1. J. CHRIS BARON 1606 San Marina Court, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 ▪ chrisbaron22@gmail.com ▪ 847-830-1472
Experienced Professional
Accomplished professional looking for an excellent company who could benefit from my managerial and supervisory
experience. I have developed a very diverse background – 19 years of Operational Experience and 16 years of successful
Sales, Sales Management and Marketing. Recognized as an assertive, focused and efficient manager who consistently exceeds
organizational goals and expectations. Areas of expertise include:
▪ Revenue & Profit Growth ▪ Sales Management
▪ Vision, Planning & Execution ▪ New Product Development
▪ Multi-Site Leadership ▪ Consultative Selling
▪ 80/20 Techniques & Application ▪ National Account Development
▪ LEAN Productivity Improvements ▪ Branding & Product Marketing
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Crown Brands/Focus Products Group International, Lincolnshire, IL 2011-2016
The company is a PE portfolio company engaging in the distribution of commercial kitchen supplies and light equipment.
President
Manager of a newly established company with responsibility for revenue and profitability.
 Achieved double digit sales growth for each year.
 Built strong, assertive sales & marketing team who are highly accomplished by consolidating 54-independent rep
groups into 18 “A Class” rep groups including one for international sales.
 Grew sales in Canada and the International Market by double digits in 2015 and 2016.
 Acquired 4-business entities and carved out one in a 12-month time frame creating a highly recognized smallwares
company in the food service industry.
 Established the corporate staff for the newly formed entity for all key responsibilities; Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain,
Operations, Finance/Accounting, IT and Human Resources.
 Opened state of the art distribution center in the US to accommodate the consolidation and overall reduction from 6-
distribution centers down to 4 in the US. Also, consolidated 2-distribution centers into one in Canada. Overall savings
of $1.2 million.
 Integrated Supply Chain to reduce the number of purchasing locations from 5 to one. Integrated Finance and
Accounting from 5–locations to 2; one US and one Canada. Overall headcount reduction by over 17%.
 Reduced Inventory Levels by 30%.
ITW HOBART CORPORATION, Troy OH
An Illinois Tool Works division that is a recognized leader in manufacturing, sales and service of commercial food equipment
worldwide.
Vice President/General Manager (2001-2010)
Senior level manager of a product line business with full P&L responsibility with a broad scope of responsibilities including
Product Marketing, Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales Support, Business Growth and Strategic
Planning. Managed all division employees in multi-site operations. Extensive supplier interaction, contract manufacturing
setup and sales support of global markets.
 Reduced R&D expense by 33% while dramatically increasing new product introductions.
 Reduced manufacturing fixed expenses by 33% through improved efficiencies at two US based manufacturing
facilities.
 Reversed market erosion by completing introduction of sixteen new products including first mixer redesign in over
50-years.
 Improved efficiencies and growth by segmenting the business into four major product categories including
manufacturing, engineering and sales support.
 Managed stage-gate product development process that brought products to market on time and on budget.
 Improved warranty and manufacturing efficiencies by implementing lean manufacturing techniques including In-
lining, Kan-ban, Kaizen, one-over-one inspections.
 Achieved focused development and support by restructuring and relocating engineering to manufacturing locations.
 Constructed winning teams within the Division as noted in performance review.
 Developed growth-oriented multi-brand, multi-duty product offering with introduction of game changing products
with more efficient development teams.
 Acquired company of complementary products that contributed $2.5 million in sales and 20%+ return on sales.
 Directed and implemented Long Range Strategic Plans.

2. J. CHRIS BARON – Page 2
Other Positions at ITW Hobart Corporation:
Product Line Director
National Accounts Sales Manager
Sales Development Manager
EDUCATION
BSBA Marketing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)
Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)
Manufacturers’ Agents for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI)
Buying Groups - Supplier Member (ABC, Excell, NAFED, NISSCO, PRIDE, SEFA)
Relocatable