Robert Wheeler
Bradenton
Summary
Business development professional with a background in client acquisition, relationship management, and capital markets. Known for clear communication, consistent follow through, and a disciplined approach shaped by military service. Looking to bring a strong work ethic, people skills, and business development experience into a more meaningful, and purpose-driven environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Business Development
Acorn Management Partners
Sarasota, FL
01.2025 - Current
- Lead business development and client acquisition for small and micro-cap public companies seeking broker-controlled retail shareholder growth.
- Sourced and nurtured 3 signed public company clients ranging from $20M to $1B in market capitalization, contributing to more than $1.1M in annualized contract value through 12-month cash retainers and quarterly equity compensation.
- Build strategic relationships with CEOs, CFOs, and key decision-makers to originate mandates and expand capital markets access.
- Maintained accurate and up to date CRM records in HubSpot.
- Supported recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding for Acorn roles while maintaining pipeline coverage and sales execution.
- Direct a proprietary 6-step sales process encompassing cold-call qualification, investor outreach, and management team coordination across concurrent clients.
- Mentor project managers and associates on sales execution, client relations, and professional development while overseeing pipeline reporting.
Project Manager
Acorn Management Partners
Sarasota, FL
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed up to 6 concurrent issuer campaigns, coordinating weekly CEO/CFO investor conference calls and investor outreach.
- Directed research, call scripting, and presentation development to drive broker engagement and investment interest.
- Produced monthly market and investor sentiment reports from buying activity data, enabling data-driven client strategy.
- Led daily status meetings, trained junior staff, coordinated daily team check-ins, and maintained detailed CRM records for leadership visibility.
Junior Project Manager
Acorn Management Partners
Sarasota, FL
01.2024 - 07.2024
- Supported project managers with pipeline tracking, investor qualification, and follow-up reporting; executed 250+ daily calls to financial advisors.
- Presented investment theses to financial advisors to generate interest and secure meetings with management teams.
- Organized broker conversation records and activity logs, delivering clear pipeline health insights to leadership.
- Assisted with associate onboarding and process training to accelerate team ramp-up.
Business Development Executive
MoneyShow
Sarasota, FL
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Closed high-ticket sponsorship and exhibitor packages for flagship trade shows, digital platforms, and year-round investor conference events.
- Developed deep expertise in the investor conference and tradeshow space through onsite event travel and C-suite networking.
- Generated leads via consistent phone, email, and virtual outreach.
- Managed the full sales lifecycle in CRM and collaborated with marketing and events teams on upsells, activations, and post-event renewals.
Associate → Junior Project Manager → Project Manager
Acorn Management Partners
Sarasota, FL
02.2020 - 02.2023
- Earned two rapid promotions within three years, driven by top performance; executed 250+ high-volume daily calls while managing concurrent client campaigns.
- Organized weekly executive conference calls, positioning client investment theses to qualified financial advisors and broker networks.
- Conducted market research and prepared investor materials; tracked broker activity for leadership reporting.
- Trained associates and junior staff on sales techniques and client communication; led daily team status meetings.
Enlisted Infantryman (E2-E4)
United States Army
Fort Bliss, TX
06.2015 - 04.2018
- Completed 14-week Basic Combat Training and Infantry AIT at Fort Benning, GA.
- Completed 30 to 45-day mock-deployment exercises at Fort Polk, LA, and Fort Irwin, CA.
- Served as a Stryker driver for the Company Commander, maintaining 100% accountability and operation of all high-value equipment.
- Earned 2 Army Commendation Medals for meritorious service; completed the Combat Lifesaver Course.
- Executed fire team operations and battle drills under high-stress conditions.
Education
Bachelor's in Business Administration - Business Administration
Everglades University
Sarasota, FL09-2027
High School - undefined
Manatee High School
Bradenton, FL06-2015
Skills
- High-Ticket B2B Sales
- Pipeline Management
- Client Acquisition
- High-Volume Calling
- C-Suite Relationship Management
- Corporate communications
- Relationship and team building
- Networking
- Investor Conference & Trade Show
- CRM Systems
- Market Research
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Business Development
Acorn Management Partners
01.2025 - Current
Project Manager
Acorn Management Partners
07.2024 - 01.2025
Junior Project Manager
Acorn Management Partners
01.2024 - 07.2024
Business Development Executive
MoneyShow
01.2023 - 01.2024
Associate → Junior Project Manager → Project Manager
Acorn Management Partners
02.2020 - 02.2023
Enlisted Infantryman (E2-E4)
United States Army
06.2015 - 04.2018
High School - undefined
Manatee High School
Bachelor's in Business Administration - Business Administration
Everglades University