For over two decades, Alan Plotkin has served as a dedicated and valued member of the New England Division team. Now as he enters his retirement, we would like to take the opportunity to thank him for his service and extend our congratulations to his successor, Scott Otero.
Alan jumped headfirst into the industry in 1981 when he opened his own convenience store at the Westfarms Mall in West Hartford, Connecticut. After seven years of operation, he opened another store in Middletown, Connecticut. In 1992, Alan became a tobacco sub jobber, eventually leading him to join L.B.G. Grocery in 1997. L.B.G. was then acquired by J. Polep Distribution in 1999. While at J. Polep, Alan served as a Connecticut sales representative until 2002 when he ascended to regional sales manager. Since then, Alan has garnered over 20 years of experience leading his region’s team of sales representatives.
“I enjoyed working for the Polep family, going on business related work trips [like] NACS and the family atmosphere,” said Alan. “My favorite part of the job was interacting with customers and coworkers, taking on new challenges and finding solutions and being part of the evolution of the industry.”
Alan is looking forward to playing a few extra rounds of golf in the sun and spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren, during his retirement.
“Alan has been a tremendous asset for both J. Polep and the NCD organizations. One thing I’ve always admired about Alan, he’s always been a forward thinker, who always challenged his team, the management team and, more importantly, himself,” said Steve Peterson, executive vice president of national sales at NCD. “He was never afraid of pushing the envelope, with the understanding that it was in the best interest of the company. Truly a good man and someone I consider my friend.”
Alan will truly be missed at NCD, but as he passes the regional sales manager torch, we are confident that Scott will be able to fill his shoes.
Like Alan, Scott has a passion for golf – and for championing the industry, of course. His first job was at Brooklyn Express Mart when he was 15 years old. Despite his young age, this early business venture inspired him to further forge his path into the convenience industry.
Between 1994 and 1997, Scott managed a small chain of convenience stores. Then from 2004 to 2008, he owned and managed the very gas station where he got his first job. Following this full circle moment, Scott transitioned to J. Polep, where he worked as a sales representative from 2008 to 2012. Scott returned to J. Polep in 2015 after three years at Commonwealth-Altadis as a territory manager and area sales manager.
“I love the family atmosphere of NCD, problem-solving and supporting our customers,” shared Scott. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to help NCD continue to exceed market expectations in both sales and service in my new role as regional sales manager.”
Combined with 12 years at Polep and a lifetime’s worth of expertise, Scott brings decades of wisdom to his new role.
“Treat others as you’d like to be treated and you will be successful,” said Scott.
Please join us in supporting both Alan and Scott as they embark upon their next chapter!