JAMES S LATHAM

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Gateway Supply Company, Inc., showcasing procurement expertise and exceptional resourcefulness. Excelled in bid process management and distribution, driving substantial growth and team success. Skilled in fostering vendor relationships and leveraging bid coordination to enhance profitability. Demonstrates a unique blend of strategic vision and practical execution in complex sales environments.

References upon request

• Executive Construction Homes, LLC, Elgin, SC, Purchasing Manager, 08/21/23, 12/05/24, Find Vendors / Subcontractors for materials and services needed for the construction of homes, Build relationship with vendor representatives and negotiate services and most competitive pricing for ECH, Assisted Accounts Payables with approving and correcting invoices from the vendors, Assisted Project Managers with the home building, Handled and assisted with Post Closing warranty
• Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, SC, Eligibility Counselor, 07/11/23, 08/18/23, Assisting patients who qualify for financial assistance
• Gateway Supply Company Inc., Columbia, SC, Inside Sales – Commercial Sales, 01/31/22, 08/16/22, Served as subject matter expert in support of Territory Managers operating in the field, Received and processed basic and complex requests from dealer base for stock orders and special-order products, Provided back-up support to sales counter staff and counter help with sales and technical questions, Utilized problem solving skills to solve and work through difficult or challenging supply chain issues
• Epting Distributors Inc., Columbia / Lexington, SC, Territory Manager, 08/01/20, 01/31/22, Provided all management support functions to sales force in order to increase profitability of current customers/dealers, Created strategies to increase net new customer base as well as significantly grow or up-sell existing customer revenue
• Brian’s Heating & Cooling LLC, Lexington, SC, Primary Sales Consultant / Comfort Advisor, 12/01/18, 08/01/20, Oversaw residential and light commercial consultative sales of HVAC systems, Executed on service contract sales / IAQ product sales, Expanded existing relationships and grew net new customer base, Provided extensive education to customers on their HVAC purchase
• Yandle Witherspoon Supply, Columbia, SC, Territory Manager, 03/01/11, 11/01/18, Maintained and grew existing customer base with sales support and technical information, Oversaw and managed major accounts in the midlands of SC, Developed strategies to build existing and new contractors, Assisted in developing education for clients on selling techniques/financing, etc. to help close sales and build business loyalty
• Gateway Supply Company, Inc., Columbia, SC, Branch Manager/Sales Manager/Territory Sales, 04/01/97, 02/01/11, Responsible for building a successful team that consistently led the company in HVAC sales and profitability, Promoted a loyal and productive team atmosphere, Experienced substantial growth in net accounts and made Gateway Supply a recognized brand in the new construction markets of the midlands and SC, Assembled a talented and effective professional sales team
• Yandle-Witherspoon Supply, Columbia, SC, Territory Manager, 09/01/94, 03/01/97, Joined the company when they took over the Amana product line for SC, Grew new dealer relationships from the Midlands to east coast, Responsible for territory growth that necessitated the need for two (2) additional territory managers, Aided in the resolution of outstanding and complex issues left by previous Amana distribution
• Gateway Supply Company Inc, Columbia, SC, Warehouse Shipping & Receiving – Truck Driver-Counter Sales-Inside Sales-Territory Manager, 03/01/86, 09/01/94, Went on the road as TM at 20 years old working the eastern half of SC, Developed the Myrtle Beach area enough to support opening a new HVAC branch as well as the Florence area