Chris Hillestad Email & Phone Number

Saint Paul, Mn, Us

Saint Paul, Mn, Us

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Radiators, Charge Air Coolers, and Condensers.

Willmar, Minnesota, United States

Responsible for central United States of Industrial, Automotive, Power Sports sales in cooling products.

Plymouth Mn.

MET Team, Merchandise Execution TeamHighly specialized team responsible for vendor execution in the store. Responsibilities include, pricing, displays, items, inventory, and purchasing.• Recognized for driving share-holder valueRecognized for driving share holder valueHIT - Districct Recovery TeamSpecialized team for identifying department opportunities within district 128. Responsible for plan development and execution in district. • Received certificate of achievement award for the contribution to the Home Depot for exemplifying core values

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Developed new distribution channels, marketing materials and campaigns. Leverage trends and insights to collaborate with R&D to create new products consistent with business model and expertise. Create sustainable distribution models for domestic and global opportunities. Led a team of 25 in the St. Paul office personnel to include sales, marketing, engineering, purchasing, and warehouse distribution • Increased sales +9% v previous year• Developed new package design to include French labeling for Canadian market• Co-led new scratch motor design and development • Secured two of the largest distributors with new distribution program (NAPA Canada and Uni Select)• Increased international sales +31%

Des Moines, Iowa Area

Start-up in the Power Sports and Truck Accessory markets with a new patented product. Provided direction with industry knowledge, distribution models, and overall marketing tactics - developed MAP program, MSRP based on industry margin requirements, Distribution Agreement, and strategic short term and long-term goals. Created the roadmap for sales internal departments.

Leveraged insights and trends to develop innovative sales and marketing strategies for key recreational, small engine, and marine distribution. Cultivated strong, trusted customer and internal relationships through creative problem solving and thought leadership. • +5% increase in sales YOY• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external sales personnel• Increased market share to 75% v Champion in small engine and marine markets• Increased sales +9% YTD for largest non-automotive account, which is the 8th largest aftermarket account

Territory consisted of 18 states, 150 direct accounts which included the management of zone budgets, forecasting, sales targets, and SAP/BI reporting. Led six direct reports within the central time zone. • Increased revenue 29% • Increased automotive dependency vs. recreational split from 49% to 53% raising profit dollars.• Secured 15 new key sensor accounts resulting in +$1.5mm• Closed 95% of preferred member accounts• Secured +10 spark plug accounts resulting in +$900,000• Quality Circle team member for aftermarket

Oversaw 50% of the USA aftermarket spark plugs sales in the recreational market. Liaison between corporate sales, marketing, and recreational market developing innovative sales plans for each customer. Led in the implementation of training and customer meetings in Japan.• Created product training program for sales and distribution• Developed customized sales reporting functions and forecasting model• Leveraged insights for national marketing strategy to drive top line sales• Recognized growth opportunity in V-Twin market with building market specific programs in collaboration with industry experts to establish long term sustainable growth and created market specific promotional products

Led the development of twenty customer service associates which led to the implementation of an in-house full service department. Develop the protocol for managing incoming calls and various situations. • Implemented the “One and Done” act. All situations were handled by one single contact thus “One and Done”• Answered all technical and sales questions and provide solutions for all aspects of business

Responsible for sales of $6 million in 6 states including four national and 20 regional accounts. Developed and implemented innovative marketing and sales strategies at all levels of distribution. Provided training new regional hires. Managed all co-op budgets in excess of $400,000.• Secured 12 new regional accounts which resulted in a 45% growth• Maintained an average of +20% YOY growth• Created regional promotions that were adapted as national marketing initiatives which included NGKation and Education, cabinet program, small engine rack program, promotion kit promo, and wearables promotion• Recognized as Salesperson of the Year 1992, 1993, 1995, and 1998 and won a Hawaiian trip promotion for top salesperson. • Promoted to Customer Service Manager

Plymouth, Mn

Business development role defining new opportunities in North and South Dakota. Planned and participated in changeovers, trade shows and industry events.

Nashville, Tn

Responsible for selling new import parts program to traditional aftermarket automotive accounts in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Assisted in national changeovers and serviced all levels of distribution.