TRENT DOWNING
Castalia,OH
Summary
Business development and sales leader with experience managing a $65M+ multi‑state territory, building strong relationships across distribution and contractor channels, and driving consistent growth. Known for clear communication, dependable follow‑through, and a practical approach to solving problems for customers and internal teams. Brings a mix of field insight, strategic planning, and hands‑on support to help improve category performance and strengthen long‑term partnerships.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager
PrimeSource Building Products
08.2024 - Current
- Lead growth efforts across a $65M+ multi‑state territory, focusing on product adoption, category performance, and overall sales results.
- Build and maintain relationships with key decision makers across distribution, pro‑dealer, and contractor channels.
- Support a few accounts at the national level to keep programs consistent and make sure communication, pricing, and planning stay aligned across regions.
- Work closely with vendors on training, product launches, and field support to help drive additional business.
- Review market trends and competitive activity to find opportunities for margin improvement and new revenue.
- Support sales teams with product expertise, pricing strategy, forecasting alignment, and customer‑ready value messaging.
- Provide product knowledge, pricing support, and forecasting guidance to sales teams.
- Share field insights with leadership to help shape broader strategy and planning
- Develop and execute territory plans focused on customer satisfaction, inventory alignment, and sustainable growth.
Senior Account Manager V
Hilti North America
03.2022 - 08.2024
- Managed and oversaw a portfolio of Drywall/Metal Stud Contractors in Northeast/Central Ohio, achieving $2.3 million in annual sales.
- Collaborated with different stakeholders including C-Suite, Project Management, Safety Directors, and Field workers to analyze requirements and propose effective strategies for business expansion.
- Demonstrated exceptional ability to consistently surpass sales performance expectations with remarkable results, achieving a growth rate between 10% and 15% for consecutive years in both, 2022 and 2023.
- Conducted regular meetings with clients to review performance metrics, progress, and future goals.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for assigned accounts to increase customer satisfaction.
- Tasked with aiding in the implementation of Salesforce within our region.
- Provided ongoing training and support to junior team members on sales techniques and processes.
Regional Key Account Manager IV
Hilti North America
03.2019 - 03.2022
- Provided oversight to key drywall/metal stud contractors in Northeast and Central Ohio, resulting in $1.4 million in annual sales.
- Contributed to the growth of team members through mentorship.
- Surpassed the annual sales performance goal by 12% during 2021.
- Collaborated with upper management to develop and implement strategic initiatives for sustainable growth.
- Implemented effective strategies to optimize the performance of key contractors specialized in drywall/metal stud work, resulting in $1.1 Million in annual revenue generation.
Regional Key Account Manager III
Hilti North America
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Implemented effective strategies to optimize performance of key contractors, resulting in $1.1 million on annual sales.
- Provided ongoing training and support to junior team members on sales techniques and processes
- Surpassed the target for annual sales performance by 8% in 2018.
- Consistently surpassed the previous year's tool sales performance by 14%.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for assigned accounts to increase customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regular meetings with clients to review performance metrics, progress, and future goals.
Regional Key Account Manager II
Hilti North America
07.2017 - 03.2018
- Managed a set group of drywall and metal stud contractors, focusing on growing account penetration and improving overall product usage.
- Increased field presence through regular jobsite visits, demos, and hands‑on support with foremen and project teams.
- Identified gaps in tool and system usage and created simple action plans to drive adoption across key categories.
- Worked with logistics and customer service to stay ahead of delivery issues, backorders, and inventory needs for active projects.
- Supported new product launches by running demos, gathering feedback, and helping customers transition to updated systems.
- Built stronger relationships with field leaders to get better visibility into upcoming work and bidding opportunities.
Regional Key Account Manager II
Hilti North America
04.2016 - 07.2017
- Oversaw key drywall/metal stud contractors in Central Ohio, generating $1.1 million in annual sales.
- Met or surpassed monthly sales goals for 13 out of 15 months.
- Achieved 9% above annual sales performance goal in 2016.
- Achieved a 23% increase in annual tool sales performance in 2016.
- Resolved client issues while maintaining excellent customer service.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to increase customer satisfaction.
Hilti Center Account Manager
Hilti North America
03.2015 - 04.2016
- Enhanced customer engagement.
- Created impactful demos showcasing product benefits.
- Collaborated with outside sales reps on jobsite and office calls.
- Consistently achieved strong profit margins.
- Provided exceptional customer service and resolved client concerns.
- Managed and optimized inventory levels.
- Completed AMDP – Account Manager Development Program.
Personal Banker
Fifth Third Bank
04.2014 - 03.2015
- Met or exceeded sales targets for 10 out of 12 months and 3 out of 4 quarters.
- Ranked top in the region three times and top three seven times.
- Conducted sales visits by phone and in person.
- Drove business growth through community engagement.
- Supported team management through training and coaching.
- Built strong relationships with consumers and business clients.
Electrical Manager
Menards Inc.
01.2014 - 04.2014
- Provided leadership and guidance to a group of 8 team members
- Targeting high potential opportunities to gain business
- Worked closely with various stakeholders including Contractors, organizations, companies and major prospects
- Managed and optimized profit margins to drive financial growth
- Ranked in top 25% in company wide sales competitions
1st Assistant Electrical Manager
Menards Inc.
08.2013 - 01.2014
- Achieved 6% annual sales increase, totaling $2.5 million.
- Collaborated with vendors to drive revenue.
- Managed payroll efficiently.
- Trained junior team members on sales techniques.
Manager Trainee
Menards Inc.
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Gained exposure to mechanical, electrical, and building materials departments.
- Motivated team members with incentives.
- Completed program with 93%+ in all quadrants.
Education
Bachelors of Arts and Sciences - Communications with Focus on Marketing & Sales
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OII05.2013
Skills
- Time Management
- Customer Service
- Account Management
- Business development
- Sales
- Trained on Salesforce
- SAP
- Order Management
- Territory Management
- Sales expertise
- Team leadership
Timeline
Business Development Manager
PrimeSource Building Products
08.2024 - Current
Senior Account Manager V
Hilti North America
03.2022 - 08.2024
Regional Key Account Manager IV
Hilti North America
03.2019 - 03.2022
Regional Key Account Manager III
Hilti North America
03.2018 - 03.2019
Regional Key Account Manager II
Hilti North America
07.2017 - 03.2018
Regional Key Account Manager II
Hilti North America
04.2016 - 07.2017
Hilti Center Account Manager
Hilti North America
03.2015 - 04.2016
Personal Banker
Fifth Third Bank
04.2014 - 03.2015
Electrical Manager
Menards Inc.
01.2014 - 04.2014
1st Assistant Electrical Manager
Menards Inc.
08.2013 - 01.2014
Manager Trainee
Menards Inc.
06.2013 - 08.2013
Bachelors of Arts and Sciences - Communications with Focus on Marketing & Sales
Bowling Green State University