Stroup Ingredient Resource Company Logo



Robert Stroup, CPFB
President/Owner
770.205.8281 Ext. 13


Robert Stroup's Photograph

Robert grew up in the food business and today he is celebrating his 21st year in the food industry. His father, Jim, founded the company in 1972, as Stroup's Brokerage Company. Robert graduated from the University of Georgia in 1985, with a degree in economics and joined his father in the company in 1986.


In 1992, Robert bought the business from his father and later renamed it Stroup Ingredient Resources feeling the name more accurately reflects our objective to be a resource to meet the ingredient needs of food manufacturers and processors. Robert completed a thorough 3 year certification course in 1998, educating in such topics as synergistic selling, business management, fiscal responsibility, and legal and business ethics earning the distinction Certified Professional Food Broker. Robert is also part of a peer group of 9 other established ingredient sales agents throughout the country know as FIND - Food Ingredient Network Development.


Robert has been married to Tracey, also a part of the company, for 20 years. They have three children - Kinsey (14), Sydney (12), and Ford (8).



Rodney Hudson
Operations Manager
678.644.0542


Rodney Hudson's Photograph

Rodney has a business degree in Management and has been in the food industry for 14 years. He has served as Warehouse/Inventory Manager and Purchasing Manager for food ingredients prior to joining Simplified Logistics.


He celebrated his two year anniversary with Simplified Logistics in November 2007. Rodney currently handles sales, operations, customer service, and resourcing.


He has been married to his wife Noelle for 12 years and they have a son - Thomas who is 11 and a daughter - Laura who is 9, along with a dog, a cat, and two horses.








Nathan Roberts
Vice President of Sales and Business Development
678.492.6381


Nathan Roberts' Photograph

In August 2002, Nathan graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining Stroup, he worked as a sales representative in the packaging industry. When he joined Stroup in 2005, he was responsible for ordering samples and assisted the Customer Service department. He quickly proved himself as a successful leader in sales. He was promoted to VP of Sales and Business Development and now handles all accounts in North and South Carolina.



On July 8, 2006, Nathan and his wife, Erin, were blessed with twins - Jake and Bailey.






Diana Watson
Customer Service
770.205.8281 Ext. 10


Diana Watson's Photograph

Diana joined Stroup Ingredients 9 years ago, bringing a strong customer focus. She has over 25 years of customer service experience and continues to remain a remarkable asset to Stroup Ingredients. Diana builds relationships with our clients and ensures the execution of orders are handled in an accurate and precise manner; providing the best quality customer service possible.


Diana and her husband, Bill have one daughter and one grandson.








Tracey Stroup
General Manager
770.205.8281 Ext. 12


Tracey Stroup's Photograph

Tracey graduated from the University of Georgia in 1985. Prior to joining Stroup Ingredients, Tracey had 8 years of proven pharmaceutical sales. Tracey joined the Stroup team 13 years ago and has proven to be a valuable asset to the company. She is responsible for office administration, accounting, operations and business development.


Tracey has been married to Robert, owner of the company, for 20 years. They have three children - Kinsey (14), Sydney (12), and Ford (8).










Gail Burris
Sales & Staff Support
770.205.8281 Ext. 15


Gail Burris' Photograph

Gail is the newest member of our team. She comes to us with 16 years of experience in the paperboard packaging industry, 13 years as a legal secretary, and 11 years as a business owner. She will assist with all areas of support for the members of the Stroup Ingredient Resources Team.


Gail hales from Minnesota and she and her husband, Paul, have been married 22 years. They have one daughter, Kelly (33).









ACHIEVEMENTS



French's Ingredients: National Performer of the Year
2003, 1999, 1997, 1994, 1993, 1991

French's Ingredients: Eastern Regional Performer of the Year
2004, 1998, 1995, 1992, 1990

International Dehydrated Foods: Highest Dollar Sales Percent Increase Over Last Year
2004, 2007

International Dehydrated Foods: Million Dollar Club
2007

Nikken Foods: Outstanding Sales Award
2007-2008

Nikken Foods: Broker of the Year
1995

AFFILIATIONS



Our firm believes in the value of professional development and has a Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative CPMR) on staff. Three years of executive education provide an understanding of how to run an effective and forward-thinking rep firm. Our customers, manufacturers, distributors, and employees all benefit from this knowledge. For more information go to www.CPMR.biz.


Because our firm believes in the value of professional development, we employ Certified Sales Professionals (CSP). Their knowledge of consultative selling makes them valuable resources for our customers, manufacturers and distributors. For more information go to www.CSP-USA.org.



Stroup Ingredient Resources is proud to be affiliated with the following groups in the food industry:



IFT LogoIFT, with heavy involvement in regional (Dixie) section of IFT. Robert is past Chairman 1997-1998 of Dixie section, IFT.





F.I.N.D. (Food Ingredient Network Development)
, a national industrial food broker network.


Certified Professional Food Broker Logo

Robert recently completed his studies at Arizona State University, gaining certification as a professional food broker by the Institute for Professional Advancement, Inc. CPFB - When you see these initials after the name of a food broker, you know you're in good hands.

The CPFB designation of the Manufacturer's Representative Educational Research Foundation stands for Certified Professional Food Broker, and can only be used by graduates of the Institute for Professional Advancement's certification program. A CPFB has successfully completed a three-year course, including on-campus university residency, covering the financial, legal, long range planning, succession and management issues inherent in operating a state-of-the-art professional multiple-line field sales organization. We are proud that Robert has earned this coveted designation.