Aaron Balser
Clarksville
Summary
Results-oriented Operations and Sales Leader with 25 years of experience in driving delivery operations and sales execution. Expertise in optimizing route performance, enhancing safety and compliance, and fostering a culture of customer service. Skilled in multi-site operations, onboarding, KPI management, and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong focus on developing talent and improving operational efficiency.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Capabilities Trainer
PepsiCo
05.2024 - Current
- Deliver leadership onboarding and capability training programs across the Metro Atlantic Region.
- Facilitated structured 2–90 day onboarding programs that enhanced employee readiness, retention, safety awareness, and performance.
- Improved onboarding consistency and leadership readiness through structured training programs.
- Supported field operations teams by enhancing onboarding effectiveness and developing frontline leadership capabilities.
- Coach frontline leaders on training execution, employee engagement, and performance management strategies.
- Trained and developed frontline leaders across multiple locations.
- Partner with leadership teams to ensure consistent operational standards and service excellence across multiple locations.
Market Development Leader
Blue Cloud Distribution
Collierville, Tullahoma & Cookeville, Tn
02.2022 - 05.2024
- Led launch of PepsiCo's Blue Cloud Distribution startup operation across three Tennessee markets.
- Supported market growth initiatives, customer acquisition, and territory expansion efforts during startup operations.
- Developed operational processes to enhance sales execution, warehouse operations, delivery performance, and customer service.
- Coordinated with cross-functional partners to optimize execution, efficiency, and service levels.
- Assisted in establishing a startup distribution operation from initial planning to execution.
- Established scalable operating procedures across multiple locations.
- Recruited, trained, and developed teams of 5–10 employees per location.
- Implemented onboarding and training programs that ensured consistency in performance and compliance with company standards.
Delivery Supervisor
PepsiCo
Nashville
02.2019 - 02.2022
- Successfully led one of the region's largest delivery teams.
- Directed daily operations for approximately 60 delivery drivers and 10–15 merchandisers serving the Nashville market.
- Managed driver onboarding, qualification files, road testing, PIT certification, and ongoing compliance requirements.
- Maintained high safety, service, productivity, and regulatory compliance standards to support operational excellence.
- Oversaw operational metrics such as OPT, G2M, manifest compliance, DSD collections, and telematics performance to drive service reliability.
- Provided coaching, performance management, and leadership development to improve employee engagement and operational effectiveness.
- Partnered with warehouse, sales, and customer teams to ensure timely, accurate, and efficient product delivery.
- Enhanced safety and compliance through targeted employee coaching and development initiatives, resulting in improved operational performance.
Sales / OAM / Bulk Delivery / Food Service
PepsiCo
Middle Tennessee Markets
01.2010 - 01.2019
- Managed customer portfolios across sales, food service, bulk delivery, and account management, optimizing engagement across channels.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with business customers, enhancing account retention and contributing to sales growth.
- Coordinated with warehouse and delivery teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment, resulting in high customer satisfaction.
- Trained employees on sales execution, merchandising standards, route preparation, and operational best practices.
- Supported territory growth initiatives and market development efforts across Middle Tennessee.
Sales Representative & Merchandiser Lead
Coca-Cola
Middle Tennessee Region
01.2000 - 01.2010
- Sales Representative (2005 – 2010): Managed large and small-format retail accounts, ensuring tailored service and engagement to meet diverse client needs.
- Built strong customer relationships and enhanced product visibility through strategic merchandising and impactful promotional execution.
- Maintained high service levels and product availability.
- Merchandiser Lead (2000 – 2005): Led merchandising teams across multiple retail locations.
- Oversaw inventory rotation and display execution while ensuring adherence to quality standards and timely promotional setups.
- Trained and mentored new employees on safety procedures, merchandising standards, customer service, and route readiness.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH05.1999
Skills
- Onboarding and training
- Team coaching
- Performance Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Sales Strategy Development
- Sales Process Optimization
- Sales Performance Metrics
- Customer Relationship Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Delivery Operations Leadership
- Multi-site operations
- Process Improvement
- KPI management
- Route Optimization & Execution
- Transport management
- Change Management
- Safety Training Programs
Additional Qualifications
- 25+ Years of Leadership Experience
- Extensive PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Industry Experience
- Startup Operations & Market Expansion Expertise
- Large Team Leadership Experience
- Training, Coaching & Workforce Development
- Delivery, Warehouse & Distribution Operations
- Safety-First Leadership Approach
- Strong Customer Relationship Management Skills
Timeline
Sales Capabilities Trainer
PepsiCo
05.2024 - Current
Market Development Leader
Blue Cloud Distribution
02.2022 - 05.2024
Delivery Supervisor
PepsiCo
02.2019 - 02.2022
Sales / OAM / Bulk Delivery / Food Service
PepsiCo
01.2010 - 01.2019
Sales Representative & Merchandiser Lead
Coca-Cola
01.2000 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science -
The Ohio State University