Benjamin (Ben) Damiani Email & Phone Number

<< Dual responsibilities in Rental & Construction Supply Markets & Distribution Sales >>NORTH AMERICAN SALES MANAGER – Rental & Construction Supply :: 2010–presentManage network of independent manufacturer rep organizations in Rental and Construction Supply distribution markets throughout North America. Full P&L and sales responsibility as well as training, sales targets, goal setting, strategic planning. Handle major national account sales and develop sales in independent rental channels as well as construction supply and Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) markets. > Drove product sales in Rental market that gained significant increases to exceed all assigned budgets and quotas.> Grew market share of Rental channel by crafting plans that resulted in increases of +30% annually in new account signups, a critical component to year-over-year sales growth.> Helped craft training tools to drive effective presentation methods leading to consistent sales, new account growth.SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER – Distribution SalesHead network of independent distributors in Northeast and Midwest US area and manage region distribution channel. Sales focused on restoration/remediation end users and general contractors. Conduct product training and sales meetings; make field sales calls. Assess distributor sales performance to grow sales and profitability.> Identified wholesale distribution markets and added 20% in new sales volume. > Replaced competitive products and grew new sales by fostering personal relationships and gaining product trust.> Introduced new products and created demand at distributor and end user levels.

Brought on board to restructure the North American independent rep sales force promoting Wobblelight® products to industrial, construction, electrical, and hardware channels. Targeted sales thrust on Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association and Industrial Supply Association distributor markets. Initiated sales via 65 national, independent rep force. National accounts included Grainger, United Rentals, HD Supply, Fastenal, and MSC. > Rebuilt sales force in only six months; assessed/refocused/weeded out reps and assembled a strong professional team that put the company on a path for long-term sales opportunities.> Negotiated and closed 7 new agency deals and strengthened the brand’s competitive positioning.> Crafted business model and guided rep agency review to ensure effective representation. Also grew sales volume through tertiary and secondary channels of distribution.> Mentored a sales training program that effectively trained current and new representative companies.

Accepted the challenge to restructure CSV’s Chicago underdeveloped territory with declining sales and weak/ non-existent distributor support of product lines. Rejuvenated product lines in construction, industrial, welding, and safety distribution channels and end users; led initiatives for product specification and demonstration. > Established CSV as a recognized professional agency – repositioned from virtually unknown in the Chicago area to an accepted ‘player’ in their key distribution channels.> Triggered intensive product training programs for high-potential distributors; effectively retrained distributor sellers that resulted in double-digit sales improvements.> Identified high-potential distribution channels through intensive prospecting of potential distributors.

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER – Commercial Products Division • 2003–2007Promoted to lead and manage national sales and marketing for $16M division focused on STAFDA contractor supply channel of distribution. Piloted key account management and sales activities of national sales force of independent manufacturing reps. Bottom-line responsibility for the entire division. Led national sales programs, strategies, margin analysis, and policies. Primary end user markets: construction, utilities, heavy manufacturing, petrochemical, and government. Major national distributors in commercial/industrial markets: Grainger, McMaster-Carr, United Rentals, MSC, HD Supply, Fastenal, and key independent/local/regional distributors in STAFDA, ISA, safety, and welding.> More than doubled national sales with Grainger, White Cap, Fastenal, MSC, United Rentals.> Exceeded annual sales budget 10 out of 12 years. Developed tertiary channels of distribution (ISA, Safety, welding), which resulted in new business.> Utilized internal resource options vs. outsourcing that cut budget expenditures 60%; increased market share from 45% to 70%. Improved division margins; highest company gross margin–25% during tenure.REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – Commercial Products Division • 1995–2003Managed sales and profitability for $7M region. Headed manufacturing rep agencies at STAFDA and ISA wholesale distribution channels; secondary channels were rental, welding, safety, electrical, HVAC, roofing supply. > Doubled region's volume. Maximized membership within buying groups. Increased sales in tertiary channels via aggressive sales tactics and effective program management.> Increased national account business 200% at Grainger, White Cap, Fastenal, and United Rentals.> Identified foodservice market as a key opportunity; built new product category with million-dollar potential.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Full P&L, account planning, and general branch management for distributor of tools, hoists, MRO and contractor supplies. Key end user markets: petrochemical, aerospace, auto assembly, defense contractors, utilities, railroads, and mining. > Drove account base more than 100% during first 18 months; added 40 new accounts.> Grew sales 15% in key end user markets; identified and selected profitable product lines.> Strengthened inside/outside sales teams, which resulted in double-digit sales increase.

Headed sales of tools & hoists to industrial, construction, rental supply and specialty tool distribution channels. > Promoted to turnaround underperforming territories in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.> Secured company’s largest single purchase order for hand tools ($1.6M).

B.S., Business

Mba