Deane Ford
Edgewater,MD
Summary
Professional Sales Executive with 9 years of experience attending to customer wants and needs to convert prospects and increase dealership sales. Accomplished in emphasizing features and benefits, preparing and executing sales contracts, as well as after sale follow up to ensure the customer is happy. Enthusiastic about the boating lifestyle, as I have been on the water in the Chesapeake Bay area, and in the marine industry my entire life.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Executive
Bosun’s Marine
Grasonville, MD
02.2019 - 02.2024
- Implemented sales strategies to meet customer needs and increase revenue.
- Cultivated relationships with existing customers to encourage repeat business.
- Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth.
- Worked boat shows such as Annapolis, Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, Bay Bridge, Miami, FLIBS, and Atlantic City.
- Attended industry events to build relationships with key contacts in the field.
- Utilized CRM software to track leads and manage accounts throughout the sales cycle.
- Developed pricing strategies that maximized profits while remaining competitive in the market.
- Worked with Pursuit, World Cat, Chris-Craft, Cobalt, Cobia, Edgewater, Solace, Jupiter, and Sea Fox boats, as well as brokerage and used sales.
- Top 10 Salesperson in the world for World Cat Boats, 2022 model year.
- Club Pursuit (over $3.5M in sales), model year 2020, 2022, and 2023.
- Bosun’s Marine’s top Salesperson for Solace boats for the 2023 model year.
Sales Executive
Annapolis Boat Sales
Chester, MD
02.2015 - 02.2019
- Developed and implemented sales strategies to meet customer needs and increase revenue.
- Cultivated relationships with existing customers to encourage repeat business.
- Worked boat shows such as Annapolis, Baltimore, and Bay Bridge.
- Attended industry events to build relationships with key contacts in the field.
- Worked with Everglades, Key West, Sea Pro, Excel Boats, Hurricane, as well as brokerage and used sales.
Canvas Technician/Owner
Yacht Canvas Inc
Annapolis, MD
06.2005 - 01.2015
- Patterned, built, and installed custom canvas for sail and power boats of all brands. Dodgers, biminis, full enclosures, winter covers, cockpit covers, etc…
- Patterned, built and installed custom interior and exterior cushions and soft goods.
- Managed 6-8 employees from seamstresses to office staff.
- Contacted new clients, created quotes for their custom work and finalized jobs.
- Managed quality control and maintained high level of customer satisfaction.
- Managed workflow and productivity of lower-level technicians to keep projects on task.
- Inspected and validated repairs before delivery.
- Updated logs and job reports for completed and pending service calls and new jobs.
- Trained customers on proper operation, maintenance, and safety of newly installed equipment.
- Examined complaints, suggested improved methodologies and recommended system enhancements to promote positive customer service experience.
- Contacted customers prior to date of scheduled installation to verify appointment.
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
- Provided direction and guidance to employees.
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
- Oversaw staff hiring, initiating new training and scheduled processes to streamline operations.
- Kept records for production, inventory, income and expenses.
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
- Interviewed, trained and supervised employees.
- Managed operations budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable and payroll.
Education
High School Diploma -
St. Mary’s High School
Annapolis, MD05-2005
Skills
- Professional Networking
- Lead Prospecting
- Market Trends Understanding
- Business Networking
- Upselling Strategies
- Contract Negotiations
- Exceeds Sales Goals
- Closing Techniques
- Sales Team Leadership
- Order Management
- Brand Promotion
- Persuasive Selling
- Sales Follow-Up
- Sales Strategy
- Staff Management
- Deal Structuring
Timeline
Sales Executive
Bosun’s Marine
02.2019 - 02.2024
Sales Executive
Annapolis Boat Sales
02.2015 - 02.2019
Canvas Technician/Owner
Yacht Canvas Inc
06.2005 - 01.2015
High School Diploma -
St. Mary’s High School