Brian Freeman
Fayetteville,AR
Summary
Experienced in managing fast-paced and evolving businesses, successfully handling accounts such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Skilled in making quick decisions and adopting a solution-based approach to drive sales and ensure profitability. Expertise in account management, sales pipeline development, and building strong customer relationships. Well-versed in bridging the gap between accounts and product development to meet customers' ever-changing needs with unique solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior National Account Manager
Paramount Home Media Distribution
01.2012 - 06.2019
- Oversaw annual net sales of $200M at Walmart
- Ensured maximum exposure of new products by leveraging comp data and relevant marketing materials during monthly buyer meetings, resulting in secured in-store positioning and timed launch
- Collaborated with Brand Marketing and Sales Planning to effectively communicate internally, resulting in increased sales and positive ROI of programs and products implemented at Walmart.
- Effectively handled account trade spending for various product lines at Paramount in collaboration with partners such as Nickelodeon, CBS, MTV,
and Comedy Central - Employed strategic planning to enhance distribution and performance of approximately 350 SKUs at Walmart by maximizing modular space.
- Provided internal communication on account trends and changes to inform strategic decision-making for Paramount's success at the account
- Cultivated strong rapport with Walmart's buying team to effectively align strategic priorities.
- Optimized Walmart placement and performance of Paramount by closely collaborating with Category Management.
National Account Manager
Paramount Home Media Distribution
07.2008 - 01.2012
- Managed overall annual sales of $21MM at Sam’s Club and $10MM at Walmart.com
- Increased net sales in the first year on the accounts 10% and 25% respectively driven by an increase in successful promotional activity, partnering with the customer on exclusive opportunities, and strong new product offerings
- Managed business to meet net sales goals at Sam’s Club and Walmart.com for Paramount Pictures and our partners including Dreamworks Animation, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and PBS
- Collaborated with Sam’s Club and Walmart.com buying teams to negotiate placement of promotions, new releases, and everyday items
- Provided buying team with historical industry and account specific data in monthly meetings resulting in better decisions on New Release and promotional opportunities
- Developed and executed club and online programs that were relevant to the shopper and ensured positive ROI by managing both brand and account specific funding
- Facilitated all marketing efforts between Paramount and Walmart.com
- Worked closely with Sales Planning and Forecasting teams to determine initial ship quantities for New Release titles and promotions resulting in maximum sell thru and positive ROI
- Communicated with internal brand marketing teams through weekly meetings to secure both financial and operational support for account activities.
Retail Sales Analyst
03.2005 - 07.2008
- Provided daily reporting for the Walmart sales team including daily POS, promotional tracking, profitability, and sell thru analysis
- Manage assortment process to maximize sales of promotional activity based on analysis of POS data and Store of the Community information
- Present pricing recommendations based on analysis of industry trends
- Provided category, promotional, and item level forecasting in order to identify needs and plan promotional activity
- Responsible for all item maintenance within Retail Link including pricing and setup
- Lead our tri-annual draw process coordinated by FOX category management
- This included the preparation and organization of materials for typically 150 to 200 new skus pitched for the new modular, as well as reports showing current SKU performance and projected cuts
- Attended buyer appointments and provided any supporting data for sales presentations
- Worked closely with Walmart buying team to resolve operational issues
- Coordinated and relayed information between Paramount’s VMI/Operations teams and Walmart
- Communicated recommendations, results, and findings to the Paramount sales team and Walmart buyers
- Advanced knowledge of Retail Link and experience using this system to obtain and analyze data to provide information needed by my team and Walmart to make decisions.
Merchandise Assistant-Category 13
Walmart Stores Inc./Sam’s Club Division
01.2004 - 03.2005
- Analyzed sales data to help identify the product assortment and sku count in sub categories that maximized sales as well as determined the best product assortment for individual clubs
- Reviewed sales data from new item tests including sales performance, new market penetration, and market basket findings
- Worked with buyers on quarterly planning for promotions, product buildups, seasonal purchases, and product decisions
- Worked directly with suppliers in planning of promotional activities
- Coordinated the arrival and member distribution of promotional tools such as product displays and samples
- Worked with new suppliers to provide direction for future events.
Education
B.S. in Business Administration - Business Management
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR05.1999
Skills
- Customer Engagement
- Relationship Management
- CRM proficiency
- Revenue Growth
Accomplishments
- 2013 & 2015 Sales Team of the Year – Paramount Home Entertainment
- 2014 Sales Person of the Year - Paramount Home Entertainment
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Senior National Account Manager
Paramount Home Media Distribution
01.2012 - 06.2019
National Account Manager
Paramount Home Media Distribution
07.2008 - 01.2012
Retail Sales Analyst
03.2005 - 07.2008
Merchandise Assistant-Category 13
Walmart Stores Inc./Sam’s Club Division
01.2004 - 03.2005
B.S. in Business Administration - Business Management
University of Arkansas
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