Joel Lesher
Greenwood,IN
Summary
Accomplished AI-Certified Account Executive with extensive experience at Salesforce Inc., specializing in highly technical sales and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Possesses a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform, AI modeling, and automation technologies. Proven success in managing the full-cycle sales process, consistently exceeding sales targets and delivering strategic account growth. Aiming to leverage expertise in driving innovation and fostering partnerships to contribute to organizational success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Digital Account Executive
Salesforce Inc
Indianapolis, IN
03.2019 - Current
- Consistent high performer with a rolling 5-year average annual quota attainment of 105%.
- Multiple years of 150% or higher annual sales quota achievement.
- FY23 Top revenue-generating AE in the org ($1.22M).
- FY23 Achievers Club Award Recipient.
- Effectively collaborate with internal teams, including solution engineering, marketing, and product development, to ensure the success of my accounts.
- Develop and execute strategic account plans to drive revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and participation.
Regional Sales Manager
Eyewitness Surveillance (Acquired by Stealth)
Hanover, MD
10.2016 - 09.2018
- Consistently achieved 100%+ of annual sales quota.
- Achieved 90% cross/upsell sell-through rate across assigned territory.
- Increased YOY ARR by 80% in assigned territory.
- 100% customer retention in assigned territory.
- Maintained pipeline coverage of at least 4x the annual sales target to support aggressive growth forecasts.
- Negotiated several multi-year, six-figure contracts with clients to ensure profitable outcomes for the company.
Senior Account Executive
Optimove
New York, NY
02.2015 - 09.2016
- Increased the North America client base by 20x in the first year of employment.
- Exceeded annual sales goals by an average of 15% each year.
- Negotiated and closed the largest North America deal in company history ($1.1M).
- Opened North America sales territory as the sole US-based Account Executive.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive sales and marketing plan to drive customer acquisition and pipeline generation.
- Attended domestic and international networking events to promote the company brand and build relationships with potential customers.
Senior Account Executive
SmarterHQ (Acquired by Wunderkind)
Indianapolis, IN
01.2013 - 04.2014
- Outperformed annual sales target by 22%.
- 2013 AE of the Year Award recipient.
- Developed and deployed the company's first-ever sales playbook to successfully sell and upsell services to new and existing clients.
- Negotiated multiple $500K ACV contracts with C-suite stakeholders of high-profile retail and consumer goods brands.
- Worked successfully with a lean, diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activity to identify new competitor rip-and-replace opportunities.
Strategic Account Executive
ExactTarget Inc (Acquired by Salesforce)
Indianapolis, IN
11.2008 - 11.2012
- Attained 233% of quota in 2009.
- 163% rolling four-year average annual sales quota attainment.
- Closed multiple $500K+ ACV new business opportunities.
- Managed the entire sales cycle from lead generation to closure of sale.
- Promoted to Team Lead in 2008.
- Promoted to Strategic Account Executive in 2011.
Education
Associate of Science - Organizational Leadership
Purdue University
Fort Wayne, IN05-2002
Skills
- Salesforce platform
- B2B technical sales
- Negotiation techniques
- Business development and prospecting
- AI and machine learning concepts
- Compelling points of view (POVs)
- Full-cycle sales process
- Active listening and persuasive communication
- Pipeline management and forecasting
- Team selling and collaboration
Certification
- Salesforce AI Specialist Certification
- Salesforce Sales Excellence AE Academy Certification
- Salesforce Trailhead Double Ranger
Accomplishments
- Salesforce Achievers Club Award FY23
- 152% Quota Achievement FY20
- 100% Quota Achievement FY22
- 150% Quota Achievement FY23
- Top Revenue Generator FY23
- New AE Trail Guide Mentor
- Multiple promotions
Affiliations
- 4-year member of D-1 university baseball team
- Travel baseball head coach and instructor
- Sports card hobbyist and eBay seller
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Digital Account Executive
Salesforce Inc
03.2019 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
Eyewitness Surveillance (Acquired by Stealth)
10.2016 - 09.2018
Senior Account Executive
Optimove
02.2015 - 09.2016
Senior Account Executive
SmarterHQ (Acquired by Wunderkind)
01.2013 - 04.2014
Strategic Account Executive
ExactTarget Inc (Acquired by Salesforce)
11.2008 - 11.2012
Associate of Science - Organizational Leadership
Purdue University