Michael Adams - Certified Sales Leader (Csl) Vistage Ta Email & Phone Number

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Many business leaders don’t have the time, expertise, or energy it takes to put a sales strategy in place that will drive revenue for years to come. That’s where I come in. As your Outsourced VP of Sales, I will implement the Sales Xceleration Certified Sales Operating Management System to build a solid sales infrastructure for sustained growth. • Sales Strategy• Sales Infrastructure• Sales Management• Sales Team

Holliston, Massachusetts, United States

Instrumental in formulating and implementing best-in-class sales and marketing strategies focused on profit and loss, organizational alignment, and process improvements. Demonstrated expertise in formulating and executing robust go-to-market strategies across diverse customer segments to grow the business and establish a robust market presence. A dynamic leader with a credible history of building, inspiring, and leading teams across Sales, Marketing, Customer Marketing, Trade Marketing, Customer Service, and General Admin and Analytics through coaching, counseling, setting expectations, and consistently measuring team efficiency. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with an ability to collaborate with stakeholders and build sustainable value-based customer relationships. Excels in evaluating current scenarios swiftly, devising strategic plans, and executing effectively amidst transitional landscapes. Possesses in-depth knowledge of a wide range of products, categories, and customers to swiftly adapt and pivot to new products and categories. Proven ability to prepare sales projections, management reports, business plans, and budgets; negotiate customer-specific programs for mutual benefit; and manage all facets of customer engagement.

As the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, I took charge of leading, managing, and structuring the selling and marketing process for an established closeout company, catering to over 500 active customers. This included traditional customers, off-price channels, closeout and value customers, e-commerce, and other resellers. I played a crucial role as a key member of the MAC Executive Committee during a comprehensive organizational overhaul, spearheading the restructuring of teams, implementing system changes and upgrades, and orchestrating a complete transformation of our marketing and selling approach.One of my significant accomplishments was the construction and execution of a new selling process. This involved addressing initial offer pricing, approved discounting, and special pricing strategies, ultimately leading to a remarkable nearly doubling of margins across total sales in both 2021 and 2022.Additionally, I developed and implemented a strategic compensation plan for our sales and marketing teams, with a focus on total sales delivery and margin attainment. This initiative significantly reduced compensation costs as a percentage of total sales.I successfully managed all aspects of the sales functions, overseeing the marketing team, customer service, and the general administration team. My goal was to ensure seamless coordination and optimal organizational performance throughout these crucial areas.

In my role as the leader and manager of Account Teams at Newell Brands, I played a pivotal role in driving the sales of Appliance and Cookware products across various channels and customers, including WIlliams-Sonoma, Off-Price Channel, Club Channel, the Drug Channel, Military Channel, and Specialty Accounts. One of my key achievements was enhancing overall margins and reducing excess inventory through the development and implementation of a distribution strategy for direct sales to Off-Price customers. This strategic move not only improved profitability but also streamlined inventory management.I successfully established a seamless distribution strategy across key brands, ensuring smooth placement into club stores without encountering any channel conflict issues. This approach not only facilitated the process but also ensured optimal market positioning for our products.Some of my notable accomplishments include directing a high-performing team of 7 Account Managers responsible for managing relationships with 15 key customers. Through their efforts, we generated over $175 million in invoice dollars. Additionally, I spearheaded the revamping of the Off-Price Channel, stabilizing pricing, optimizing profitability, and achieving results through a simplified and sustainable business model. This initiative contributed significantly to the success and stability of our operations in the Off-Price Channel.

As the Director of Sales for the Department and Specialty division at Newell Brands, I took on the responsibility of leading and managing the account team dedicated to selling the entire Newell Brands product portfolio within the Department Store and Specialty Channel. In this role, I served as the primary advocate for customers and channels, effectively conveying their needs and perspectives to the Newell brand executive team. I also functioned as the central point of contact for all internal business units, ensuring the maximization of division sales across diverse customers and channels.Playing a crucial role in building relationships at the highest level of client engagement, I led and participated in top-to-top meetings, serving as a key point of contact for executives across all accounts. I also took charge of building and owning a comprehensive division, team, and account forecast plan. Determining key priorities and areas of focus for the entire team, I ensured strategic alignment and targeted outcomes.Some of my notable accomplishments include directing a team of 6 Account Managers who served 15 customers, resulting in over $200 million in Newell Brand invoice dollars. Additionally, I spearheaded the restructuring of the Department and Specialty Channel, optimizing workload, enhancing coverage mapping, and managing key points of contact for improved outcomes. Furthermore, I pioneered a transition and training forum, fostering quick business starts and cross-functional planning focused on key initiatives and products. This initiative contributed to streamlined processes and enhanced collaboration within the team.

As the Director of National Accounts at Yankee Candle, I had the privilege of leading the National Accounts Team, responsible for selling the complete Yankee Candle product line to the primary Wholesale Division customers. One of my key responsibilities was devising and executing a comprehensive distribution and promotions strategy, focusing on items and scents, to minimize channel conflict across National Accounts. I played a pivotal role in leading and presenting key seasonal programs and initiatives across all customers, contributing to the successful execution of impactful sales and marketing campaigns.Participating in top-to-top meetings, I served as the primary point of contact for executives across all National accounts, fostering strong relationships and effective communication at the executive level to ensure alignment with organizational goals. I also took charge of building and owning a team and account forecast plan, determining key priorities and areas of focus for the entire team.Some of my notable accomplishments include steering a team that covered 16 customers, contributing over 40% of the total Wholesale Division’s dollar volume. I successfully led expansion plans at Bed, Bath and Beyond, introducing a stand-alone new product section and securing over $3 million in projected sales for 2017.

During my tenure as Team Lead/Senior National Account Manager at Lexmark International, I played a pivotal role in spearheading sales and marketing initiatives for inkjet and laser printers, as well as ink and toner, across all divisions of Staples. My focus was on maximizing sales and hardware (printers) placement through collaboration with various channels and Staples teams, encompassing retail, contract, and commercial businesses. I also worked diligently to ensure a strong online presence across key platforms, including Staples Retail, Staples.com, Quill.com, and Staples Customer sites. Additionally, I was responsible for managing sales and maintenance of ink and toner products, overseeing retail, online, and contract-based customer segments.My contributions to Lexmark International were recognized through prestigious awards, including membership in the Lexmark Achievers Club and the National Account Manager of the Year award. These accolades were a testament to my outstanding sales performance and dedication to achieving remarkable results.Among my notable accomplishments, I successfully executed strategies that led to a doubling of inkjet printer sales over three years. Moreover, my initiatives contributed to a 25% growth in laser printer sales at Staples.com, surpassing category growth rates and demonstrating my ability to drive substantial business growth in a competitive market.

During my tenure as Team Lead/Senior National Account Manager at Lexmark International, I played a pivotal role in spearheading sales and marketing initiatives for inkjet and laser printers, as well as ink and toner, across all divisions of Staples. My focus was on maximizing sales and hardware (printers) placement through collaboration with various channels and Staples teams, encompassing retail, contract, and commercial businesses. I also worked diligently to ensure a strong online presence across key platforms, including Staples.com, Quill.com, and Staples Customer sites. Additionally, I was responsible for managing sales and maintenance of ink and toner products, overseeing retail, online, and contract-based customer segments.My contributions to Lexmark International were recognized through prestigious awards, including membership in the Lexmark Achievers Club and the National Account Manager of the Year award. These accolades were a testament to my outstanding sales performance and dedication to achieving remarkable results.Among my notable accomplishments, I successfully executed strategies that led to a doubling of inkjet printer sales over three years. Moreover, my initiatives contributed to a 25% growth in laser printer sales at Staples.com, surpassing category growth rates and demonstrating my ability to drive substantial business growth in a competitive market.

Responsibilities included developing and executing an innovative sales and marketing strategy to launch a new gift card product portfolio in targeted retail channels. Hired and developed a corporate sales team while defining and executing the consumer channel strategy for this startup.ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Business Team Leader – Foxborough, MA, at Advantage Sales and Marketing LLC  Director of Marketing – Cambridge, MA | National Customer Marketing Manager - Cambridge, MA at Polaroid Corporation Regional Customer Marketing Manager – Memphis, TN | National Footcare Trade Marketing Manager – Liberty Corner, NJ | Market Manager – Detroit, MI | District Merchandising Manager – Detroit, MI | Key Account Manager – Upstate, NY at Schering-Plough Healthcare Products Territory Representative/Key Account Manager – Upstate, NY at Warner-Lambert Consumer Health Products Sales Representative – Rochester, NY, at R.J.R. Nabisco