Robert Vickers Email & Phone Number

Western Canada

Canada

Kelowna, Bc

Providing professional representation and profits to manufacturers and retailers in the furniture industry in Canada. With 30+ years of experience, consisting of 20 years of success in senior management roles in manufacturing with both regional and national wholesale distribution, as well as 10 years in furniture retail and retail consultancy advancing the interests and R.O.I. of independent retailers in Canada. I provide the unique blend of skill sets, expertise, confidentiality, accountability and pragmatism necessary to effectively manage relations between suppliers and retailers, possessing vast experience in sales, sales training, marketing and business development with exceptional results in the development and distribution of new product entries. With an understanding of what is required to optimize relationships with multi-stakeholders I understand the critical linkage between product development and retail market execution, with the vision and communication skills required to assist in providing a superior consumer experience.

Langley, Bc

Consulting with independent owner/operators, I directed the implementation of the appropriate retail business resources provided through the group, to 50+ current members and entrepreneurs in Western Canada. Building rapport and trust with each member/owner was critical to establishing an effective working relationship, and delivering results to all stakeholders. Generated business strategies as they applied to each current model to grow sales organically, and improve profitability. Recruited new members in available markets of distribution to advance the regional footprint, resulting in the signing of 12 new members in 3 years to advance the groups largest body of business and increase purchases significantly.

Restructured the regional sales team resulting in sales growth and increased profitability. Facilitated a national strategy/partnership between two independently owned manufacturing organizations resulting in national supply agreements with two key national retail partners. Developed and implemented strategies for independent distribution improving market penetration of premium brands and increasing sales 15% in first two quarters.

Toronto, On

Led the national sales team resulting in the growth of sales, strategic market penetration, and organizational execution with the industry's leading retailers, regionally and nationally in Canada. Achieved record sales performance, total volume in dollars and units in year one. Intimately involved in communication with marketing and engineering divisions for the development and launch of the Beautyrest “Recharge” branded programs in Canada. Cooperated with operations to spearhead national stocking program alleviating production capacity restraints and reducing regional lead times by 60%. Coached/mentored 4 national and 3 regional sales managers and a national team of 25 while providing tangible benchmarks to measure success.

Burnaby, B.C.

Responsibilities were wide and varied working closely with ownership and operations teams to transform this regional supplier into a critically functioning member of a nationally branded organization, and a powerhouse supplier in Western Canada. Managed the growth of sales and revenue for independent, national and hospitality accounts. Key account management of two national retail partners for Western Canada resulting in 30% increase in sales in first four months. Managed Serta’s regional Upholstery program with a key national account, calling directly on the national buyer. Growth of 300% in 3 years. Recruited, coached and mentored 1 regional sales manager and 7 sales professionals for expansion of the company in Western Canada while managing 17 national account sales professionals for key accounts across Canada.

Kelowna, B.C.

Launched and administered professional sales program for network of 7 retail locations with 6 sales managers and 45 sales employees. Managed a local sales team of 14 commissioned employees. Developed and delivered electronic marketing campaigns for T.V. and radio to sustain double digit sales increases as 2 new national big box competitors entered the market.

Education record

Education record

Retail Sales Trainer

Private Pilots License