Sales Customer Service
Resume:
Steven J. Gerdes **** ***th Place SW
Lynnwood, WA 98037
*************@***.***
Inside Sales Manager
P&L / Sales / Marketing / Customer Service / B2B / C-level sales / Channel
Development
Product Development and Launch / Start ups / Turnarounds / Government
Relations / Entrepreneur
I have won recognition for finding unique niches within markets and then
capitalizing on them. My career path started in sales. From there, I moved
to management and progressed to developing and running a B2B organization
that grew to more than $1B in sales. I have often been described as a
strong manager, leader and mentor.
I am a recognized industry leader and entrepreneur who has...
. Maximized sales, profits, market share and stakeholder value
. Developed and launched highly competitive, well received products and
services
. Hired, trained and led top-producing, low turnover sales teams
. Recognized and seized opportunities well ahead of the competition
. Established and nurtured enduring C-level relationships with
customers, vendors and prospects
I have been described as personable and intensely competitive. A lifetime
high achiever (Eagle Scout, academic honors, community awards and more), I
give 100% to all my undertakings. BA, Marketing and Management (dual
majors), Seattle Pacific University. Lists of awards, activities, Board
memberships are available.
Selected Accomplishments
Led a start up to be a billion dollar business. Identified specific
attributes that would establish an economic environment highly conducive
for growth and market supremacy. Grew American Freedom Group (AFG) from one
location in 2004 to 73 location in 13 states in 2008. Forged a staff of
over 500 with more than $1B in total sales.
Built a lean support team. Discovered that AFG had become labor-heavy in
accounting and branch customer service. Streamlined and merged accounting
and customer service for greater efficiency. Designed and implemented an
industry-unique ERP/CRM system. Cut staff by 50% while improving service.
Championed industry reform. Drafted legislation, provided testimony to
Congress, served on industry panels, wrote articles and recruited
professionals that served on mortgage commission at appointment of the
Governor of Washington. Gained recognition as an industry leader. Drove
regulatory reform in states where AFG operated and at the federal level.
Orchestrated a turnaround. Took a region from underperforming to regularly
being recognized as one of the top performers in MLN. Retrained or replaced
the original sales force. Achieved excellent market penetration and
improved the region's customer satisfaction results. Tripled sales volume.
Launched an industry-changing B2B loan origination software platform.
Utilized longstanding relationships, tradeshows and training seminars, and
hosted events to share this innovative model. Increased volume within the
region by more than 400% in one year.
Set records and won awards. Introduced PCFS wholesale products B2B. Was
regularly the company's top seller. Won recognition for sales in excess of
$100 million for three years in a row. Earned induction into the $1B club
of which there were only five members out of a sales force of 750. Scored
in the top 5% to 10% three years in a row.
Employment History
Chief Operating Officer, American Freedom Group, 2003 to present.
Responsible for overall operations of this 2003 start up that became a
highly compliant mortgage lending industry leader. AFG has nearly 500
employees and more than $1B in sales in 13 states. 73 direct reports. Built
self-sustained management team.
Business Development Officer, MLN USA, 2002 to 2005. Managed sales team of
10 and delivery in Washington and Idaho for this 250-employee mortgage
wholesaler.
Business Development Officer, WMCDirect.com, 2001 to 2002. Recruited to
bring longstanding business relationships to WMC and its revolutionary new
online B2B platform for loan origination and process management. Managed
staff of five.
Regional Director of New Business Development, PCSF Financial Services,
1995 to 2000. Recruited to develop NW market. Directly supervised and
mentored five regional sales managers and their 22 subordinates.
Earlier, employed in sales positions with Timberline Mortgage Services and
Everett Mutual Bank.
Additional: In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, snorkeling,
regular exercise, skiing, boating, fishing, and entertaining friends.
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