TFM courts new clients for its marketing services
TFM courts new clients for its marketing services
TFM International Inc., a produce marketing consulting firm in Mulberry, FL, is now representing Miami-based M&M Farm Inc., a grower-shipper specializing in tropicals.
TFM International, previously the exclusive marketing representative of J&C Tropicals in Miami, is looking to expand its client base, according to Mark Vertrees, president and owner of the firm.
"I am basically functioning as M&M's marketing manager," Mr. Vertrees said. "I created this firm to be other people's marketing directors."
Mr. Vertrees founded TFM International in April 2004 to specialize in produce marketing, merchandising and organizational development.
"One of the things that I like most about the produce business is that it moves incredibly fast and is constantly changing," he said. "Unfortunately, many produce companies seem to move so fast trying to reach short-term sales goals that long-term marketing and strategic planning [are] often overlooked. TFM was created to help produce companies fill that marketing void."
The company has a new web site, www.tfmintl.us, which features the company logo prominently. Mr. Vertrees designed the logo to capitalize on the produce industry's reputation as a fun business. "I created TFM's logo with an orange, kiwi, banana, red grapefruit, pineapple leaves, and a pair of funky sunglasses," he said. The design is based on one he created as a marketing project at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, TX, from which he graduated in 1988 with a degree in advertising/public relations and journalism.
Prior to creating TFM International, Mr. Vertrees worked in advertising for HLB Tropical Food USA Inc. in Plantation, FL. Other produce-related experience includes stints with Sunkist Growers, the Florida Department of Citrus and Winn-Dixie.
Mr. Vertrees lives in Mulberry, FL, with his wife, Luisa, and two retrievers "that are basically our kids," he joked. In the couple's leisure time, they enjoy camping and the outdoors.
TFM International, previously the exclusive marketing representative of J&C Tropicals in Miami, is looking to expand its client base, according to Mark Vertrees, president and owner of the firm.
"I am basically functioning as M&M's marketing manager," Mr. Vertrees said. "I created this firm to be other people's marketing directors."
Mr. Vertrees founded TFM International in April 2004 to specialize in produce marketing, merchandising and organizational development.
"One of the things that I like most about the produce business is that it moves incredibly fast and is constantly changing," he said. "Unfortunately, many produce companies seem to move so fast trying to reach short-term sales goals that long-term marketing and strategic planning [are] often overlooked. TFM was created to help produce companies fill that marketing void."
The company has a new web site, www.tfmintl.us, which features the company logo prominently. Mr. Vertrees designed the logo to capitalize on the produce industry's reputation as a fun business. "I created TFM's logo with an orange, kiwi, banana, red grapefruit, pineapple leaves, and a pair of funky sunglasses," he said. The design is based on one he created as a marketing project at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, TX, from which he graduated in 1988 with a degree in advertising/public relations and journalism.
Prior to creating TFM International, Mr. Vertrees worked in advertising for HLB Tropical Food USA Inc. in Plantation, FL. Other produce-related experience includes stints with Sunkist Growers, the Florida Department of Citrus and Winn-Dixie.
Mr. Vertrees lives in Mulberry, FL, with his wife, Luisa, and two retrievers "that are basically our kids," he joked. In the couple's leisure time, they enjoy camping and the outdoors.
