About Blaine

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Blaine Heilman                                                                                                                                            Selah, WA 98942 | bheilman2021@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Accomplished produce industry leader with over 15 years of experience in management, strategic sourcing, retail and sales. Demonstrated expertise in leading cross-functional teams, developing and executing growth strategies, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across domestic and international markets. Recognized for exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills, with a proven track record of delivering significant business growth and operational excellence. Passionate about leveraging industry insights and collaborative approaches to drive success.

Work History

President of Sales                               June 2024 - December 2024

Sage Fruit Company                                                          Yakima, WA

• Led overall sales strategy to achieve competitive grower returns for apples, pears, and cherries.
• Developed and maintained key grower and customer relationships, ensuring strong market positioning.
• Directed domestic and export programs, optimizing fruit movement and maximizing crop value.
• Provided strategic oversight on pricing, packing, and market trends to drive revenue growth.
• Collaborated with Field Staff and Marketing teams to enhance grower communication and customer engagement.
• Ensured compliance with industry standards and maintained high levels of integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

Sr. Manager International Sourcing         September 2021 - June 2024

Walmart Inc.                                                                                  Yakima, WA

• Manage sourcing for Sam's and Walmart across nine US &  international business units for apples, pears, and cherries. 
• Strategically identified opportunities to ensure surety of supply, high-quality, and best cost for our customers by leveraging the size and scale of Walmart International. Opened sourcing opportunities from three new COOs to total 12 COO managed to achieve 52 week supply. 
• YTD Delivered 132% increase in Apple/Pear business with 10x increase in cherry business.
• Manage cross-functional relationships and created/refined ways of working for multiple stakeholders and markets.
• Opened sourcing business into WM Canada & Sam’s US, achieved 100% sourcing for WM Mexico,  as well as new joint business initiatives with WM US.

Director of Domestic Sales                                       May 2019 - August 2021

Rainier Fruit Company                                                                         Selah, WA

·   Led a team of associates across sales and marketing which included responsibilities of training and development, strategy creation and execution to drive customer growth and grower returns on apples, pears, blueberries, & cherries.

·   Specifically led Rainier’s cherry program on sales, retail strategy, packaging, negotiations, and production/inventory management to ensure full utilization of the bin to optimize sales and grower return potential.

·   Advise warehouse owners and growers of current market and customer trends for short and long-term capex planning

·   Collaborated with industry representatives, trade experts to drive growth in the apple, pear, and cherry categories.

Domestic & Export Sales                         August 2013 – May 2019

·   Developed, maintained, and grew accounts both domestically and internationally through categorically relevant data, excellent customer service and an eye for detail.

·   Researched and analyzed past, current, and future industry trends as well as conducting competitive analysis to identify opportunities in the market, maintain sales, and drive growth in categories that align to the company goals. 

·   Inventory Management to ensure year-round availability.

·   Strategically drove and managed Rainier’s pear category from 2018-2021 resulting in positive returns to growers all years.

Appointment Scheduling & Sales Assistant          August 2011 – August 2013

·   Daily processing of orders to ensure product was delivered as ordered.

·   Provided extensive customer service by learning customer demands, focus, and opportunities.

·   Processed all paperwork needed for successful arrival of product domestically and internationally. 

·   Scheduled & managed truck appointments for eight warehouses. 

Education

Eastern Washington University                Cheney, WA

Bachelors of Science: Natural Science Education

Minor: Spanish & Special Education