KEITH WARD
Boardman,USA
Summary
Dynamic National Business Development Professional with a proven track record of driving competitive growth through strategic relationship building and identifying lucrative business opportunities. Expertise in market analysis, sales strategy, and client engagement fosters strong partnerships that enhance customer satisfaction and retention. Recognized for adaptability and a results-oriented mindset, consistently navigating industry challenges while implementing innovative marketing strategies to achieve market penetration. A motivating leader skilled in managing multi-channel sales efforts, dedicated to supporting key business initiatives with a focus on delivering exceptional service and measurable results.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
National Business Development Manager
Unicabinet Group Thailand
Prachinburi Province Thailand
09.2024 - Current
- Developed and executed national business strategies to expand market reach and drive revenue growth.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to enhance brand presence and partnership opportunities.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making processes.
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
- Negotiated high-value contracts, ensuring alignment with company objectives and profitability targets.
- Established and maintained highly effective relationships with clients and industry partners to drive growth.
- Communicated directly with customers and partners to build strong business networks and relationships.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Can Am Sales
Seneca, KS
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Manage 10MM+ in current business. Michigan, Ohio, Indiana.
- Prospect and develop new business in underperforming areas.
- Create positive, long-lasting relationships with current and potential clients.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to potential customers.
- Communicate with new and existing clients to offer ideas and solutions to market challenges.
- Train new customers on product, policies, and procedures.
- Update all customers on changes and new products.
NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ProCraft Cabinetry
Hillside, IL
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Identify and research business opportunities in existing and new markets.
- Attract new clients improving and overseeing the sales process.
- Create positive, long-lasting relationships with current and potential clients.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to potential reps and clients.
- Communicate with new and existing clients to offer ideas and solutions to market challenges.
- Drove product development and managed supply chain.
- Understand market trends and competitor’s pricing.
- Work with our marketing agency to development and implement all marketing materials.
- Manage dealer reps, customer service, showroom sales team and all company communications.
DEALER SALES & PRODUCT MANAGER
Williams Distributing & BEi Reps
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Responsible for over 1800 dealers in a 5-state area.
- Manage all Sales, Marketing & Product Development/Management
- 15 direct report sales reps for distribution, dealer sales & factory direct.
- Product lines include 17 K&B products and over 30 plumbing lines.
- Doubled sales in < 4 years. Doubled sales staff. 800+ new Dealers. Increased GP over 4%.
- Part of Executive Management Team which directs all company initiatives, sales plans, customer service and product decisions.
VICE PRESIDENT – Sales & Marketing
K W Consulting & Sourcing
Boardman, OH
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Consulting for US and China based companies.
- Developed several new & revamped product lines for US market resulting in up to 200% increase on existing business.
- Directed all aspects of Sourcing, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Customer Service and Engineering & Software for 8 companies.
- Specialized in Kitchen, Bath, Components, Accessories and Hardware Industries.
- Managed QC/QA, Factory Relationships, Logistics, Manufacturing Processes, Procurement, Products Specifications, Pricing, Personnel Management
- Designed Universal Box concept to reduce inventories for Stocking Distributors.
- Stabilize declining sales on existing inventory with product improvements and lower costs.
SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER – Kitchen & Bath Division (under contract KW Consulting)
Twinstar International
Dongguan City, China
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Contracted to investigate the feasibility of sourcing kitchens & vanities in China for US Market.
- Identified, toured and narrowed field of 46 factories down to 5 for possible project cooperation.
- Specified all materials, hardware, packaging, finishes and door styles.
- Worked closely with engineering departments on efficient, reliable construction methods and assembly procedures.
- Packaging design, graphics and assembly instructions.
- Samples and testing of product samples.
- Advised factories on current manufacturing procedures, techniques and machinery.
VICE PRESIDENT – Kitchen Cabinet Division (under contract KW Consulting)
Foremost Groups Inc.
East Hanover, NJ
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Managed all sales, marketing, product development, customer service and engineering.
- Develop, coordinate and implement strategic plans with US, Canada, China divisions.
- Develop business plan and track critical tasks for sales, marketing, manufacturing, budgets, revenue & profit forecasting, product offering, pricing, vision and mission.
- Hire and manage a successful team to meet all objectives of kitchen division.
- Attend and participate in industry trade shows, industry organization and other activities that promote company sales and brand name.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING
Hoffco Cabinet Accessories Inc.
Wood Lake, MN
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Increased revenues to 90% of goal despite a limited budget and challenging marketplace.
- Opened 40 new accounts with estimated annual sales of over $5MM.
- Expanded market penetration by adding 5 new rep organizations and 2 major distributors in Canada.
- Created a new catalog allowing dealer base to easily identify and order products.
- Developed successful marketing campaign to celebrate company’s 25th anniversary.
- Introduced new products in 4 categories imported Asian accessory line.
- Personally managed major accounts including MASCO, MasterBrands, Elkay, Norcraft, CH Briggs, Baer Supply, Longaberger Company and Hickory Business Furniture.
NATIONAL PRODUCT MANAGER – MANUFACTURERS
20-20 Technologies Inc.
Laval, QC
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Introduced new “Design to Manufacturing” software solution for North America based on results of market research. Achieved sales of $3.5 million after 3 years with new product line.
- Toured and worked closely with over 300 wood products factories worldwide. Negotiated and secured $550,000 initial contract and ongoing commitment for sales estimated at over $3MM.
- Retained several valuable accounts during problematic product introduction by effective communications and taking extraordinary measures to insure customer satisfaction.
- Developed relationships with leading vendors in the woodworking industry which generated over $2MM in new business. Worked closely with Stiles Machinery as a software partner.
- Traveled worldwide with Blum Inc. to promote Dynamic Space concept at K&B dealers utilizing 20-20 Design and manufacturing software.
SALES MANAGER EAST (Contracted manager)
Cabnetware Inc. – Div. of Planit Solutions
Woodland, CA
01.1995 - 01.2002
- Increased sales from 10% to 40% each year growing from $200K to $3 million in 6 state region.
- Rookie of the year and 2 times awarded highest % increase over previous year.
- Attained #2 position in sales organization ranking from 1998 to 2002 selling to major home centers, kitchen & bath dealers, kitchen & bath distributors and cabinet manufacturers.
- Company sales increased 150% during advisory role to owner of Cabnetware regarding sales promotions, pricing, marketing policies, trade shows and sales meetings. Trained sales people and field trainers.
Education
Business Administration
Castleton State College
Castleton, VT, USASkills
- Business development and Strategic planning
- Relationship building and management
- Aggressive Selling Tactics
- Product Development/Management
- Analytical problem solver
- K&B Industry Expert
- Sales Training
- New market entry
- Highly Adaptable
- Persuasive Personality
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Client acquisition
- Key account growth
- Effective presentation skills
- Vendor management and Procurement
- Conversational Mandarin Chinese
Affiliations
- Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), (Associate Board Member – 4 years)
- Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA)
- Wood Products Manufacturers Association (WPMA)
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), (Regional Board Member – 3 years)
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
- Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI)
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Limited Working
Timeline
National Business Development Manager
Unicabinet Group Thailand
09.2024 - Current
REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Can Am Sales
01.2022 - 01.2024
NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ProCraft Cabinetry
01.2020 - 01.2022
DEALER SALES & PRODUCT MANAGER
Williams Distributing & BEi Reps
01.2016 - 01.2020
SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER – Kitchen & Bath Division (under contract KW Consulting)
Twinstar International
01.2010 - 01.2011
VICE PRESIDENT – Sales & Marketing
K W Consulting & Sourcing
01.2009 - 01.2016
VICE PRESIDENT – Kitchen Cabinet Division (under contract KW Consulting)
Foremost Groups Inc.
01.2009 - 01.2010
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING
Hoffco Cabinet Accessories Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2009
NATIONAL PRODUCT MANAGER – MANUFACTURERS
20-20 Technologies Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2007
SALES MANAGER EAST (Contracted manager)
Cabnetware Inc. – Div. of Planit Solutions
01.1995 - 01.2002
Business Administration
Castleton State College