CHAD KNIGHT
Sylvania,OH
Summary
Outside sales professional with experience in account management, business development, and customer retention across industrial and manufacturing markets. Strength in prospecting, territory coverage, CRM tracking, and post-sale follow-up. Focus on customer satisfaction and steady revenue growth.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Outside Sales Representative
Peerless Steel
Troy, MI
06.2022 - Current
- Facilitated outside sales for steel customers across Peerless Steel service areas, enhancing customer relationships.
- Prospected new accounts through field visits and phone outreach.
- Conducted site visits to assess customer needs, demonstrate products, and recommend tailored solutions.
- Obtained sales leads through networking groups, referral partners and face-to-face sessions with companies.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and develop target customer profiles.
- Resolved customer concerns through prompt follow-up and clear communication, fostering trust and satisfaction.
- Followed up with customers after sales and delivery to ensure satisfaction and resolve any issues that arise.
Regional Sales Manager
Diamond Metals
Cleveland, Ohio
01.2020 - 06.2022
- Surpassed sales targets set by management.
- Meet and exceed sales goal expectations set by the sales plan.
- Oversaw and organized sales activities within designated territory..
- Identify potential customer opportunities through study of each market segment.
- Create sales presentations to promote products and services to potential and existing customers.
- Built strong relationships with new and existing customers to enhance customer loyalty.
- Respond quickly to customer questions and resolve issues.
Outside Sales Account Manager
Diehl Tool Steel/Hitachi Metals
Cincinnati, Ohio
02.2016 - 11.2019
- Oversaw sales operations within a specific territory, ensuring effective market coverage.
- Met and exceeded sales goals set by the sales plan.
- Identified new customer opportunities through careful study of each market segment.
- Created compelling sales presentations to effectively showcase products and services to potential and existing customers.
- Established and nurtured relationships with new and existing customers to strengthen loyalty and drive repeat business.
- Participated in corporate sales training to improve skills set and learn new selling techniques.
- Attended various events, including workshops and tradeshows to network with new and existing contacts.
- Represented company at trade association meetings, enhancing product visibility and brand recognition.
Product Manager/Sales and Marketing
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
Sylvania, OH
06.2011 - 02.2016
- Modernized products based on customer feedback and market analysis to increase sales and expand product offering.
- Recommended product changes that increased customer interest and maximized sales.
- Developed product promotion plans and marketing initiatives that enhanced brand awareness.
- Conferred with sales and marketing managers to develop and implement marketing plans.
- Planned and executed new product launch.
- Directed market planning and research to identify new business opportunities.
- Forecasted sales numbers and product profitability to determine ideal strategies.
- Oversaw the development cycle of power transmission products from prototyping to manufacturing integration.
- Built close relationships with key customers, thought leaders and industry influencers to stay abreast of emerging market trends and applications.
Purchasing Manager/Sales and Customer Service
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
Sylvania, OH
03.2009 - 06.2011
- Negotiated and finalized agreements and statements of work, including requests for information and proposals, to ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Negotiated and managed vendor contracts.
- Selected and negotiated contracts with supply vendors to obtain top-notch pricing on materials and items.
- Located and vetted vendors, establishing good relationships and negotiating contracts.
- Sourced new vendors for purchasing needs.
- Obtained quotes from various suppliers to determine most cost-effective purchasing options.
- Implemented inspection policies to check the quality of all incoming products
- Facilitated efficient purchasing and resource availability through monitoring and oversight of all company inventory.
- Monitored and documented procurement plans and inventory levels to ensure alignment with business needs.
- Determined recurring business needs and maintained necessary inventory levels.
- Established and implemented cost reduction and waste elimination policies to optimize purchasing processes.
- Conducted market research to determine appropriate pricing
- Executed successful events and trade shows.
- Played an instrumental role in full product development.
- Progressed through various purchasing, warehousing and leadership roles.
- Built and maintained vendor relationships through effective communication and negotiation, enhancing supplier collaboration.
- Developed innovative sales strategies and promotional methods to enhance customer engagement.
Assembly Manager
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
Sylvania, OH
01.2007 - 03.2009
- Set up, adjusted and maintained machines to keep production operating at peak levels and consistently meet challenging daily demands.
- Enhanced company efficiency by implementing technology upgrades and streamlining processes.
- Resolved employee and production issues by implementing effective solutions, reducing resource waste and ensuring schedule adherence.
- Evaluated employee strengths and delegated tasks based on expertise, optimizing workflow.
- Supervised a successful team by conveying project information consistently, quickly resolving issues and delivering constructive feedback.
- Delegated tasks to multiple employees while maintaining an efficient workplace.
- Identified equipment malfunctions by using various troubleshooting methods.
- Inspected incoming supplies to verify conformance with materials specifications and quality standards.
- Collaborated with staff to maximize customer satisfaction, streamline procedures and improve bottom-line profitability.
- Provided hands-on training for new employees on equipment operation.
- Established solid working relationships with peers through effective communication.
General Laborer/Assembly Team Leader
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
Sylvania, OH
04.1989 - 01.2007
- Operated forklift to safely move boxes from pallets to designated storage areas, ensuring streamlined warehouse operations.
- Loaded trucks with supplies and materials at the start of shift to transport to job site.
- Followed safety procedures while operating a fork truck in a warehouse environment.
- Sustained safety protocols by observing proper and safe usage of equipment and materials.
- Collaborated with team members to efficiently complete tasks and consistently meet project deadlines.
- Processed work orders and prioritized jobs to support revenue maximization.
- Packaged products in boxes to prepare for shipment to customers.
- Participated in company training sessions to improve skills and boost knowledge.
Bag Room Attendant
Highland Meadows Golf Club
Sylvania, OH
04.1987 - 09.1994
- Greeted members and guest pleasantly upon arrival at the course and offered immediate assistance.
- Cleaned clubs, organized the bag room, and loaded golf clubs on carts to enhance member experience.
- Oversaw operations of the driving range, ensuring proper setup and maintenance.
- Performed cleaning and maintenance on golf carts to ensure they were in optimal condition.
- Customer service in pro shop and merchandise tent during LPGA tournament.
- Maintained professionalism with all members and their guests.
- Delivered professional service to maximize member satisfaction and foster positive relationships.
Caddy
Sylvania Country Club
Sylvania, OH
04.1985 - 09.1987
- Delivered professional service to enhance member satisfaction.
- Guided players across fairways, greens, and tee boxes.
- Maintained course condition by repairing divots, fixing ball marks, and raking bunkers.
- Transported golf bags for members at Sylvania Country Club. and supplied clubs for Sylvania Country Club members.
- Cleaned clubs and maintained golf equipment before rounds.
Education
High School Diploma -
Sylvania Northview High School
Sylvania, OH06-1991
Accounting
University of Toledo
Toledo, OHCriminal Justice
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OHSkills
- Sales strategy development
- Sales management
- Direct sales experience
- Sales presentation creation
- Account management
- Sales and marketing
- Market analysis
- Product management expertise
- Microsoft Office
- Customer service excellence
- Verbal communication
Timeline
Outside Sales Representative
Peerless Steel
06.2022 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
Diamond Metals
01.2020 - 06.2022
Outside Sales Account Manager
Diehl Tool Steel/Hitachi Metals
02.2016 - 11.2019
Product Manager/Sales and Marketing
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
06.2011 - 02.2016
Purchasing Manager/Sales and Customer Service
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
03.2009 - 06.2011
Assembly Manager
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
01.2007 - 03.2009
General Laborer/Assembly Team Leader
Toledo Gearmotor Company/Bluffton Motor Works
04.1989 - 01.2007
Bag Room Attendant
Highland Meadows Golf Club
04.1987 - 09.1994
Caddy
Sylvania Country Club
04.1985 - 09.1987
High School Diploma -
Sylvania Northview High School
Accounting
University of Toledo
Criminal Justice
Owens Community College