Michael S Email & Phone Number

Canada

Success is not given, but earned

Cincinnati, Oh

The 1441 Group is in the business of building doors for the products, people, and organizations driven to engage opportunity. Our network of relationships throughout the North American retail, distribution, and speciality channels is the key to connecting products into critical markets. Built thriving, global sales, marketing, and product distribution company, and grew from single client into global success. Partners with sellers and retail leaders to launch new toy, electronic, clothing, beverage, electronic, and seasonal brands in US and global markets. Full strategic and operational leadership, including partner relationships, with staff of 16.• Grew company from one client to partnerships with wide array of leading US and global retailers, including Target, Walmart, Toys 'R' Us, Walgreen's, CVS, Kroger, and Gamestop to capture sales of $30M at height.• Launched major new brands and products in US market, including OYO Sportstoys, SPHERO, World War Z, and Kinsmart, delivering $300M+ in new revenue.• Quickly adapted to changed market after Covid pandemic restricted normal sales by pivoting company to Personal Protective Equipment for B2B market, capturing $24M in sales in 2020–2021.

Cincinnati, Oh

Recruited to grow market share in Consumer Electronics / Video Games in key group of US retail accounts. Managed multi-million dollar pipeline of including business development and supplier and distribution management. Switched marketing focus to alternate channel accounts and implemented alternative product campaigns.• Implemented new video game programs for Fortune 500 Retailers• Guided clients in transitioning critical product from a factory-direct relationship to managed distribution model, driving 30% y-o-y total sales growth• Grew key client video games sales to 200%+ growth in new distribution revenue

Lead a division responsible for $250MM+ annual net revenue in video game distribution channel. Tasked with continual pipeline assessment and delivering profitability across a portfolio of 200+ accounts. Managed a team of 8-10 sales professionals and their performance to individual revenue/profitability goals • Responsible for building and implementing a strategy for continual business development, in accordance with growth assigned to our channel per plan• Provide consistent, accurate forecasting and guidance to Executive Management and corporate governance• Work with key manufacturers to deliver a co-managed, controlled distribution program on core products into the account base• Develop tools and infrastructure within the division to identify and minimize leakage within the account base• Maintain healthy collaboration with all business units within the organization – AP, Credit, Legal, Purchasing, Marketing, Logistics- for the purpose of sales goal achievement• Work directly with Senior Management in all major accounts to ensure alignment of goals with respect to growth, profitability, and strategic direction

SYNNEX purchased Jack of All Games in December of 2009. Worked with retail and sub distribution customers within the video game industry to develop specific sales programs. Covered multiple sales territories with focus in SE, MW, and EC regions. Managed a personal pipeline of $75MM+ in annual revenue , facilitating programs within accounts ranging from single line representation to full category management.• Initiated and developed over $50MM gross revenue in new business opportunities from 06-09• 2007 Vendor Partner of the Year, Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES)• Coordinated with internal and external purchasing teams to manage inventory in relation to projected sales and forecasting• Provided full marketing support for retail customers - POP onsite merchandising, rebate programs, advertising co-op funding, specific product MDF, and multi-media ad campaigns • Provided full customer care, relationship management, and category maintenance for all key partners • Managed customer specific product development projects and special channel customer requests• Managed profit margin/pricing matrix for new and existing product lines• Worked directly with manufacturers to develop targeted sales opportunities and coordinate allocations • Used POS data, distribution/ market research and consumer trend data to provide direction for replenishment opportunities and new product placement • Coordinated with customers their retail planning calendars and open-to-buys to maximize product placement and sales growth• Responsible for new business development within both the retail and sub distribution channels