalog and marketing materials. •Daily communication with factories to move products through production. •Coordinated providing Sassy packaging, product images and marketing collateral to International Distributors. •Assisted in developing tradeshow booth for annual industry shows.

•Coordinated meetings, incentive and one-day corporate events. •Administration of all aspects of participant registration, event gifts and hotel rooming lists •Worked closely with Creative Services to develop print materials. •Assisted in writing proposals for obtaining new business. •Maintained budget for print materials, participant gifts, and registration websites. •Coordinated and prepared all materials for event participants, such as registration packets and name badges. •Main liaison between client and third party vendors.

• Development of Business Plan for million-dollar bean processing plant. • Coordination of media schedules (media placement and buying in major trade publications, negotiating advertising rates, Press Release campaigns). • Creation of marketing tools such as brochures, advertisements and direct mail campaigns. • Assisted in organizing annual community fundraiser for local client. • Conducted a Market Study for a potential pretzel manufacturer.