DEREK KRAUSE
14838 Hayward St Whittier CA, 90603 · 562-708-5871
dkrause26@yahoo.com
I am a loyal, driven, self motivated, committed individual with the ability to succeed in the
sales environment. I am seeking a position that will provide me with an opportunity to
expand my knowledge, leadership skills and growth with in a company.
EXPERIENCE
JANUARY 2025 – July 2025
LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY SALES MANAGER, NEXT LEVEL MARKETING //
SUNTORY RTD
As Sales Manager I am responsible for the growth and distribution of Maru Hi, new malt
based RTD throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. I was able to close in on the
Greek Theater as well as Dodger stadium for the 2025 season. Coordinate with
distributor sales managers on ride with sales reps to increase sales and growth of the
brand. Execute high level displays in accounts such as Tokyo Centrals, 99 Ranch
markets, Ralphs, H Marts and AVP’s. Scheduled demos within Ralphs, Total Wine,
Bevmo and Tokyo Central to get liquid to lips and increase ROS. Worked in the
independent channel to increase POD’s and put up POS in accounts to increase velocity
and ROS.
MARCH 2024 – DECEMBER 2024
SO. CALIFORNIA REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, THE BRUERY // OFFSHOOT BEER CO.
As Regional Sales manager I plan, direct, and coordinate the actual distribution and movement
of product to the customer (DSD) via on and off premise channels. Coordinate sales
distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training
programs, incentives for distributor sales reps. Inventory management, as well as managing
KPI’s and distribution goals with distributor management. Plan and direct different sales ideas
with the distributor’s sales force to maintain and generate new placements (PODs) within the
territory. Execute ABP with Distributor management to insure goals for the following year.
APRIL 2022- JANUARY 2024
DISTRIBUTION SALES MANAGER LOS ANGELES, FLYING EMBERS
Built a start-up brand into a viable and trusted force in the most saturated, competitive US
market -Los Angeles. Fostered deep relationships with distributors and account buyers
throughout my territory generating top accounts such as Dodger Stadium, BMO Stadium,
Hollywood Bowl, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Stadium and Golden Road LA Pub. Achieved
double digit growth with high level display execution in accounts throughout my territory.
Hired / managed brand ambassadors to execute tastings. Executed company initiatives to
meet and exceed KPI’s and drive sales on focus brands in a rapidly changing market, managed
company ABP goals with distributors. Manage 2 wholesalers Harbor LA and Harbor SFS to
insure inventory levels, GSM, education on Flying Embers and incentives.
SEPTEMBER 2021 – APRIL 2022
TERRITORY MANGER CALIFORNIA, SUNDAZE FERMENTED COCKTAILS
As the territory manager I helped launch and build Sundaze into 350 doors in just 6 months. I
worked closely with wholesalers and their reps to target off and on-premise accounts. I
created sales incentive programs to engage wholesaler activity. Provided training to
distributors, bars and retailers to educate them on the product. Managed inventory and po’s
from wholesalers to ensure that we always have products to sell. Obtained retail accounts
such as Ralph’s, Total wine Southern California and Northern California, BevMo and Whole
Foods Market.
JANUARY 2016 – AUGUST 2021
SO.CALIFORNIA REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, LOST COAST BREWERY
As a Regional Sales Manager I Lead and manage a territory that generates 11,000 to 13,000
CE’s (case equivalents) a month. Create and manage on and off premise sales initiative
programs. Work with distributor management and sales representatives to ensure the
execution of initiative programs. Travel across the US to work with other regions to better their
position, market strategy and customer relations. Obtained new customer relations and
business over the years such as Dodger Stadium, Trader Joe’s, Dignity Health Sports Complex
and major Chain channels. Provide training for distributor management, representatives and
retailers of Lost Coast Brewery brands and targeted consumers. Direct communication with
the on and off-premise, sectors and general sales force in regards to Lost Coast Brewery
tactical programs and overall strategic imperatives. Conducted ABP meetings with distributor
management to set and obtain yearly goals.
APRIL 2013 – DECEMBER 2015
SALES REPRESENTATIVE, WINE WAREHOUSE
Service existing accounts, obtain orders, and establish new accounts by planning and
organizing daily work schedules to call on existing and potential sales outlets and other trade
factors. Took a sales territory from $500,000 to $1.2 million in just 2 years. Communicated
with management and suppliers for work with, as well as reporting back to management on
results on a regular basis. Submits orders through the Pocket Advantage (Inventive) program.
Recommends changes in products to buyers, evaluating results on competitive brands, and
track business and travel expenses.
NOVEMBER 2009- APRIL 2013
WAREHOUSE LEAD / SUPERVISOR, WINE WAREHOUSE
Manage a total of 20 employees on the warehouse floor, provide direction, coaching to these
20 employees. Manage the facility to insure housekeeping, safety, and production continues
throughout the shift. Manage overtime, vacations, absences and scheduling of shifts to get the
max return on production. Manage downtime from maintenance of machines. Conduct
employee evaluations at end of year. Supervise and troubleshoot driver issues on their daily
route. Support the sales force in both Broad market and Chain divisions to insure that they
have the product necessary to sell to our customer base. Manage the shipping and receiving
department to insure we are meeting the deadlines of product checked and inputted into the
system correct and on-time for the sales reps. Customer service; making sure our customers
are receiving quality product. Use of SAP system to conduct inventory counts, checking
locations, tracking outstanding purchase orders. Communicating with management on
outdated and or missing product. Manage the proper rotation of product as purchase orders
arrive. Find ways to lower costs for the company through vendor relationships.
NOVEMBER 2005 – OCTOBER 2009
LOGISTICS ASSISTANT, ATLANTIC INC.
Supervised the Shipping Department on a daily basis to insure orders were picked and routed
correctly nationally and internationally. Worked with local carriers in coordinating and
scheduling deliveries (LTL, FTL, Intermodal, and ocean freight), Worked with companies on
freight quotes and made sure of arrivals. Was also responsible for working with inventory to
maintain proper inventory records; worked with the importing and exporting documentation;
process returned product and bills of lading paperwork. Worked with other companies routing
guidelines. Have working knowledge using Microsoft business solutions Great Plains, Excel,
and Outlook.
EDUCATION
JUNE 2005
BACHELORS DEGREE, WHITTIER COLLEGE
Obtained my Bachelors degree in Kinesiology
JUNE 2000
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, LA SERNA HIGH SCHOOL
Obtained my High School Diploma
SKILLS
∙ Solid record of performance
∙ Ability to consistently meet deadlines
∙ Willing to accept challenges Effective in a team environment
∙ Proven leadership abilities
∙ Quickly grasp new technology and business concepts
∙ Good written and oral communication skills
∙ Manage and prioritize multiple tasks efficiently
REFERENCES
Lynn Mayugba VP of Sales Schilling Cider, 916-505-0422
Rob Bair National Accounts Manager Counter Measures Corp, 707-694-5419
Scott McRea Director of Sales Rincon Brewery, 805-245-163
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