Bill Lakey
About Bill Lakey
Bill Lakey is a Produce Specialist with over 20 years of experience in organic produce sales. He currently works at US Foods and has held various roles in sales and account management, emphasizing proactive customer service and long-term client relationships.
Current Role at US Foods
Bill Lakey has been serving as a Produce Specialist at US Foods since 2021. In this role, he focuses on providing expertise in organic produce sales and customer service. His responsibilities include understanding client needs and collaborating to explore options that enhance sales and margins. His proactive approach aims to build long-term relationships with clients in the food industry.
Previous Experience in Produce Sales
Before joining US Foods, Bill Lakey held several positions in the produce sales sector. He worked as a Senior Account Manager for Produce at UNFI from 2020 to 2021. Prior to that, he was a Sales Manager at Tophat Mushrooms from 2018 to 2020. Additionally, he served as an FOB Sales Representative at Capay Farms Inc. for 9 months in 2018. His experience spans over 20 years in organic produce sales.
Background in Hospitality
Bill Lakey began his career in the hospitality industry, working as a Lead Bartender at T.G.I. Fridays from 1988 to 1990. This early experience provided him with foundational skills in customer service and sales, which he has carried into his later roles in the produce industry.
Education and Expertise
Bill Lakey earned a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Oregon State University, where he studied from 1984 to 1988. His educational background supports his emphasis on proactive and creative customer service, enabling him to effectively communicate with clients and understand their needs.
Client Relationship Focus
In his professional roles, Bill Lakey emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with clients. He specializes in working with clients who prioritize the origins of their food, including wholesale distributors and food delivery businesses. His collaborative approach helps clients increase sales and margins by exploring tailored options.