Robert Stephenson
Wallkill,NY
Summary
I am a qualified Sr. Director/ VP of sales with proven track record in driving revenue growth and building and leading high-performing sales teams. Successfully implemented strategic sales initiatives that resulted in significant market expansion. Demonstrated expertise in building strong client relationships and leveraging market insights to optimize sales strategies.
I've worked with all factions of the pet industry as well as Farm & Ranch and large chain like Petco, Petsense, Hollywood Feed, Pet Supermarket & the Midstates group, as well as all levels of distribution for pet specialty..
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Director of Sales, US & Latin America
Benebone
06.2021 - Current
- Managed a sales team of 25 members nationwide
- Developed & rationalized US distribution network and identified key retail partners. I worked closely with the Executive team to develop a loyalty program & sales strategies as well re-developing policies and procedures with respect to high value key accounts & distribution pricing, promo & discount structure.
- Business development & relationship management with an emphasis on building brand loyalty along with sales strategy & analysis, selection & training of company sales representatives and Identifying and pursued new market opportunities for the company's products.
- Established strong partnerships with industry influencers to expand brand recognition and drive business growth.
- Streamlined sales processes by identifying inefficiencies, implementing new tools, and providing training to the team.
- Achieved regional sales targets through effective territory management and relationship building with key clients.
- Launched new products successfully into the market, coordinating marketing initiatives and comprehensive sales campaigns.
NYS Director of Business Development
NEMA Associates
06.2013 - 06.2021
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities in the state of New York, with an emphasis on high value accounts, and managing the relationship between accounts and 27 manufacturers.
- Developed strategic plans to pursue them in partnership with the distribution network and independently.
- Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape to identify both new business opportunities and potential threats, and recommend strategic actions to stay ahead of the competition.
- Increased client base by developing and implementing effective business development strategies.
- Developed customized solutions tailored specifically to individual client needs, leading to an increase in repeat business engagements.
Eastern US Regional Sales Manager
Zoo Med Labs Inc.
02.2008 - 06.2013
- Developed and maintained relationships with key customers and distributors in the eastern US region to drive sales growth.
- Identified potential growth opportunities in the eastern US region and develop strategies to capitalize on them with my sales team.
- Provided training and support to the sales team on product knowledge and selling techniques to increase sales effectiveness in the eastern US region which led to consecutive years of growth and surpassing of annual goals.
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
Education
Art Direction, Minor: Art Education
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, NYSkills
- Effective relationship management
- Strategic account management
- Optimization of distribution networks
- Brand engagement initiatives
- Client development
- Targeted account growth
- Strategic sales planning
- Trade show representation
- Sales team training and guidance
Timeline
Sr. Director of Sales, US & Latin America
Benebone
06.2021 - Current
NYS Director of Business Development
NEMA Associates
06.2013 - 06.2021
Eastern US Regional Sales Manager
Zoo Med Labs Inc.
02.2008 - 06.2013
Art Direction, Minor: Art Education
Pratt Institute