Albert S. DiFante
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564 Josephine Street 720-524-8683
Denver, Colorado 80206 adifante[at]comcast.net
Results Oriented Purchasing Professional, consistently successful in controlling costs, while improving net profitability and exceeding annual company objectives.
Exceptional long term vendor relations with major manufacturers/suppliers.
Career Summary
Vice President of Equipment Purchasing, Source One Distribution/Quiznos Denver, Colorado 2007 2008
Responsible for $40,000,000+ in annual equipment/smallwares purchases to support Quiznos new store openings and existing store replacement needs.
>Exceeded 2008 company objective of maintaining new store opening equipment/
smallwares package costs, by delivering an overall 5%+ cost savings.
>Reduced annual purchasing costs of stainless steel fabrication by $400,000
>Reduced annual purchasing costs of hood ventilation kit by $500,000
>Reduced annual purchasing costs of furniture package by $400,000
>Reduced annual purchasing costs of refrigeration equipment by $500,000
>Increased annual vendor marketing allowances to Quiznos by $100,000
>Worked with R&D, Design and Construction and Marketing to identify second
source/new manufacturers to meet or exceed company specifications related to
existing and new equipment/smallwares needs.
>Assisted in creating new vendor product purchase supply agreements/terms and
conditions for all approved vendors going forward.
>Generated and implemented RFP process to evaluate new vendors for approval
status.
>Responsible for inventory control, SKU reductions and disposition of obsolete
inventory.
>Key member of "Green Friendly" committee with successful implementation of
"Green Friendly Product" approvals, at improved costs.
>Member of International Development Team to implement overseas store
development and strategy.
>Established used equipment guidelines, policy and procedures for franchisee
reference.
>Supported and established minority vendor participation via approval process per
company objectives
>Worked closely with Franchisees to address concerns in the field and correct any
issues related to restaurant equipment, smallwares, services, furniture and
fixtures, decor or construction items.
Director of Restaurant Systems and Equipment Purchasing, Restaurant Services Inc., (Burger King Corporation) Coral Gables, Florida 1998 2007
Managed vendor relations and contract negotiations related to POS, cooking equipment, refrigeration, ventilation, fabrication, warewashing, signage, headsets, product holding units, walk-in refrigeration and shelving.
Performed due diligence in supplier approval review process, including RFP distribution and analysis.
>Provided projected annual restaurant system energy savings of $2,000,000 + per
year, by implementing an executed 3M window film national account supply
agreement.
>Achieved company annual objective in the negotiation and execution of a Point of
Sale supply agreement offering members a complete 3-2 configuration for under
$15,000. Achieved estimated $2,000,000+ savings to the system during 1st year of
executed contract.
>Introduced and monitored a fluctuating 304L stainless steel surcharge formula
incorporated with all approved stainless steel fabricator contracts. Estimated
annual system cost savings of $700,000+ achieved.
>Executed contract terms, conditions and national account pricing with Skecher
Works slip resistant shoe manufacturer. 2% rebate negotiated back to RSI, with
projected revenue of $100,000 annually.
>Published annual "RSI POS Technology Guide" for franchisee distribution.
Director of Equipment and Facilities Purchasing, Shoneys Inc., Nashville, TN 1993 - 1998
Managed Shoneys Inc. Equipment Department staff consisting of 6 employees.
>Responsible for all restaurant equipment purchasing, including Captain Ds, Lees
Famous Recipe, Pargos and Fifth Quarter restaurant divisions.
>Supervised in-house installation crew consisting of 6 employees, for new
construction and remodels.
>Worked closely with R&D toward new product development and all necessary
equipment, smallwares and field operations training.
National Account Sales Representative, Hobart Corp., Nashville, TN 1983 1993
>National Account Sales responsibilities included providing services and support to
Shoneys Inc., Cracker Barrel, J. Alexanders Restaurants and Hospital
Corporation of America.
>Additional responsibilities representing Hobart food service equipment line
included assisting hospitals, school systems, institutions, restaurants, hotels,
architects and consultants.
>Demonstrated proper use and care of complete product line to end users
>Represented company at major national and local trade shows
Education:
Rutgers University
BA in Accounting and Business Administration
Graduated with Honors in 3 years (3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale)
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