Michael Gatzke
Sales and Operations Manager
Elk River,MN
Summary
Results-driven construction sales and consulting professional with over 20 years of experience in high-productivity environments. Specializes in customer relationship management, negotiation, and strategic planning. Streamlined operations and identified supply chain issues to enhance productivity. Demonstrates strong communication and problem-solving abilities in challenging sales scenarios.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Sales Representative Hardscape & Precast
TCC Materials
Mendota Heights
04.2024 - Current
- Increased profitability and revenue by identifying customer needs and determining appropriate offerings.
- Negotiated pricing contracts with customers, enhancing profit margins.
- Identified and pursued cross-selling opportunities to boost overall sales.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales goals and improve customer service.
- Conducted market research to uncover trends, shaping effective sales strategies.
- Participated in training sessions to stay updated on product knowledge and sales techniques.
Owner
Hardscape Consultants
Elk River
01.2022 - Current
- Managed project timelines and resources for various hardscape installations.
- Monitored design processes from conceptual phase through construction.
- Developed detailed planting plans using AutoCAD and design software to guide installation.
- Conducted research on concept designs and delivered cost estimates for residential and commercial projects.
- Selected, mixed and applied surface coatings to match, enhance or restore hardscape surfaces
- Streamlined processes to improve operational efficiency for clients.
- Provided training sessions on topics such as customer service, worksite efficiency and project management.
Regional Sales Representative
Versa-Lok Midwest
Central & Northern
03.2014 - 03.2024
- Cultivated business partnerships, enhancing collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Implemented planning strategies to meet supply chain requirements and streamline distribution.
- Conducted market research, pinpointing customer needs and industry trends to inform strategic decisions.
- Monitored project performance using tools and techniques to ensure successful outcomes.
Transportation Sales Consultant
CH Robinson
Saint Cloud
04.2012 - 02.2014
- Generated sales throughout complete sales cycle from prospecting to contract negotiations and closings.
- Crafted customized presentations to effectively address potential customer needs.
- Delivered comprehensive product information to customers, highlighting features, pricing, and availability.
- Coordinated logistics and supply chain processes to ensure timely product delivery.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline operations and decrease inefficiencies.
- Maintained accurate records of all sales activities within CRM system.
Manufacturers Sales Representative
VERSA-LOK MIDWEST SALES
St. Cloud
01.2008 - 12.2011
- Achieved average sales growth of 23%, closing each year post-2009 with record net sales in Central Minnesota Territory.
- Implemented new product lines, including eco-friendly solutions for lakeshore restoration, expanding market offerings.
- Conducted analysis to generate innovative product ideas, enhancing sales strategies and electronic bidding techniques.
- Developed Excel templates for estimating and quoting, streamlining support for sales and engineering teams.
- Analyzed and documented project quantities for commercial jobs, applying material specifications.
Contractor Sales Yard Manager
VERSA-LOK RETAINING WALLS
Chaska
01.2008
- Managed daily project and business operations for contractor sales yard, optimizing shipments and inventory management.
- Redesigned yard layout to reduce inventory levels and improve customer flow.
- Developed customer-focused strategies from trend analysis to enhance client relationships.
- Utilized Counterpoint Point-of-Purchase Sales and SQL software to identify process challenges and opportunities.
Education
Master of Science - Operations And Supply Management
University of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI12-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing, Emphasis in Professional Sales
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIRE
Eau Claire, WI05-2008
Skills
- Documentation of customer requirements
- Production scheduling
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Supply chain optimization
- Project and business operations
- Customer and staff training
- Team leadership
- Business process reengineering
- Project management
- Budgeting and planning
- AutoCAD design
- Presentation skills
- Business development
- Certified drone pilot
Professional Development
- MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Access/Project/Front Page)
- Microsoft CRP
- Nielsen CBP
- SPSS
- ACT!
- Salesforce
- Multiple CAD systems
Affiliations
Associate Coach-in-Chief Goaltending, USA Hockey
Certification
APICS - CPIM (Certified Planning & Inventory Management)
Timeline
Sales Representative Hardscape & Precast
TCC Materials
04.2024 - Current
Owner
Hardscape Consultants
01.2022 - Current
Regional Sales Representative
Versa-Lok Midwest
03.2014 - 03.2024
Transportation Sales Consultant
CH Robinson
04.2012 - 02.2014
Manufacturers Sales Representative
VERSA-LOK MIDWEST SALES
01.2008 - 12.2011
Contractor Sales Yard Manager
VERSA-LOK RETAINING WALLS
01.2008
Master of Science - Operations And Supply Management
University of Wisconsin Stout
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing, Emphasis in Professional Sales
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIRE