Dan Schaefer
Plymouth,MN
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in company strategy, performance optimization, and new product launches, complemented by a robust background in partnership development and channel management. Proven track record in managing channel partners across North America has driven significant sales growth through effective training, tailored marketing plans, and strategic events. Recognized as an innovative problem solver, consistently approaches the development and launch of initiatives with high energy while effectively engaging C-level executives and business owners. Results-oriented achiever adept at streamlining operations to decrease costs and enhance organizational efficiency, combining strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions that align with company goals.
Professional business leader with strong track record in overseeing operations, driving performance, and enhancing profitability. Adept at strategic planning, market awareness, and process improvement, with focus on collaborative team management and adaptability to changing needs. Known for effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to achieving organizational goals.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Manager
StratoJet USA
01.2018 - Current
- Increased sales by over 300% by changing companies focus, new initiatives and understanding who StratoJet is and where it needs to go
- Establish new retail markets with a new focus and direction for large format printing
- Managed and increased company’s focus and involvement with new and fresh sales and marketing plans
- Developed contracts and business documents reflecting new standards and processes
- Training independent sales reps, using contacts and placing the StratoJet brand on the radar on the customers' list of options to consider
- Develop new vertical markets and partner with Fortune 1000+ companies to identify opportunities
- Focused on customers' printers, addressing expectations and tech support needs
- Trained sales team to deliver a clearer message and identify soft and hard dollars to justify sales
- Guided the company focus in a newer and clearer direction by focusing on our unique buying criteria
- Relaunched company identity and branding by creating a more precise message of our printers and capabilities
- Developed strategic business plans aligning with company goals and market trends.
- Successfully managed organizational change initiatives, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while achieving desired outcomes.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, leading to significant growth opportunities for the company.
- Spearheaded launch of new products, overseeing all phases from concept to market introduction.
Partner Business Manager, North America
Hewlett-Packard
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Increased the Canadian market from $2,500,000 to $7,600,000 and 32% within the US with a total increase of 24% for North America
- Increased channel partner sales by 161% to the three highest grossing quarters in company’s history
- Developed innovative programs for channel partners and HP to further sales and increase market share in the North American market
- Built and expanded successful sales programs while further developing current and new channel partner relations
- Sales training, best business practices, developing strong relations, gaining mindshare and focus on promoting and selling HP products
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative product strategies
- Executed business plans to further strengthen and maximize territory sales and profits
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that significantly increased brand awareness in target markets
Partner Development Manager, North America
MacDermid ColorSpan
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Increased sales by 120% by successfully increasing market exposure, and promotion through partner programs
- Managed all business operations within the channel partner and consumer partnerships
- Developed and managed channel partner reseller and customer accounts by building a multi-state territory
- Sold and promoted new capital equipment purchases, service outsourcing and document management
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, customer engagement and implemented strategies to enhance partner relations.
- Spearheaded negotiations with key partners, significantly enhancing collaboration and achieving mutual business goals.
- Drove innovation within development team by fostering environment that encourages creative problem-solving.
Territory Sales Manager
Xerox Engineering Systems
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Increased Midwest sales average from $86,000 to $253,000 a month. Territory became second largest revenue generating region out of thirty internationally in 2003 and 2004
- Developed and managed channel partner reseller and customer accounts by building a multi-state territory
- Sold and promoted new capital equipment purchases, service outsourcing and document management
- Orchestrated channel partner sales, installations, training and purchases for Xerox equipment with continued support
- Built relationships within the region by networking, cold calling, receiving referrals and performing tradeshow and dealer demos
Territory Sales Manager
SPS Commerce
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Application Service Provider (ASP) and software solutions sales to senior and C-level executives for enterprise resource planning, supply chain, procurement, logistics and inventory control
- Established territories to promote new e-commerce solutions by cold calling, identifying decision makers, solution recommendation, closing Fortune 500 companies and managing their channel partners
- Maintained ongoing contracts, relationships and managing new opportunities to close
- Met and exceeded $2,000,000 annual quota and volume level for services and software sales
- Had to convince CEO, CTO, COOs to mandate up to 20% of their supply chain to utilize SPS service
- Cold called, managed and closed W.W. Grainger, still SPSs’ largest account to date
- Only sales executives that close an account in the first three months of employment in a nine to fourteen-month sales cycle
Dealer Sales Manager, Sales Executive
ColorSpan
01.1991 - 01.1999
- Built, managed and cultivated channel partner relationships in underachieving territory and increased sales up to 220%
- Awarded 'Performance Eagle Quarterly Award' twenty-seven times for exceeding sales quotas
- Sold big-ticket large format printers and production software and service solutions for the graphics and printing industry
- OEM, VAR, international and domestic sales
- Managed relationships with key dealer accounts, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Developed and executed sales strategies to increase market share in targeted regions.
Education
International Business
University of Freiburg
Freiburg, GermanySkills
- Business development
- Process improvements
- Decision-making capacity
- Strong analytical thinking
- Negotiation
- Complex Problem-solving
- Sales expertise
- Brand promotion
- Innovation and creativity
- Product launches
Interests
Founder: Wheels Of Italy (.com) – All Italian Car and Motorcycle Organization (Voted “Best Venue” 2006 – Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine), President (former): Ferrari Club of America – Responsible for expanding and entertaining Ferrari enthusiasts
Languages
German
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Business Manager
StratoJet USA
01.2018 - Current
Partner Business Manager, North America
Hewlett-Packard
01.2006 - 01.2010
Partner Development Manager, North America
MacDermid ColorSpan
01.2004 - 01.2006
Territory Sales Manager
Xerox Engineering Systems
01.2002 - 01.2004
Territory Sales Manager
SPS Commerce
01.1999 - 01.2002
Dealer Sales Manager, Sales Executive
ColorSpan
01.1991 - 01.1999
International Business
University of Freiburg