Jon Updyke

Business Development Executive

Charleston, South Carolina, United States18 yrs 1 mo experience

Key Highlights

Over 20 years of experience in business development.
Expert in building strategic partnerships.
Proven track record in driving sales growth.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Business Development Leader in the Agriculture sector.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Business DevelopmentAccount ManagementSales Management

Other Skills

SalesCustomer ServiceMarket InsightsBrand DevelopmentMarketing StrategyCustomer Service ManagementDirect SalesCustomer EngagementCommunicationEntrepreneurshipCoachingPersonal DevelopmentSmall BusinessLeadershipMicrosoft Office

About

Results-driven business development and sales leader with over 20 years of experience in driving growth, building strategic partnerships, and delivering value across key markets. Currently with Life Family Farms, I focus on expanding our reach through innovative marketing strategies, customized solutions, and relationship-driven sales, particularly in the fresh produce industry. I bring a unique blend of strategic thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and hands-on execution to every opportunity. Skilled in business development, account management, and market expansion, I’m passionate about creating sustainable partnerships that benefit both sides of the table.

Experience

18 yrs 1 mo

Total Experience

Average Tenure

Current Experience

Life family farms

Business Development Executive

Nov 2024 – Present · 1 yr 7 mos · Pompano Beach, Florida, United States · Remote

In my role, I focus on identifying new opportunities, expanding our customer base, and strengthening relationships with key accounts in the fresh produce industry. I work closely with both growers and customers to ensure we deliver high-quality products, competitive pricing, and exceptional service year-round.
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and executing customized sales strategies for retail and foodservice partners.
Collaborating with procurement and logistics teams to optimize supply chain solutions that meet customer needs.
Managing account relationships, ensuring both operational excellence and long-term success.
Providing market insights, pricing updates, and product recommendations to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
By focusing on relationship-driven sales and innovative solutions, I help Life Family Farms remain a trusted partner in delivering fresh, high-quality produce to meet the evolving needs of our customers in both retail and foodservice sectors.

SalesBusiness DevelopmentAccount Management

Hammock greens

National Business Development Manager

Mar 2024 – Nov 2024 · 8 mos · Miami, Florida, United States · Hybrid

I lead our team as the National Business Development Manager, steering the company into a new era of growth and national expansion. At Hammock Greens, our mission is to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown and consumed across America. By harnessing cutting-edge indoor farming technologies, we ensure our products are not only of the highest quality but also grown sustainably year-round. We are on a quest to make clean, nutritious, and locally grown vegetables more accessible to everyone.

Business DevelopmentBrand DevelopmentSales ManagementAccount Management

Vertical roots®

2 roles

Director of Sales

Promoted

Jan 2021 – Feb 2024 · 3 yrs 1 mo

As Director of Sales at Vertical Roots, a market leader in the indoor farming sector, I spearheaded sales strategies that achieved remarkable growth, reaching millions in sales and establishing a robust distribution network up and down the East Coast. Led a dynamic sales team to exceed sales targets through strategic planning, effective customer engagement, and fostering strong, long-lasting partnerships.

Customer Service ManagementDirect SalesSales ManagementBusiness Development

Commercial Account Manager

Nov 2018 – Jan 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Asf global, llc

National Sales Executive

Mar 2017 – Nov 2018 · 1 yr 8 mos · Charleston, South Carolina Area

International NVOCC working with importers across the US. In charge of accounts based in the South East.

Customer Service ManagementDirect SalesSales ManagementBusiness Development

Atlanta customs brokers & international freight forwarders

National Sales Manager

Apr 2015 – Mar 2017 · 1 yr 11 mos · Atlanta, Georgia, United States · On-site

Responsible for the business development and international sales for both the Customs Brokerage and International Freight Forwarding divisions.
Managed the international freight forwarding department including all aspects of the sales process including prospecting, bidding, bookings & client management. Worked with clients from all over the world managing millions of dollars of freight on a monthly basis.

North metro traffic school - online driving school

Owner

Apr 2008 – Mar 2017 · 8 yrs 11 mos · Atlanta, Georgia, United States · On-site

North Metro is a national provider of online traffic school courses and online court services programs. With classes in all 50 states, North Metro Traffic School is one of the largest online providers and directories for DUI & DWI Classes, Defensive Driving courses, Driver's Education, Drug and Alcohol Evaluations and the leading resource for finding Alcohol Treatment centers in the US.