Hello and Welcome!
As a first post, I think it is only fitting that I tell you a little bit about me. I have worn a variety of hats through my 25+ year career in the Convenience Store Distribution Industry. Today, my current position in Business Development has me visiting “Ground Zero” of our industry on a daily basis. Truly, it is the best way I have found to have your finger on the pulse of the needs and desires of the C-store retailer. Participating in their growth, their setbacks, and their lives, I have learned valuable lessons and forged meaningful relationships with my customers.
Over the course of my career, I spent nearly two decades in an office setting managing the day-to-day operations, purchasing, accounts payable, etc. of a family owned and operated wholesale candy and tobacco distributing company. Wanting to learn more about the industry and spread my wings a bit, I worked as territory sales rep for Hershey Chocolate in the 1990’s, before returning back home to the family business. Upon the death of my father in 2008, the decision was made to sell our business to my current employer, Lyons Specialty, LLC, where I have held the postion of Regional Sales Manager and now Regional Business Development Manager over the last 8 years.
The experience I have gained by moving throughout the channels has been invaluable to my understanding of the business. Where I am today, working one on one with customers and vendors and building those relationships, is by far my favorite job yet. I love seeking out new ideas, innovations, products or services being offered in other areas that could be of benefit to those I am working with every day. That, my reader, is the reason for the creation of this site. Sharing ideas that could potentially spur growth in my customers’ businesses and help them succeed is so rewarding to me. It is my hope that this site is of value to those in the trenches each day, working hard to thrive, survive and achieve their next level of success.
Stay in touch!
Fondly,
Allison
