CHRISTOPHER GAGNON
Mellen
Summary
Accomplished leader with 27 years of experience in managing residential, commercial, and industrial projects, complemented by expertise in renewable energy. Proven track record in coaching and mentoring teams to achieve high-quality project outcomes. Proficient in planning and executing projects while fostering partnerships and maintaining a positive work environment. Extensive knowledge in business development, sales management, and operations with a strong emphasis on safety.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Sales, North America
FairWind Inc
TX
07.2023 - Current
- Directed North American sales strategy and business development initiatives.
- Oversaw sales operations, enhancing team performance and driving revenue growth.
- Cultivated relationships with key clients across various sectors.
- Partnered with executive leadership on market expansion and strategic planning.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to align promotional campaigns with sales objectives.
- Established key performance indicators to track team progress and drive accountability.
- Developed strong relationships with key clients to ensure long-term partnerships and loyalty.
- Managed budget allocation for sales initiatives, ensuring optimal resource utilization across teams.
- Coordinated with marketing teams to develop promotional materials, campaigns, and pricing models.
- Identified potential new markets and developed strategic plans for expansion into those markets.
- Engaged in direct selling activities when needed to close large deals or boost morale within the organization.
- Collaborated with leadership teams across departments on initiatives that impacted overall organizational goals.
- Attended trade shows and conferences on behalf of the company to promote services and products.
- Reviewed customer feedback from surveys and other sources to identify areas of improvement in customer service delivery.
- Managed budgeting processes related to sales operations, including forecasting future revenue streams.
- Achieved company growth and brand development through market expansion and sales.
Director of Business Development
Gemini Energy Services (A Tetra Tech Company)
01.2021 - 07.2024
- Developed strategic partnerships in wind, solar, and battery storage.
- Built relationships with new and existing customers; negotiated annual pricing.
- Streamlined operational processes and implemented software solutions.
- Led strategic partnerships to enhance service offerings and market presence.
- Developed business proposals to secure new client contracts and opportunities.
- Managed cross-functional teams to align business development initiatives with company goals.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to drive collaboration and growth initiatives.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service.
- Met with sales and design departments to determine project road maps and create unique products to drive profitability and champion brand.
- Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.
- Enhanced sales volume through skilled support to both new and inactive customers.
- Developed growth plans by identifying key clients, key targets, and priority service lines.
- Coordinated Daily Field Reports (DFRs) and distributed to clients.
- Oversaw regional and local sales managers and staff.
- Developed and significantly grew assigned territory using strong engagement and marketing skills.
Sales Representative
Builder First Source
07.2017 - 05.2021
- Developed business partnerships with local builders; estimated and presented bids.
- Developed strong relationships with contractors and builders to understand their needs.
- Conducted regular site visits to assess customer requirements and product fit.
- Delivered presentations on new products and services to prospective clients.
- Maintained accurate records of sales and inventory for effective tracking.
- Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
- Developed customized sales techniques to successfully sell and upsell services to new and existing clients.
- Generated new sales leads through cold calling and networking activities.
- Maintained accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities.
- Performed regular follow-ups with prospects to close deals in a timely manner.
- Identified opportunities for cross-selling additional products and services.
Sales Manager
Builder First Source
05.2018 - 01.2021
- Managed a 16-member sales team; tracked performance and margins.
- Built relationships with builders and customers; implemented trend-based sales strategies.
- Developed strategic sales plans to enhance market penetration and customer engagement.
- Coordinated training programs to improve product knowledge and sales techniques.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and customer needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
- Built strong relationships with key clients to foster loyalty and retention.
- Led performance reviews to assess team effectiveness and implement improvements.
- Managed daily operations of sales department, including supervision of staff members.
- Developed sales plans, goals, strategies and objectives to achieve team goals and revenue objectives.
- Established relationships with key clients, while maintaining existing customer base.
- Achieved company growth and brand development through market expansion and sales.
- Provided technical support for customers when needed, answering questions about product features and capabilities.
- Established new accounts and serviced existing accounts maintaining professional relationships.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to review goals and objectives for the quarter and year.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions between customers and company representatives.
- Developed pricing strategies that would maximize profits while still remaining competitive in the market.
- Analyzed customer data to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities for growth.
- Trained, coached, and mentored junior sales personnel to ensure success in their roles.
- Assisted senior management in developing long-term strategic goals for the company's growth.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service.
- Directed and coordinated products, services and sales activities.
Territory Sales Representative
Blueline Rentals
03.2017 - 07.2017
- Drove new sales for a newly purchased location; increased profit margins.
Project Manager / Sales / Training Instructor / Lead Technician
Goian North America, LLC
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Managed large-scale elevator systems projects for wind energy.
- Trained 50+ technicians in climbing and equipment safety.
- Led field teams, developed schedules, and ensured quality standards.
- Led project planning sessions to define scope and objectives.
- Managed budgets, tracking expenses against project forecasts.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive project documentation.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Analyzed risks and developed mitigation strategies for potential issues.
New Home Construction
Tielens Construction
12.1997 - 08.2009
- Managed residential construction projects; built homes valued $700K+.
- Supervised remodeling, landscaping, and green technology implementation.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
Education
Renewable Energy & Green Technology
Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI10-2009
Skills
- Business development and sales strategy
- Client negotiation
- Strategic partnerships
- Revenue growth
- Market analysis
- Business development
- Sales strategy
- Customer relationship management
- Team leadership
- Performance tracking
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Relationship building
- Negotiation expertise
- CRM proficiency
- Pipeline management
- Solution selling
- Territory management
- Key account growth
- Team oversight
- Key account development
- Proposal development
- Sales territory growth
- Strategic account development
- Business development and planning
- Operations
- Performance management
- Account management
- Marketing strategy
- Systems and software expertise
- Sales alignment
- Sales tracking
- Contract negotiation and client relations
- Operations management and process improvement
- Team leadership and training
- Renewable energy projects
- Bidding and proposal management
- OSHA compliance and safety leadership
- Lead generation
- Client relationship management
- Sales process engineering
Websites
Timeline
Head of Sales, North America
FairWind Inc
07.2023 - Current
Director of Business Development
Gemini Energy Services (A Tetra Tech Company)
01.2021 - 07.2024
Sales Manager
Builder First Source
05.2018 - 01.2021
Sales Representative
Builder First Source
07.2017 - 05.2021
Territory Sales Representative
Blueline Rentals
03.2017 - 07.2017
Project Manager / Sales / Training Instructor / Lead Technician
Goian North America, LLC
01.2009 - 01.2013
New Home Construction
Tielens Construction
12.1997 - 08.2009
Renewable Energy & Green Technology
Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College