Dave is the Senior Director of Sales for AUI Fine Foods (Albert Uster Imports) a food distributor specializing in gourmet products, primarily in dessert and pastry offerings.

 

A 30-year food service distribution veteran, Dave started his career with Sysco Food Services, serving in various roles including sales, sales management, business development and merchandising. He has been awarded the prestigious Pacesetters Award, recognizing the top sales management executives in the country. He also held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Paragon Foods located in Cranberry Township and COO of Weiss Provision Company located in Pittsburgh’s historic strip district.

 

While at Paragon Foods, Dave got his first real connection to local food sourcing. After getting a better understating of the challenges of sourcing fresh foods from local farmers, Dave worked to enhance the relationship between customer, distributor, and farmer. He instituted the initial "farmer's forum" in which farmers were able to interact directly with customers so all participants could express their plans and pains with the process. Based upon this interaction, an improved communication portal was established so farmers had a better sense of what and how much to grow. Customers developed improved awareness of the challenges of local farmers and the important role that they play in the supply chain.

 

Dave was also the co-creator of the local sourcing initiative currently in place at Sysco Foods. That program enlists local makers and farmers into the supply chain. These artisans are now able to reach customers well outside their footprint.

 

Among other leadership roles, Dave is currently an active board member of Adat Shalom synagogue in the Fox Chapel area.