David Messer
Plymouth,IN
Summary
Forward-thinking and results-driven sales leader with more than 25 years of experience in partnership development, account management and channel building. Self-directed leader with talents in diversifying networks, product offerings and pricing strategies to drive growth with value-added solutions.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Midwest US and European Sales
Cole Hardwood
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Responsible for sales of a wide range of species, thicknesses and grades of Appalachian Region hardwoods.
- Assisted with green lumber purchasing from sawmills in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.
- Traded kiln dried lumber as opportunities presented themselves in order to maintain sales volumes and profitability.
- Maintained purchasing and sales relationships with a wide array of sawmills, distribution yards, and end users.
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients in assigned sales territories.
- Contacted key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
- Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
President
Specialty Hardwoods Of Indiana
10.2019 - 07.2021
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies to establish long-term business objectives and provide strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
Sales and Purchasing
Interstate Forestry
06.1998 - 09.2019
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Negotiated with suppliers, vendors and other representatives.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Oversaw the production of all operations from the sawmill to the kilns to flooring production.
- Responsible for sales of all products from green grade lumber to industrial products as well as kiln dried lumber and flooring.
Education
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
Ivy Tech
Valparaiso, INLumber Inspection
NHLA Hardwood Lumber Inspection School (ITSEF)
Memphis, TN04.2001
Skills
- Account Servicing
- Setting Goals
- Consultative Selling Techniques
- Procurement
- Business Operations
- Customer Relationship Management
- Client Base Retention
- Territory Volume
- Market Conditions
- Professional Relationships
Affiliations
IHLA Board of Directors
Timeline
Midwest US and European Sales
Cole Hardwood
07.2021 - 08.2023
President
Specialty Hardwoods Of Indiana
10.2019 - 07.2021
Sales and Purchasing
Interstate Forestry
06.1998 - 09.2019
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
Ivy Tech
Lumber Inspection
NHLA Hardwood Lumber Inspection School (ITSEF)