Sales Manager

John J. Sonnefeldt II

**** ****** ***** ********, ******** 61108

815-***-**** (home office) 847-***-**** (mobile) **************@***.***

Senior Sales & Marketing Manager with broad scope experience in the traditional & performance

aftermarket sectors of the automotive and truck industries. National and International knowledge of

customer segments, industry trends, business strategies. Seeks a good challenge that involves team

building, product solutions, and brand development with a sense of urgency. Eager to share my passion,

knowledge, commitment and expertise.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Advanced Clutch Technology, Lancaster, California January 2014- July 2014

Director of Sales and Marketing (Performance Automotive Clutches)

• Developed a stronger sales channel in the domestic marketplace. The result was an 8% increase in

domestic sales in 6 months.

• Increased business opportunities within the marketplace and increase “out the door” sales. The

largest domestic warehouse was up over 30% in the first 6 months of 2014 vs.2013

• Re-directed the marketing strategy to focus on domestic growth and share while maintain import

share and current sales volumes.

• Managed internal Sales and Marketing teams.

• Worked with Engineering to target new niche markets and existing markets for new product

development.

Marmon-Herrington, Louisville, Kentucky February 2013- August 2013

Aftermarket Sales Solutions Manager (Heavy Duty Truck On/Off Highway)

• Work with existing customers to develop aftermarket solutions to current market offerings that do

not meet the specific customer’s needs.

• Develop ongoing Marketing support and strategy for existing new products

• Manage new sales opportunities from inception to completion

Oversee evaluation of customer expectations to assure objectives are met

Holley Performance Products, Bowling Green, Kentucky 2010 – June 2012

Regional Sales Manager

Director of Sales

Directed 30 key accounts in the areas of product management, profits and new business strategies.

Integral in company participation and brand management at national events, training seminars, industry

events and trade shows. Member of Strategic Planning team to carry the business future forward and

develop improve processes within assigned departments. Work with production and engineering

principals to develop new product strategies and monitor industry trends.

• Managed three personnel teams: inside sales, technical support, customer service.

• Implemented national sales and marketing plans across all Holley brands in the East and Midwest

Regions. Increased customer base by 2% of accounts in the first eight months during a face to

face re-engagement program.

• Implemented new business opportunities in niche markets such as car customizers and marine

engine accounts for all Holley brands.

• Managed national retail account contracts and implementation.

VP Racing Fuels, San Antonio, Texas 2009 - 2010

Sales and Marketing Manager Street Fuels

Successfully revived a slow moving product and introduced it into the high performance aftermarket, and

directed efforts within current performance distribution channel to support sales of 100 octane fuel.

• Developed brand strategy for a street performance 100 octane unleaded fuel.

• Implemented a North American retail sales channel with regional fuel suppliers in the U.S. and

Canada. Forecasted and implemented market sales and marketing plan.

Eaton Automotive (Detroit Locker, Eaton Brands), Southfield, Michigan 2004 - 2009

Sales Manager Performance Products

Developed forecasts, strategic plans, marketing strategies and annual sales terms for the distribution

channel. Key member of the new product development team with successful cross-functional interaction

with production, supply chain, quality, engineering, accounting, marketing and product testing.

• Managed 5 manufacturer’s sales representative groups (45 reps) for North America, Australia and

Europe.

• Managed core group of distributors with over $20 million in annual sales.

• Negotiated co-op marketing, sponsorships and contracts.

ConocoPhillips (Union 76 Racing Gasoline), Hoffman Estates, Illinois 2000 - 2004

Business Development Specialist

Led business development and sales of products to distribution channels.

• Led rebranding program for retail performance fuel marketing, distribution and sales.

• Managed contingency budgets for motorsports sanctioning bodies.

• Led brand marketing for: contracts, rights, television and print advertising.

Auto Meter Products, Sycamore, Illinois 1996 - 2000

High Performance/ Motorsports Manager

Led sales and account development to the high performance distribution channel and provided product training

and technical support to both the distributor and consumer levels.

• Achieved 98% market share in a niche distribution channel for a market

specific WD sales program.

• Increased sales by $1M through sales program.

• Managed internal sales in excess of $500K generated through on-site trailer

sales programs.

• Managed $1.2M contingency budget for Motorsports sanctioning bodies.

Matco Tools, Stow, Ohio 1992 - 1996

District Business Manager, Franchise Trainer

Field management of ten franchise distributors producing sales similar to districts with eighteen distributors.

• Achieved Top 10 District Award in 1994 and 1995 (#7 of 77 districts).

• Business Development with distributors

• Franchise Sales

• First two weeks of Business Field Training for new franchisees

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

SEMA MPMC (Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council) Council Member 2005 to 2012

Select Committee Communications Chairman 2010 to 2012

Media Relations Task Force Member 2011

EDUCATION

M.B.A. Marketing/Entrepreneurship, 2013 (two remaining classes), Northeastern University, Boston,

MABachelor of Arts, Communications, 1989, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL

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