Paul Medeiros is a seasoned sales leader with a passion for the food business that began in high school, working at a local independent supermarket. By the age of 21, he had advanced to store manager, showcasing early on his aptitude for leadership and operational excellence. Paul’s dedication to professional growth led him to earn an MBA from Northeastern University while managing a high-volume supermarket.

Paul’s career trajectory includes an impressive 23-year tenure at Nestlé, the largest food company in the world, where he held various sales leadership roles. He further honed his expertise with Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Rich Products Corporation, and Sara Lee, navigating through numerous acquisitions and divestitures. His experience also extends to emerging brands such as Rolling Pin Donuts and Leonetti’s Frozen Foods, where he played pivotal roles in driving business growth and market expansion.

In 2023, Paul founded The Medeiros Group LLC, where he serves as a Fractional Sales Leader and Consultant. His mission is to help grow emerging CPG brands by expanding their distribution and sales, guiding them from product and packaging development to broker appointments and in-store testing. Paul excels in introducing entrepreneurs to the complex go-to-market requirements in the food industry, leveraging his broad base of knowledge and extensive network of contacts.

Paul’s professional journey is marked by his ability to drive results in both large and small organizations through strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to developing people. His transparent and team-oriented leadership style has been instrumental in building successful sales organizations with both direct and broker structures. He has a proven track record of expanding distribution for lesser-known brands and improving profitability for high ACV products across various CPG categories, including Center Store, Refrigerated and Frozen, Deli, Bakery, Foodservice, and co-manufacturing.

Paul’s expertise spans multiple channels, including Grocery, Discount Grocery, Mass, Club, and Televised Home Shopping. At Schwan’s, he successfully relaunched the in-store bakery business, managed a broker network, and transitioned to a direct sales force, expanding account responsibilities and participating in the recruitment, hiring, training, and development of sales teams. His strategic planning and new business development skills have been endorsed by numerous colleagues, reflecting his ability to drive business growth and market success.

Throughout his career, Paul has demonstrated a keen interest in forming effective teams and mentoring individuals, using his accumulated knowledge to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. His experience with brands such as Red Baron, Freschetta, Mrs. Smith’s, Edward’s, Pagoda, and Juicy Juice, along with his strategic roles at Rolling Pin Manufacturing Corp. and Sara Lee Coffee & Tea, underscores his versatility and depth of expertise in the food industry.

Paul Medeiros continues to make significant contributions to the CPG sector, helping brands navigate the complexities of market entry and expansion. His leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to achieve sustainable growth and market leadership.

Character: Paul Medeiros exemplifies integrity and transparency, fostering trust and respect in every professional relationship. His commitment to developing people and forming effective teams underscores his dedication to leadership and mentorship.

Knowledge: With over 30 years in the food industry, Paul has amassed extensive expertise in sales, strategic planning, and product development. His experience spans both large corporations like Nestlé and smaller emerging brands, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on market dynamics and business growth.

Strategic: Paul is a seasoned strategist, adept at navigating complex market landscapes and driving profitable growth. He has successfully expanded distribution channels, improved profitability, and developed go-to-market strategies for numerous brands across various CPG categories.

Communication: Paul’s exceptional communication skills enable him to effectively lead cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with stakeholders. His ability to articulate vision and strategy has been instrumental in guiding brands through launches, acquisitions, and market expansions.