Don Gerould

Don Gerould Email and Phone Number

Founder | Managing Partner @ Cogent Equity
Seattle, WA, US
Don Gerould's Location
Seattle, Washington, United States, United States
About Don Gerould

M&A Advisor and Strategic Partner for Business Owners Seeking Growth and Exit SolutionsAt Cogent Equity, I specialize in preparing and positioning companies for successful exits, backed by the hard-won knowledge from my own entrepreneurial path. From founding and leading businesses to navigating high-growth roles at Amazon and Ticketmaster-CitySearch, I understand the nuances of scaling and the unique challenges faced by business owners.As an M&A advisor, I represent high-quality businesses for sale, guiding owners through the complexities of mergers and acquisitions with a deep commitment to their success. With over 25 years of hands-on experience, I support CEOs and business owners from growth to exit, bringing strategic insight and practical experience to each step of the journey.I’ve facilitated successful exits for multiple companies—including Z57, Surf City Marathon, Event Marketing Alliance, and Berry Sign Systems—helping founders realize the value of their hard work. My industry expertise spans manufacturing, event management, digital advertising, consulting, and more.If you’re a business owner or founder contemplating your next move, let’s connect. I’m passionate about helping you achieve a strategic, rewarding exit and ensuring that your legacy endures.

Don Gerould's Current Company Details
Cogent Equity

Cogent Equity

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Founder | Managing Partner
Seattle, WA, US
Don Gerould Work Experience Details
  • Cogent Equity
    Founder | Managing Partner
    Cogent Equity
    Seattle, Wa, Us
  • Rc Advisory Services, Llc
    Managing Director
    Rc Advisory Services, Llc Jul 2022 - Present
    RC Advisory Services is a Seattle based M&A Advisory firm that advises lower to middle market privately-owned companies primarily in the Pacific Northwest. For over 20 years, we have been recognized for our experience, competence, and integrity in selling and buying our client’s companies. We implement a sales process that is tailored to the company’s unique value proposition and market position. We employ a proven M&A process for clients who are profitable and have cashflows of $750,000 or more.
  • Cogent Equity
    Founder | Managing Partner
    Cogent Equity 2001 - Present
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Serve as an Operating Partner and Executive for this private equityfirm, infusing the firm's portfolio of companies with expertise in strategicplanning, executive management, revenue growth, capital fundraising, go-to marketstrategy, change management, and acquisitions/exits.Selected engagements include:• Doctible - Interim VP of Sales (2021) Interim Executive/ Business Consultant• Berry Sign Systems - President (2015–2021) Acquisition/ Operator• Event Marketing Alliance – Founder (2009–2011) Start-Up Founder/ Successful Exit• Surf City Marathon - President (2006–2011) Acquisition/ Operator/ Successful Exit• Z57 - President (2001–2006) Board Advisor/ Business Consultant/ Operator/ Exit Advisor
  • Doctible
    Interim Vp Of Sales
    Doctible 2021 - 2021
    San Diego, Ca, Us
    Hired by the CEO of this emerging healthcare technology start-up to raise the bar on the company’ssales processes and maturity level—and take the company to the next level of profitability/growth.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:- Generated a 52% increase in sales team productivity within the first 90 days by implementing keychanges to the company’s performance management, compensation, and training programs- Led a cultural turnaround within the sales team, addressing/resolving chronic performance issuesand re-energizing the staff in terms of commitment, expectations and developmental opportunities
  • Berry Sign
    President
    Berry Sign 2015 - 2021
    Lakewood, Washington, Us
    Served as President of Berry Sign Systems after it was acquired by Cogent Equity. Doubled revenue of this 60-year-old manufacturing business without increases in headcount by implementing ERP software systems, costing analysis, and new strategic sales programs.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:- Drove a 24% gross margin increase for the business via the negotiation of strategic outsourcingcontracts with U.S. and international manufacturing partners that greatly reduced manufacturing costs- Secured/executed a $6M signage project comprising over 3,000 elements for Emerald Queen Casino- Restructured business to respond to COVID shutdown; led an 18-month process to downsize thebusiness and conserve funds, while simultaneously improving profitability
  • Amazon
    Sr. Manager, Sales Operations
    Amazon 2011 - 2013
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Recruited by Amazon to build and scale an international sales operations team to support theexponential growth of Amazon’s $100M daily deal business. Developed/implemented keyprocesses to enable the onboarding, training, and compensation for 400+ new sales employees inthe U.S. and UK markets.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:- Drove successful market launches in multiple countries, working in close collaboration with Legal,Finance, and Product teams on customer on-boarding, contracting, and billing- Managed a team of Salesforce.com developers in tracking all product/market launch activity andbuilding a detailed CRM-based pipeline allowing for precise targeting, forecasting, and reporting- Provided critical data and analysis to the strategic planning process in Weekly Business Reviewsand annual Operating Plans utilized by senior management
  • Z57, Inc.
    President
    Z57, Inc. 2004 - 2006
    Hunt Valley, Md, Us
    Held a series of progressive executive roles with this social media and software startup targetingthe real estate vertical—including serving for 2 years as President.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:- Successfully grew the early-stage venture to 100+ employees, overseeing all strategic planning,scaling, growth management, and operational leadership tasks needed to deliver at each lifecycle stage- Captured a customer base of over 20,000 subscribers via direct sales organization of 80 salespeople
  • Z57, Inc.
    Board Advisor
    Z57, Inc. 2003 - 2004
    Hunt Valley, Md, Us
    Hired by CEO to effect an inflection point for the business and to implement an organizational structure that would allow for rapid growth.Facilitated the implementation of a step-by-step blueprint of the tactics that clarifies mission critical objectives, aligns resources and competencies, and establishes company-wide accountability.
  • Citysearch
    Vp Of Sales
    Citysearch 1998 - 2001
    West Hollywood, Ca, Us
    Led a $30M sales organization (4 Regional Sales Directors; 250 Account Managers; 20 U.S. markets)for this groundbreaking online search site and advertising platform. Collaborated on a cross-functionalbasis with numerous colleagues in the Operations, Product Development, Marketing andContent departments to develop/executive strategies for building site traffic, growing revenue, andfostering customer loyalty.Highlighted Projects & Accomplishments:- Increased sales team productivity by over 100% with innovative go-to-market strategies, pricingplans, and sales incentive programs- Exceeded analyst revenue expectations each quarter, supporting a $3.4B post-IPO market cap

Don Gerould Skills

Start Ups Strategic Partnerships E Commerce Entrepreneurship Leadership Sales Operations Marketing Strategy Product Marketing Analytics Salesforce.com Sales Management Strategic Planning Business Intelligence Product Management Online Advertising Sales Lead Generation Program Management Direct Sales Contract Negotiation Saas Sales Strategy Revenue Growth Business Process Improvement Selling Crm Customer Relationship Management P&l Management

Don Gerould Education Details

  • California State University-Sacramento
    California State University-Sacramento
    Business Administration And Management
  • Small Business Administration
    Small Business Administration
    Emerging Leaders Program

Frequently Asked Questions about Don Gerould

What company does Don Gerould work for?

Don Gerould works for Cogent Equity

What is Don Gerould's role at the current company?

Don Gerould's current role is Founder | Managing Partner.

What is Don Gerould's email address?

Don Gerould's email address is dg****@****ail.com

What is Don Gerould's direct phone number?

Don Gerould's direct phone number is +142588*****

What schools did Don Gerould attend?

Don Gerould attended California State University-Sacramento, Small Business Administration.

What are some of Don Gerould's interests?

Don Gerould has interest in Mobile, Clean Technology, Health Care, Consumer Internet, Enterprise Software.

What skills is Don Gerould known for?

Don Gerould has skills like Start Ups, Strategic Partnerships, E Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Sales Operations, Marketing Strategy, Product Marketing, Analytics, Salesforce.com, Sales Management, Strategic Planning.

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