Paul Van Name Email & Phone Number

Work with channel partners in Illinois, Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Michigan to further their profitability with Fender and Squier branded products.

Coordinated "Rick's Picks", a 5,000 square foot exhibit celebrating Rick Nielsen's career and personal brand as lead guitarist for Cheap Trick. Key elements include multi-media displays, famous instruments, and assorted memorabilia. Worked directly with Rick Nielsen in his role as Executive Creator.

Delivered contributions to a new cultural environment where staff could achieve more profitable results. My duties included managing inventory levels, developing sales programs, acquiring vintage instruments and strengthening vendor relationships. Also coordinated special events in store to maximize brand exposure, raise consumer awareness and increase sales.

Developed individual business plans for the authorized dealer base working together with Relationship Managers and Product Specialists. Extensive travel allowed consistent meetings with owners to direct programs. Retail strategies focused on sell through analysis, inspiring consumer loyalty and applying long-term vision to grow profitability for channel partners.

Lead inside sales team at corporate office to deliver top performance and exceed quota levels. Was accountable for Washburn, Parker, Randall, Eden, Sound Tech and Oscar Schmidt divisions. My primary objective was to convey exceptional value using these resources and expand assortments to displace competing brands in the retail arena

Implemented strategies with sales teams to gain market share for the Strings and Accessories division. The creation of a Gibson amplifier line enhanced my national role to include working with international distributors. The further addition of lifestyle apparel and collectables drove the division to new levels of profitability and expansion as Gibson Gear.

Learned the fundamentals of group leadership in a retail environment and developed sales and merchandising skills. Won annual Top Ten Club honors for exceptional contributions and sales performance.