08 Aug RESOURCE GROUP TEAM SPOTLIGHT: KAREN ERNEST – ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, SOUTHEAST
Q: Tell us a bit about you and your background – work experience.
A: When I first started working I worked for the North Shore Association for Retarded Citizens. As a kid our church group would go to Hogan Regional. An institution for mentally handicapped. We would have a dance there for the clients and I loved seeing how happy they would be. While in college I got a job working with handicapped individuals and loved working with people. I worked in a sheltered workshop training clients on various jobs. I worked in this field for about nine years. I started having children in 1987 and put work on the back burner. Once the kids were school age I went to work in a small local store that sold produce and meats. Ernie’s Harvest Time in Lynn, MA is where I first got my experience with produce. Little did I know that this was the beginning of a great career. I stayed at this store for about four years before finding a job with Northeast Coops in Boston, MA. I was selling produce to buying clubs and small retail stores. These were actually the accounts that no one there really wanted to deal with. I loved it thought and was able to really build this business. When and other rep gave her notice I asked to be moved to the retail stores and I started selling to them.
When Northeast got bought out by UNFI I decided that I needed to find a more secure job. I wasn’t sure that I would actually have a job with UNFI. I began working for Black River Produce in Ludlow VT. This was a small distributor that was mainly servicing restaurant accounts. I helped them to develop an organic program geared towards retail. I was there for about nine months when I got a call from my old supervisor asking me if I was happy there. I was. He offered to bring me on to work for Alberts Organics. I was hurting the business in the Northeast for them. I had been working with the biggest retailers and was taking the business from Alberts. So this is how I ended up with Alberts. Now I am working to do the same with the Resource Group.
Q: Tell us a bit about you and your background – life experience:
A: I was raised in Salem, MA by very loving parents. At a very you age it was instilled in me that I need to work for what I want. My mom was a stay at home mom and dad would work two jobs to support us. I have always strived to make things better for myself and my family. I went to Westfield State College majoring in Communications and Northeastern University majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. I raised three children that are now grown and have five grandchildren.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job / field?
A: I enjoy working with my customers. I don’t see them as someone to just sell to. I see them as partners and I let them know that. I love to see the small stores grow and succeed. My biggest thrill while working in this field was the day that I sold $90K to Price Chopper in one load. I filled two trucks going to their warehouse.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Most important is my family. I have custody of my eight year old granddaughter Lily who means the world to me. We love to travel and see new places. Lily of course loves the pool everywhere we go. I am really passionate about my work. I want to make sure my customers are taken care of and are getting what they need.
Q: How many years of experience do have in this line of work? Where did you work prior to Resource Group?
A: I have been working in this field of work for over 25 years. Before Resource Group I was a senior inside sales rep for Alberts Organics. I was with Alberts for fourteen years. Before Alberts I was working for Black River Produce and I helped them to create an organic program. I also worked for Northeast Coops servicing buying clubs. I loved working with the individual family groups and expanded by book of business with this group.
Q: What are 3 fun facts about yourself?
A: I’m not afraid to tackle anything. I enjoy a challenge. I enjoy traveling and visiting amusement parks with my granddaughter. I crochet in my spare time and have donated many hats and blankets to different organizations.
Q: Why are you proud to work for/with Resource Group?
A: I see this as an opportunity to give our customer base another option to get their products. I feel that Resource Group is really looking out for our customers and put them first.