Michael Rau

• Developed and executed market strategies to enhance company visibility and customer engagement.
• Analyzed market trends and sales data to inform product positioning and pricing strategies.
• Led cross-functional teams in launching new products, ensuring alignment with market demands.
• Oversaw budget management for marketing campaigns, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact.
• Mentored junior team members, enhancing their skills in market analysis and campaign execution.
• Spearheaded competitive analysis initiatives, identifying opportunities for growth within target markets.
• Networked in market to build vendor partnerships and connections.
• Enhanced product offerings by collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify gaps in the market.
• Evaluated vendor partnerships regularly, negotiating optimal contracts terms for continued cost savings.
• Led cross-functional teams to launch new products, ensuring alignment with market needs and organizational goals.
• Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Organized promotional events and interacted with sales to increase overall volume.

2025-2026 (Key Accomplishments)

Currently managing 500 vendors with a Team of four people in Category Management. Expanded 28 new lines in 2026 to increase overall sales and competitiveness in the market. Based on 2025 new product adds increased 2026 sales volume by $13m. Managed and led Team adding over 40,000 new items to the business system in 2026. Led Vendor negotiations for program enhancements and price reductions- $700k in 2026. Led a Product Expansion Project to Support The Alco/Aim sales team for market penetration. Led a Product Expansion Project to support the sales team for OAK and ASW customer conversations. Managed and signed all vendor contracts in 2026. Coordinated all vendor contract dollars with finance for accrual and collection for approx $2.4m. Coordinated with content team for product rich data enhancements to our customers. Managed all Medco Shows with the vendor community and in 2026 generated $114k plus dollar over event expenses. Oversee all Medco Publications with Marketing for quality content and adhering to schedules. Oversee all promotional product and program's to customers to drive sales. Part of Autocare Tool & Equipment Committee for 13 years and received an award from the President Bill Hanvey. Currently participate in the Autocare Market Intelligence Committee. Currently Part of ITEG / ATD Marketing Committee.

In my 45 year tenure with Medco, I have worked in multiple departments. I have worked in every department except IT, HR, A/P, A/R and a outside sales position. I have worked inside sales.

Some key highlights are below.

- Competitive Acquisitions- ETW, California Tool, Garden State Tool, Weiss Tool for inventory reviews and cost of product with crossovers into our system.

- All product pricing to our customers for multiple years to be competitive and achieve margin goals. 130k sku's every 90 days.

- Managed Marketing Department , coordinated with printers and contracts for all publications.

- Part of teams to implement new computer systems as well as our current warehouse on bar code scanners to pull / pack and ship.

-Managed warehouses for day to day operations.