Stephen Thrower
Shelton,CT
Summary
Dynamic sales and account management professional with a proven ability to cultivate relationships, drive revenue growth, and lead business development initiatives in competitive markets. Progressed from Route Sales to a statewide Agency Manager role, consistently earning increased responsibilities through reliability, accountability, and a results-oriented approach. Recently managed relationships with over 800+ brokers and agencies in Connecticut, focusing on strategic partnerships, agent training, and resolving complex issues to enhance Medicare Advantage growth. Hands-on experience in sales leadership and a personal background in real estate investing support a strong work ethic and professionalism, ensuring exceptional results and long-term value creation.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Agency Manager CT - (Account Executive II)
Centene - WellCare Healthcare Plans
09.2024 - 06.2026
- Managed relationships with more than 800 independent brokers, agencies, captive agents, and sales representatives throughout Connecticut, serving as the primary market resource for WellCare Medicare Advantage (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) products.
- Developed and executed territory growth strategies to increase Medicare Advantage enrollment and expand market penetration across the state.
- Conducted regular field visits with agencies, broker offices, and sales organizations to strengthen partnerships and identify growth opportunities, enhancing overall sales performance.
- Recruited, trained, and onboarded new agents, providing ongoing product education, sales support, and compliance guidance to ensure successful market engagement.
- Partnered with Community Relations leadership to coordinate grassroots outreach and educational events, driving community-based enrollment initiatives.
- Served as the primary escalation point for brokers and agents, resolving complex member application issues, Requests for Information (RFIs), enrollment concerns, and plan-related inquiries.
- Planned and delivered presentations, workshops, and training sessions at agency offices and broker events during Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), improving agent engagement and knowledge.
- Maintained comprehensive knowledge of CMS regulations, Medicare products, and competitive market dynamics to support agent success and ensure compliant sales practices.
- Exceeded Medicare Advantage enrollment objectives during the 2026 AEP season, achieving exceptional sales growth and significantly outperforming established targets.
Territory Sales Representative
Polar Beverages
Worcester, MA
02.2020 - 09.2024
- Serviced accounts within assigned territory, identifying and pursuing revenue growth opportunities, resulting in increased sales volume.
- Marketed products aggressively to boost brand visibility and drive sales growth.
- Coached business owners on strategies to enhance sales and margins, contributing to improved profitability.
- Addressed local business challenges by creating actionable plans to overcome issues, utilizing problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills and consistently motivated to meet or exceed sales goals.
- Built efficient routes, optimizing delivery schedules and improving service coverage.
Route Sales Representative (RSR)
New England Ice Cream Corporation
Norton, MA
10.2019 - 02.2020
- Engaged with customers, owners, or management to resolve issues and recommend solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and support.
- Exceeded assigned case volume and net revenue targets by leveraging sales strategies and market knowledge.
- Increased sales by gauging market trends, POS data, seasonal changes, and management changes, applying a creative and brand-building mindset.
- Managed and oversaw merchandising displays to maximize product visibility and sales.
- Executed instructions from management and team leads in the field to carry out responsibilities.
- Promoted a positive and uplifting culture by adhering to company values and fostering team morale.
Route Sales Representative (RSR)
Dari Farms Ice Cream Company
Tolland, CT
05.2007 - 10.2019
- Managed distribution of goods within accounts on assigned routes, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.
- Built daily and weekly routes in designated areas to maximize efficiency and coverage.
- Alerted office for testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements for machines, minimizing downtime.
- Inventoried goods upon arrival and forecasted future sales to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Conducted market research to assess demand for various goods, supporting informed sales strategies.
- Secured sales of new items to diversify inventory and attract customers. into accounts and secured end cap placements to increase product visibility.
- Consistently met or exceeded set sales goals for the assigned county, contributing to overall revenue growth.
Education
Associate's degree - Business Administration
Johnson And Wales University
Providence, RI07-2028
High school - General Studies
Bullard Havens High School
Bridgeport, CT06-2003
Skills
- Health Insurance Sales & Strategy
- Interpersonal Relations
- Event Coordination & Organizational Skills
- Client/Relationship Building
- B2B sales
- Sales Management
- Territory Management
- Market Expansion Initiatives
- Market Research
- Data analysis
- Supply Chain Management
- Category Management
- Collaborative Negotiation
- Communication
Affiliations
- NIAC - 2006 - Present - National Association of Insurance Commissioners - Organization governed by insurance regulators from all 50 states.
- SCORE - January 2012 to Present - SCORE is a non-profit local community of organized business professionals and affiliates that help guide, mentor, invest, educate and help like-minded individuals reach their business goals.
- NAR - 2018 - Present - The National Association of Realtors. North American trade association for those who work in the real estate industry - Bridgeport Chapter Affiliation.
Certification
- Active Life & Health Insurance license in the state of CT.
- AHIP Certified (Exp. 10/2026) - This certification is required to sell Medicare advantage and prescription drug plans.
- Active Driver's License
Languages
English
Timeline
Agency Manager CT - (Account Executive II)
Centene - WellCare Healthcare Plans
09.2024 - 06.2026
Territory Sales Representative
Polar Beverages
02.2020 - 09.2024
Route Sales Representative (RSR)
New England Ice Cream Corporation
10.2019 - 02.2020
Route Sales Representative (RSR)
Dari Farms Ice Cream Company
05.2007 - 10.2019
High school - General Studies
Bullard Havens High School
Associate's degree - Business Administration
Johnson And Wales University