John Ferrara Email & Phone Number

Sc Low Country Score #0650

Helping entrepreneurs in start ups as well as small and medium size businesses realize their dreams

Connecticut Valley Shore Area

Responsible for implementing the strategic goals and objectives of Literacy Volunteers – Valley Shore, collaborating with the board president to enable the Board of Directors to fulfill its function as a governing body and providing direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives. Primary responsibilities included-Board Administration and Support-Program, Product and Service Delivery-Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management-Community and Public Relations-Fundraising

Consult with and mentor small businesses throughout the southeastern Connecticut district in the area of sales, marketing, customer service and business operations. Actively consulting withstart up firms in the Southeastern Connecticut area

Responsible to develop and enhance customer relationships in both a business to business and direct to consumer environment.

Distributor of packaging, safety and asbestos abatement products with annual sales of $2,500,000); Developed strategic plans and budgets. Devised and implemented policies and procedures to ensure the efficient operation of warehouse, purchasing and data processing functions. Managed inside sales activity, customer service functions and liaison with major vendors and key accounts to build strong partner relationships. Supervised Materials, Purchasing Managers, and related functions including inventory control, vendor management, and RFPs for key accounts.Increased annual inventory turns from 3.9 to 7 in less than two years without raising costs or impairing customer satisfaction levels.Led Warranty & Repair Field Service Department to break-even point for the first time.Initiated, designed, implemented and supervised several special programs, including bid response, facility and fleet maintenance, inventory monitoring and liquidation that markedly enhanced efficiency and reduced operating expenses.Redesigned telemarketing efforts that increased annual sales eight fold in 12 months.

Manufacturer of high performance automotive products with annual sales of $4,500,000); Managed staff of 25 factory and independent sales representatives, all direct reports. Designed and implemented marketing strategies, policies and promotions for all corporate divisions. Redesigned export sales program, establishing firm client base tripling annual sales in 8 years.Built OEM sales program from start up with automakers - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.Developed efficiency enhancing automated billing, sales and marketing analysis system.Member, Senior Corporate Strategic Planning Committee.

Responsible for budget implementation, payroll, hiring, training and supervision, purchasing, inventory, merchandising, retail and dealer sales.E. J

General merchandise retail chain store with annual sales of approximately $550,000,000); Supervised a staff of three full time and two part time employees in sales, inventory management, merchandising, and display.