Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
Don Keller

Don Keller

GA

Summary

With over 35 years of experience in the trade show industry, I have successfully navigated various roles, including exhibit designer, salesperson, manager, and company founder. In 2003, I established my own exhibit company, Blue Sky Exhibits, LLC. Throughout my career, I have honed my expertise in effectively addressing the complexities of business programs and cultivating strong relationships with clients, agencies, and staff. In May 2023, I divested my ownership and now serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Currently, I leverage my extensive knowledge and skills as a professional business coach through my new venture, Don Keller Coaching, LLC. Recognized by the International Coaching Federation as an ACC Coach, I specialize in working with business professionals and corporate leaders to help them achieve their objectives and unlock their full potential. With a genuine passion for empowering individuals, I am dedicated to guiding executives towards success.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner and Founder

Blue Sky Exhibits
01.2003 - 12.2023
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Negotiated prices and services with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.

Senior Account Executive

Exhibitgroup/Giltspur
01.1999 - 01.2003
  • Retained and developed a portfolio of Fortune 100 companies
  • Managed all details of their exhibit programs—revenue of approximately $5M annual revenue
  • Consistently top sales leader
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of market trends, industry news, and competitor offerings, ensuring informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Led product demonstrations at trade shows and conferences, showcasing company offerings and attracting potential clients.

Account Executive

Giltspur
01.1991 - 01.1999
  • Developed new business for Fortune 500 companies
  • Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
  • Monitored industry trends and competition, adjusting sales strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Designer, and Account Executive

Contempo Design
01.1988 - 01.1991
  • Designed and presented 3-D models of innovative trade show exhibits
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop, review and finalize design concepts.
  • Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.

Education

Bachelor of Industrial Design -

Auburn University
Auburn
01.1989

Business Administration -

Samford University
Birmingham, AL
01.1984

Skills

  • Business Operations
  • Relationship Building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Operations Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Development
  • Consulting
  • Sales Leadership
  • Employee Development
  • Business Leadership

Affiliations

  • ICF, International Coaching Federation
  • EDPA, Experiential Designers and Producers Association
  • Lambda Chi Alpha
  • Cobb County Chamber of Commerce

Timeline

Owner and Founder

Blue Sky Exhibits
01.2003 - 12.2023

Senior Account Executive

Exhibitgroup/Giltspur
01.1999 - 01.2003

Account Executive

Giltspur
01.1991 - 01.1999

Designer, and Account Executive

Contempo Design
01.1988 - 01.1991

Bachelor of Industrial Design -

Auburn University

Business Administration -

Samford University
Don Keller