BRETT VENA
Olathe
Summary
Results-driven management professional with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Education Manager, District Sales Management
Lawson Products, Inc
01.2021 - Current
- Design and implementation of district sales manager new hire onboarding
- Facilitated workshops to promote product knowledge and customer service excellence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align educational initiatives with company goals.
- Streamlined onboarding processes to improve new hire integration into company culture.
- Field training and support for sales reps who need assistance opening new business and growing pipelines
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance employee knowledge and skills.
Manager, Government Sales – West
Lawson Products, Inc
- Promoted from Government Sales Account Manager (GSAM) in 2023
- Oversee 8 GSAM’s in the midwest to western territory of the United States (27 states in total under my direction)
- Work collaboratively with state contracts, national cooperatives such as GSA, Omnia, NASPO, TIPS and others that are in our suite of contracts
- Successfully executed a $16 million quota
- Coach/manage my GSAM team to ensure quotas successfully obtained
- Develop new business contracts within the government sector
- 60% travel to my aligned states to work with my GSAM’s quarterly, to continue managing and coaching to ensure success and growth in their states
- Work strategically with District Sales Manager’s, Regional Sales Directors to continue to educate and communicate current state of the government department, for new growth opportunities
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to company policies and standards.
Government Sales Account Manager
Lawson Products, Inc
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Growth development in the government SLED segments
- Grew territory (IA, MO, KS) to 41% growth. Exceeded quota goals by $390,000 from 2021 to 2022
- Orchestrated and developed our new national initiative with the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association. Forecasting to bring 1 million or more new sales dollars to the company
- Created relationship with the Iowa Department of Transportation to become contracted vendor for all 165 locations
- Created relationship with the Kansas Department of Transportation to become contracted vendor for all DOT accounts across the state
- Created new/reactivated government accounts to bring new sales dollars to our portfolio
- Created new account and partnership with the City of Des Moines, IA and brought in $105,000 to our portfolio year one
Mobility Systems Specialist – Sales
United Access
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Support and sales for customers in finding independence to enhance their lifestyle all through vehicle mobility solutions such as wheelchair accessible vehicles, vehicle scooter/power chair lifts, hand controls and transfer seats
- Build relationships with car dealers, durable medical equipment companies, non-profit organizations, government affiliated entities such as the VA, Vocational Rehab and third party funding sources to help my clients
- Personally reach over 2.3 million in sales annually
Sales Manager, Sports and Events
Olathe Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Event bid and securement for economic growth to the city of Olathe via the power of sports events for travel and tourism.
- Worked closely with hotels to fulfill room nights for event participants that included teams and fans.
- Developed strategic marketing initiatives to promote local events and attractions.
- Cultivated relationships with local businesses to enhance partnership opportunities.
- Coordinated community outreach programs to increase tourism awareness and engagement.
- Analyzed visitor data to refine marketing strategies and improve visitor experiences.
- Led sales presentations to attract new clients and secure sponsorships for events.
Assistant Director of Events
Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Coordinated logistics for multiple large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and participant satisfaction.
- Managed and assisted all facets of events in securing sponsors, operations, staff management and behind the scenes work.
- Assistant Event Director, Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon with Ivy Funds (11,500 participants), Westport St. Patrick’s Day 4-Mile Run (4,000 participants) and Sprint Campus Thanksgiving Day 5k (7,000 participants).
- Tournament Director, Buck O’Neil Negro Leagues Baseball Classic.
- Developed event marketing strategies that increased attendance and engagement across various demographics.
- Managed event budgets, tracking expenses and optimizing resource allocation effectively.
- Evaluated event feedback to implement improvements in future programming and operations.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance communication and streamline event planning processes.
Clubhouse Attendant/Batboy
Kansas City Royals Baseball Club
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Accommodate players and coaches’ requests in daily operations
- Batboy and clubhouse management, for smooth operation before, during and after game activities
- Collaborated with team members to efficiently manage inventory of supplies for clubhouse services.
- Assisted with on-field logistics, ensuring smooth game operations.
- Supported team members by delivering bats and helmets promptly during games.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO07.2008
Associate of Arts -
Maple Woods Community College
Kansas City, MO05.2005
Associate of Arts -
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS05.2004
High School Diploma -
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, KS01-2003
Skills
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff training and development
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
- Customer Service
- Operations management
- Strategic planning
- Goal setting
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
Certification
Certified Trainer - Carew - Dimensions of Professional Selling (DPS)
Timeline
Sales Education Manager, District Sales Management
Lawson Products, Inc
01.2021 - Current
Government Sales Account Manager
Lawson Products, Inc
01.2021 - 01.2023
Mobility Systems Specialist – Sales
United Access
01.2015 - 01.2021
Sales Manager, Sports and Events
Olathe Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2013 - 01.2015
Assistant Director of Events
Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
01.2008 - 01.2013
Clubhouse Attendant/Batboy
Kansas City Royals Baseball Club
01.2002 - 01.2009
Manager, Government Sales – West
Lawson Products, Inc
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Associate of Arts -
Maple Woods Community College
Associate of Arts -
Johnson County Community College
High School Diploma -
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Community Involvement
genKC Steering Committee, Marketing
Leadership Olathe Graduate
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) 2012 Man of the Year Candidate