Paul Gustafson Email & Phone Number

Eden Prairie Mn

International supplier of automotive components providing quality products to customers in Asia, South America, Europe, Canada, Middle East, Central America and the US.

As National Sales Manager, my focus is developing Interior System Inc (ISI) business in the Education market. Many Education customers are transforming their drab, prison-like cafeterias into welcoming, innovative, and attractive eating and meeting environments where students love to stay. Different clients need different solutions, and we are able to deliver. From clients like McDonald's, KFC, and A&W in the restaurant market; to clients like the State of New York, LA Unified School District, and Boston City Schools in the education market; to clients like Kohler and Harley-Davidson in the retail market; we have offered solutions that are unique because we have the expertise to tailor solutions to help clients succeed in their respective marketplaces.Understanding the unique goals and challenges of our client is our first critical step to creating truly inspired solutions. We work closely with our clients to develop a strong partnership to facilitate our in-depth understanding of their unique industry, market, product, competition, customer, and vision.At ISI, we have an unyielding passion for creativity. Combining our talent, experience, and creativity with our understanding of the client, we are able to create unique design solutions that are focused on exceeding the expectations of our clients - and, most importantly the expectations of our clients' customers.With our extensive project management, we will manage project/program timelines and budgets - consulting our client at every point. With our extensive manufacturing capabilities and country-wide installation network, we will consult, manufacture, and install our clients' projects to make designing and implementing interior design solutions simple and pain-free. We have the expertise, experience, and capabilities to walk our clients through creating a project or a complete program every step of the way from concept to opening day.

Manufacturer of mobile/folding/portable equipment including tables, stages, risers, room partitions, theaters, floors, wall beds. Grew sales from $16,000,000 to $23,000,000 through 1 step (direct) and 2 step (dealer) distribution systems to Education, Industrial/Commercial, and Government end users. Created efficient, accurate system to develop and track quotes, saving time with better customer service. Facilitated product management, processes, planning, sales and marketing tool development, increasing profit $’s. Developed and delivered training programs to increase effectiveness of Sico employees and dealers. Implemented progress tracking methodologies to benchmark, provide specific goals and effective reporting. Authored communications to retailers, end users and employees using multiple medias. Developed team of RSM’s, support staff, and dealer network of approx 100 dealers and 300 salespeople.

National fabricator of Hunter Douglas and Vanguard brand window coverings, custom draperies, and distributor of designer fabrics, serviced approximately 3000 home decorating retailers across the United States. Grew sales 21% in a 1 year period, to a record $21,000,000. Implemented and monitored marketing research, surveys, competitive analysis, and program development to guide focus and develop future growth. Created advertising strategies and plans, designed ads, leveraged funds through customer co-op programs, analysis, and negotiations with media. Developed sales call process to increase sales group effectiveness & efficiency.Lead a team of 9 District Sales Managers, 3 independent sales rep organizations, 2 Inside Sales Reps, 7 sales and marketing support staff, and National Sales Manager.

Major manufacturer of snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, watercraft, and motorcycles. Pure Polaris Division provided Apparel, Accessories, Parts, Retail Finance, Insurance, and Extended Service Agreements. Responsible for sales budget of nearly $100,000,000. Achieved 42% regional sales growth, produced highest regional sales increase each year. Developed division into the fastest growing, highest profit margin division (15% of sales, 33% of profits). Founded new Western Region sales group, including recruiting, hiring, and training and developing 7 District Sales Managers and 4 Inside Sales Representatives. Received President’s Recognition Award for development of efficient electronic dealer ordering system. Successfully pioneered new products, responsible for sales of over 40,000 SKU's through 1050 dealers. Generated sales, margin, and expense budgets and participated in strategic plan development.

Major distributor of outdoor power equipment, including Toro, Lawn-Boy, and various accessory products. Developed division into highest U.S. market share in key categories. Consistent top 10% performance ratings from major suppliers (awarded “Toro Mr. Consumer” & “Mr. Toro”). Rewarded with supplier of the year awards from leading customers. Increased sales approx 400% to record $23,000,000 through 7 sales reps and approximately 600 customers. Conducted training of retailers and employees in areas of products, selling skills, and business development. Directed advertising, logistics, retail and wholesale finance programs, to achieve increased sales. Improved inventory turnover through refinement of purchasing planning, systems, and placement. Improved logistics and order processing, providing faster, more accurate, cost efficient service. Facilitated Quality Improvement programs and processes, supplier council member of Malcolm Baldridge winner.

Toro is a leading manufacturer of premium outdoor power equipment.Implemented factory marketing programs, improving market shares for customers. Trained distributor and retailer sales representativesAnalyzed customer opportunities and developed sales and marketing solutions. Achieved record sales through seven distributors and approximately 1500 dealers.

Mba, Business Administration

Bachelor Of Science, Business Administration