Staci Paul
Staci Paul is a seasoned sales leader with over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage distribution industry. As Senior National Sales Manager at FIJI Water, she leads national sales strategy, manages key distributor relationships, and drives route-to-market execution with a clear focus on delivering measurable, sustainable results. Known for her ability to build strong partnerships and lead with purpose, Staci combines strategic vision with hands-on execution in highly competitive, fast-paced environments. Prior to FIJI Water, she spent over a decade at Red Bull North America, where she developed deep expertise in regional distributor partnerships, on- and off-premise account management, and field sales leadership. During that time, she consistently exceeded performance goals, opened major regional partnerships, and strengthened her capabilities in negotiation, strategic planning, and team development. Staci’s leadership is grounded in her faith, family values, and a strong sense of integrity. She is passionate about creating meaningful relationships, empowering her teams to perform at their highest level, and navigating a male-dominated industry with confidence, professionalism, and authenticity. Her approach is both disciplined and people-focused, allowing her to scale national programs and accelerate growth while staying true to her values. Beyond her professional achievements, Staci is committed to giving back to her community through involvement with her church and youth. Her journey reflects resilience, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to making a lasting impact both in business and in the lives of those around her.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building high-impact partnerships and surrounding myself with people who challenge and elevate me while doing the same for my team to consistently deliver measurable results. Working in a male-dominated industry has strengthened my ability to lead with confidence, show up with presence, and earn respect while staying true to who I am and the organizations I represent. My faith has been a constant foundation, giving me confidence in my abilities and guiding my decisions. I also rely heavily on my family to keep me grounded and provide perspective as my career has grown more complex. Equally important has been finding a community of like-minded individuals who share my values and push me to be better. One of my proudest accomplishments was establishing a major regional partnership at Red Bull and then scaling that success even further at FIJI Water within just 90 days. By applying the lessons learned early on, I’ve been able to accelerate results and drive impact more efficiently.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to be intentional about building and maintaining your network. It’s not just about internal relationships external connections are equally important. Early in my career, I made a point to build strong, meaningful relationships across organizations and industries, and that network has been instrumental in my growth. Those connections have consistently opened doors, created opportunities, and played a critical role in my success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust the process and believe in your ability to succeed. Confidence, grounded in faith or your core values, is essential especially in environments that may challenge you. Take full advantage of the tools available today. The industry has evolved significantly, and technology plays a major role in driving success. Invest in learning, seek out courses, and stay curious so you can continue to grow with the changing landscape. Equally important is finding your people. Build a strong network of individuals who share your values and will support, challenge, and inspire you. That sense of community is invaluable as you navigate your career. And finally, stay grounded lean on your family or support system to keep perspective as your responsibilities and opportunities grow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The distribution landscape is more crowded than ever, which adds a layer of complexity to how business gets done. At the same time, that complexity creates opportunity. For me, one of the biggest advantages is leaning into the strong relationships I’ve built over time those connections are critical to navigating and unlocking growth. There’s also a significant opportunity in staying open to new ways of working. The organizations we partner with are evolving, and success requires agility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new approaches especially technology-driven solutions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith and family are the foundation of everything I do. My faith guides my decisions, and my family keeps me grounded especially as my career has grown more complex. Professionally, I value surrounding myself with people who share similar principles and integrity. Building a strong, values-aligned community is incredibly important to me, as those relationships provide both support and accountability. I also believe in showing up with confidence and presence, while remaining respectful, professional, and humble. No matter the level of success, staying grounded and leading with authenticity are values I strive to carry into every aspect of my life.