George Scharffenberger

Executed outbound sales campaigns for AI-powered customer intelligence platform, working directly with company leadership to drive pipeline growth and market expansion.

Key responsibilities and achievements:
• Conducted high-volume outbound calling campaigns using Orum dialer, averaging 50+ contacts per session
• Developed expertise in Sturdy.ai's value proposition and AI-driven customer success solutions to effectively communicate benefits to prospects
• Qualified leads and scheduled product demonstrations with C-suite executives and technical decision-makers
• Maintained accurate pipeline data and prospect interactions in HubSpot CRM
• Adapted messaging and handled objections in real-time conversations with enterprise prospects
• Collaborated closely with founding team to refine outreach strategies and optimize conversion rates

Gained valuable experience in B2B SaaS sales, AI/ML market dynamics, and enterprise customer acquisition strategies while contributing to early-stage startup growth initiatives.

• Platform Sales & Client Acquisition: Managed full sales cycle from prospecting to close, successfully onboarding new brands to WeStock's SaaS platform through consultative selling and product demonstrations
• Pipeline Management: Utilized HubSpot CRM to manage sales funnel and LinkedIn Sales Navigator for targeted outreach, maintaining organized pipeline with clear conversion metrics
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with Marketing, Customer Success, and Ad Management teams to ensure seamless client onboarding and optimize customer journey for platform adoption
• Client Success & Retention: Launched and managed retail placement program, securing shelf space for client brands and deploying data-driven rebate campaigns to drive measurable ROI
• Industry Engagement: Represented company at major trade events (Fancy Food Show, KeHE Summer Show), building brand awareness and generating qualified leads

• Sales Infrastructure Development: Researched and implemented comprehensive sales operations using Zoho One platform, integrating CRM, inventory management, pipeline tracking, and finance management systems
• Strategic Pricing & Market Analysis: Collaborated with global team to develop data-driven pricing strategy based on COGS analysis and market research, optimizing for competitive positioning
• Client Acquisition & Partnership Development: Secured first major retail partner (Gelson's) through consultative selling and relationship building, establishing foundation for market entry
• Vendor Management & Onboarding: Led distributor onboarding process and evaluated broker partnerships, creating scalable vendor network for expansion

• Enterprise Account Management: Nurtured relationships with major retail partners (Fruitful Yield, Lassens, Harmon's, Metropolitan Market) while expanding distribution network to secure new distribution centers
• Distribution & Partnership Strategy: Served as primary account manager for UNFI and KeHE, successfully launching across 14 distribution centers and managing broker network relationships
• Data Analytics & Reporting: Primary contact for SPINS data platform, overseeing relationship management, data production, and monthly analysis to inform strategic business decisions
• Revenue Growth Initiatives: Orchestrated high-impact promotional campaigns including Today Show feature that generated $92K in sales within 4 days, demonstrating ability to drive rapid revenue spikes

• Revenue Scale & Growth: Increased regional run rate from $800K to $5M annually (525% growth), consistently exceeding quarterly targets through strategic account development
• Territory Expansion: Cultivated partnerships with major accounts (Berkeley Bowl, Safeway Portland) while expanding market presence through systematic territory development
• Strategic Development: Collaborated with senior executives on performance evaluation and revenue expansion strategies, contributing to overall market share growth through channel optimization
• Team Leadership & Vendor Management: Managed distributor relationships and led onboarding/supervision of merchandising teams across multiple regions

West Coast Sales Manager - Joolies Medjool Dates (2019-2020)
Area Sales Manager Southern California - Foodstirs (2018-2019)
Territory Sales Manager Southern California - Farmhouse Culture (2015-2018)

• Successfully launched brands in new markets, securing key retail partnerships and establishing distribution networks
• Managed conventional and natural retail accounts, developing expertise in diverse sales channels and customer segments
• Led promotional strategy development and execution, consistently driving product placement success and market penetration