Paul Harkness Email & Phone Number

Plymouth, MN, US

Enabling personalized hearing solutions are available for everyone.

San Francisco, California, US

Established in 2017, Whisper is a team of artificial intelligence, hearing care, hardware, and software experts coming together to solve the challenge of providing better hearing. We set out to make the Whisper Hearing System so our parents, grandparents, friends and teammates can have a tomorrow that sounds even better than today.

Drive business development strategy inclusive of hearing aid manufacturers, membership buying groups and other strategic partners. Work closely with the CEO/CFO to create processes and structures for business growth. Lead contract negotiation efforts with potential partners. Collaborate closely with the Commercial and Innovation teams on scanner, membrane.

Drive strategy, operations, revenue production and profitability. Work closely with the Founder/Ownership group to create processes and structures for business growth. Key liaison/partner for 600 members from 1,200 member locations nationwide, primarily comprised of independent private practices and ENT / Medical audiology practices. Collaborate closely.

• Drove strategy, operations, revenue production and profitability for the largest hearing healthcare wholesale business. Led, directed and coached a 30 person team of Sales and Marketing leaders and producers supporting.
• Tripled annual revenues within 7 years via focus on hiring/developing the right business experienced people as well as value proposition improvement with a focus on operational excellence.
• Added 100 customers per year 5 years in a row due to value proposition expansion and Improvement with a focus on operational excellence, business intelligence and marketing/branding expertise.
• Partnered closely with 9 suppliers on strategy, joint activities and promotion to provide an extension of their sales teams and create mutual growth opportunities.
• Participated in manufacturer contract negotiations resulting in significant margin improvement.
• Budgeted, forecasted and utilized other financial measures to accurately plan for and measure success.

Eden Prairie, MN, US

• Provided sales leadership, support & service for the largest national accounts equating to 15% of overall business.
• Closed a customer acquisition deal from a competitor equating to $7M of incremental annual revenue by negotiating improved conditions and delivering increased training and support to the network.
• Managed major corporate partners and provided customized service, training and support which created a higher level of consistency, performance and best practice sharing.
• Led the re-invention of the chief customer partnership program to reposition it as premier market choice
• Led, directed and coached the national sales team to provide an increased level of consistent support.
• Created growth strategies and recommendations for senior management to implement improvements.

Eden Prairie, MN, US

• Managed the sales, marketing and financial activity of 8 states in the Midwest with >$14M annual revenues. Established and supported specific sales and marketing efforts and plans for network accounts as well as.
• Managed 2 major buying groups based in the Midwest.
• Performed budgeting, forecasting, margin management and profit and loss responsibilities for the Region.
• Grew revenue by 99% over a 4-year period.
• Expanded units by 61% over a 4-year period.
• Increased margin by 31% over a 4 -year period.

Ballerup, DK

• Created, managed and promoted customer activity throughout 4 states in the Midwest with >$5 M revenues.
• Established new, maintained and strengthened existing account relationships through consistency, support and personal visits.
• Provided product and software training as needed. Facilitated large group trainings in key cities several times annually.
• Liaison with Inside Sales and Corporate Training staff to optimize support.
• Provided marketing support through specific office mailings, open houses and consumer seminars.
• Represented the company at local, regional and national trade shows.

Somerset, NJ, US

• Created, managed and promoted customer activity throughout 5 states in the Midwest with >$3M revenues.
• Established new, maintained and strengthened existing account relationships through consistency, support and personal visits.
• Provided product and software training as needed. Facilitated large group trainings in key cities several times annually.
• Liaison with Inside Sales and Corporate Training staff to optimize support.
• Provided marketing support through specific office mailings, open houses and consumer seminars.
• Represented the company at local, regional and national trade shows.

Bachelor'S Degree, Business Communication

Associate Of Arts And Sciences - Aas, Business Management