Robert J. App
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic marketing and business development professional with over 20 years of experience in account management, client relations, and sales. Proven ability to communicate effectively and inspire teams to exceed revenue goals and meet challenging deadlines. Strong time management skills with a track record of prioritizing tasks and adapting to change. Self-starter with a focus on customer satisfaction and results-driven strategies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Gallery Director
Carousel Fine Art
Chicago , IL
05.2025 - Current
- Curated diverse exhibitions showcasing emerging and established artists' works.
- Developed marketing strategies to enhance gallery visibility and attract new visitors.
- Handled gallery calendar of exhibitions, workers and special events.
- Assisted in developing strategic plans aimed at increasing public awareness of the gallery's services or offerings.
- Worked with 55 artists in private collections and museums all over the world
- Hosted numerous events including private events for the residents for the Tribune Tower, Trump Tower, St. Regis and parting with #1 Real Estate Carrie McCormick; JBlonde, Fast Lane Drive and more.
Business Development Manager
Cadogan Tate Fine Arts Moving
Chicago, IL
05.2022 - 05.2025
- Maintained open and ongoing communication with clients to meet needs and expectations.
Established new customer accounts using negotiation and sales closing
abilities. - Determined business development opportunities and implemented
effective strategy for client acquisition. - Leveraged cold calling, in-person visits and referrals to build leads.
Worked in Conjunction with EXPO Chicago 2023 with over 30 Galleries
internationally for the Navy Pier Event April of 2023. Networked to
establish new opprotunities with over 100 potential new Art Gallery
contacts. - Partnered with the Peninsula Hotel Chicago for the Beth DeWoody
Exhibition Neo Expo ongoing until May 2023. - Hosted an event for the the American Society of Interior Designers in
March 2023 at our office for over 150 attendees to bolster our brand name
and network for new business.
Gallery Director
West Loop Dot Gallery
Chicago, IL
08.2019 - 05.2022
- Created a new art gallery in the West Loop from the ground up.
- Worked with over 20 museum quality artists world with 10 in museums internationally.
- Hosted a number of receptions and exhibitions with attendees over 200 for every event with averaged sales at $20,000.00
- We were on the top of the list as most recognized art galleries in Chicago form TImeout Chicago.
- Hosted 30 delegates from the Smithsonian in July of 2021 accepting an artist that I worked with for 7 years, Chicago based Shawn Michael Warren.
- Created the website and worked the Social Media Campaigns through Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Became a hugely successful gallery with sales in the hundred of thousands in Q3 and Q4 alone.
- Handled all aspects of gallery responsibilities from beginning to end.
Artist Relations / Development Representative
SOULART INC, Richard App Gallery, Royal Street Fine Art
LITTLE ROCK, Chicago, Rapids, Aspen, AR, IL, MI, CO
01.2015 - 11.2021
- Exceeded sales goal of $500K within 6 months; Sold indoor and outdoor stainless-steel sculptures for residential, corporate and public works of art
- Exhibited in various Art Shows and exhibitions nationally and internationally.
- Hosted private receptions on a yearly basis in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Monitored social media campaigns through LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Senior Sales Representative
LIQUIDUS MARKETING
CHICAGO, IL
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Responsible for organizational development of Reseller Market, which sells solutions for digital advertising, resulting in $5M annual revenue Developed new business with major media companies: ABC, NBC, Liberman Broadcasting, as well as, smaller clients such as Hubbard Broadcasting and Northwest Broadcasting; Worked with radio, newspaper and advertising agencies of all sizes
- Secured long-term accounts and managed sales presentations by providing recommendations to promote brand effectiveness and product benefits.
- Expanded new business and developed effective sales and marketing campaigns.
Curator, Event Coordinator & Image Consultant
RICHARD APP GALLERY
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Curated and coordinated national and international Artists at renowned gallery in Michigan; Worked closely with over 50 Artists in paintings, prints, sculpture and photography; Determined pricing and market trends Framed residential and corporate environments with well-established clients: Spectrum Health, St
- Mary’s, Plante Moran, Calvin College, Grand Valley State University, Image Shoppe, Atomic Object, and more Coordinated, assisted, marketed and hosted over 100 private events, such as Birthdays, Corporate
- Unctions, Weddings, Reunions; Hosted nonprofit fundraisers to improve visibility and promote community awareness Collaborated closely with Amway, Alticor, Steelcase, Warner, Norcross, Judd, and
- City of Grand Rapids including email blasts and social media objectives
National Account Manager
ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS
CHICAGO, IL
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Corresponded with U.S
- Corporations to deliver logistics solutions through effective interaction and resolution; Ensured products were delivered in a timely manner, which continually improved customer retention and corporate efficiency Serviced 70 long-term existing accounts; Acquired a minimum of 5 new accounts daily via cold-calling, sales strategies, ultimate customer service and utilizing interpersonal skills and rapport development; Achieved highest sales tier recognition and produced extreme increase in sales profits; Cultivated single account resulting in $50K sales in one month; Overall standard receipts added up to $100K monthly Consistently awarded prizes and recognition for high achievements in sales; Promoted company reputation and brand with exemplary quality of work and results
ART CONSULTANT
ATLAS GALLERIES
CHICAGO, IL
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Sold art pieces, sculptures and paintings to reputable buyers totaling over $650K in sales revenue;
- Utilized effective showcasing, project management, and advertising techniques Designed and launched digital and print marketing campaigns to entice consumers; Championed consistent long-term initiatives with motivated buyers during exhibitions resulting in an increase in market share Strategically researched and targeted professionals within Chicago medical art community; Coordinated evening art event, which successfully generated $100K in sales revenue and obtained “rRolodex, new client prospects of over 400 Physician’s Regularly planned, coordinated, marketed and produced art shows for up to 300 gallery guests Acquired over 30 reputable Artists monthly utilizing superior advertising strategies and expertise;
- Utilized social media and web marketing optimization to effectively share new Artists’ work, which generated over $500K in revenue
Education
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS - VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Kendall College of Art & Design, Ferris State University
01.2004
Skills
- Extensive luxury goods background
- Social Media Marketing Optimization
- Superior Communication - Oral and Written
Effective Selling Techniques - High Level of Integrity
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Adobe, Google
Drive Also thorough knowledge of all social media
platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and
more - Large network of artists, art galleries, collectors, interior
designers, architects and beyond
Multi-Functional, Dynamic Brand Ambassador to all of
organizations, companies, and products that I have
represented over the years Thrive in a showroom setting
with 10 years of gallery floor experience - Excellent Math Skills
- Hosted an extensive array of art events/exhibitions over the years both public and private
Affiliations
AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATION, 1996
Board member for Art for Life Chicago
Timeline
Gallery Director
Carousel Fine Art
05.2025 - Current
Business Development Manager
Cadogan Tate Fine Arts Moving
05.2022 - 05.2025
Gallery Director
West Loop Dot Gallery
08.2019 - 05.2022
Senior Sales Representative
LIQUIDUS MARKETING
01.2018 - 12.2018
Artist Relations / Development Representative
SOULART INC, Richard App Gallery, Royal Street Fine Art
01.2015 - 11.2021
Curator, Event Coordinator & Image Consultant
RICHARD APP GALLERY
01.2013 - 01.2017
National Account Manager
ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS
01.2008 - 01.2012
ART CONSULTANT
ATLAS GALLERIES
01.2005 - 01.2007
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS - VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Kendall College of Art & Design, Ferris State University