February 2, 2009 - Harris Fogel President of Quofore Americas has been profiled by the Grocery Manaufacturers Association in the Industry Affairs Review newsletter. Below is the full profile from the newsletter.

Current Position:
In January 2006, I was named president, Quofore Americas, responsible for North and South American operations with the ultimate goal of helping leading consumer products companies implement next-generation mobile solutions for in-store execution, promotional compliance and direct store delivery applications.

Industry Leadership:
Chairman, GMA Associate Membership Council; Board Member/Co-founder, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Alumni Association-Atlanta Chapter; and Board Member, Trade Promotion Management Association.

Career Highlights:
“I’m proud of my involvement in successfully launching two world-class software companies with solutions specifically designed for the consumer products industry.  It is extremely rewarding to be/have been a part of these companies’ development and growth, and, most importantly, to experience first hand the value that these solutions can drive for our consumer goods customers.

Personal:
“Originally from Augusta, Georgia. (No, I am not a scratch golfer.)  Married for 21 years. Live outside Atlanta with my wife, Stacye, and daughters Allie (15) and Kerri (13). My hobbies include running and biking with my friends as well as spending time with the family on our boat, at the movies, cooking out or just hanging around the house.

Education:
University of Georgia, BBA, in finance

First Job:
“In high school and college, my first job was working at my father’s floor covering store where he decided I should learn the business from the ground up.  Literally, I started off installing floors! It was a great experience in understanding that everyone in the organization directly contributes to its success. After college, I was fortunate enough to be hired by P&G as a sales representative, calling on retail stores in New Orleans. Starting my ‘official’ career with P&G was a great experience.  My first role, as well as subsequent positions at P&G, helped lay the foundation of my passion for helping CPG companies become more effective and efficient in sales and marketing through process-enabling technologies.

How’d You Get Where You Are Today?
“I can say that when I graduated college, I didn’t have a grand plan of running a technology company focused on the CPG  industry.  That said, throughout my career, I have had people far smarter than I am provide good advice.  I learned one thing quickly:  To be successful, I had to take responsibility for my own actions, and I had to be a good team player.  In business and in life, you can’t go it alone.  It is important to build strong relationships based on trust; and – for those relationships to stand the test of time – they must be mutually advantageous.  I have always looked for ways to add value to others, whether personally or professionally (the whole ‘pass it on’ mantra).  Also, probably because of what I observed as a kid working for my family business, providing exceptional customer service and a great work environment have always been a high priority in whatever I do.

Key Factors for CPG Manufacturers During These Tough Times:
”To keep consumer loyalty both short and long term, CPG companies must continue to provide great brands at fair prices. From a business perspective, they must focus on investing in efficiency to make the most of every dollar spent.  These investments can take many forms, including redirecting marketing and promotional dollars to the store to ensure on-shelf availability and influence at the time of purchase, thus increasing sales.

On Partnerships:
“As much as we would like to believe it, the world does not revolve around us.  Building an eco-system of partnerships is critically important.  Retailers and suppliers continue to find ways to work in partnership to drive efficiencies and serve consumer needs.  Technology providers also collaborate and work together to leverage each others’ strengths and serve customer needs.  Over the years, I have been fortunate to have partners – ranging from customers to consulting firms, from ERP to syndicated data groups –  with whom I have worked closely who offer solutions designed to solve a critical industry issue. Working together, we can go farther faster and provide greater value.”