Robert J. Ahrensdorf

**** *. **** ***** * Phoenix, AZ 85044

Cell: 602-***-****; Home 602-***-**** t acvlnx@r.postjobfree.com

Marketing and Sales Professional

Proven Business Builder utilizing Branding and Marketing Communication Strategies

Successful track record in marketing and sales for both large and small companies, in domestic and international markets. Seasoned strategist, optimizing tools to secure new and grow existing businesses. Strong capacity for consumer-focused product positioning and branding. Versatile and creative, with demonstrated ability to manage and mentor others. Highly adept at leading teams with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. Able to deliver sales and profitability goals via innovative sales programs, gross margin enhancement and efficient budget management.

CORE COMPETENCIES

tTeam leadership t Loyalty Programs t Sales Forecasting t Creating/executing Market Research

t Executive Collaboration/Communication tGrowth Management t Efficient Resource Utilization

t Problem Solving tAdvertising and Promotions t Product Segmentation t New Product Launches

tSales Training t Online and Social Media Marketing t Increasing Revenues

EXPERIENCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

SHAMROCK FOODS COMPANY, Phoenix, AZ 2003 – 2016

Founded in 1922, family-owned/private manufacturer & distributor of quality food and food-related products.

Director of Marketing

Lead marketing team in development and execution of private label branding, communication, and sales/marketing interfacing strategies. Actively manage departmental budgets and mentor staff of three while producing direct-to-customer marketing and messaging efforts at four branch locations.

tIncreased revenues by $1.3 billion and boosted profits by 39% over last 12 years, amplifying company’s market position and brand recognition

tInitiated lucrative sales team loyalty program, resulting in growth of exclusive incremental private branded sales by 14% ($12 million) and profits of 9% ($1.5 million)

tDeveloped, tested, and launched new sales process and Customer Relationship Management pilot program, ensuring roll-outs were seamless and implementation productive

tCreated and introduced first company website and social media customer training program, including coordinating “You Tube” video presentations from Company Chefs, ensuring company’s consistent and engaging online presence

tSuccessfully directed all marketing efforts for $22 billion produce cooperative, Markon, comprised of 10 food service companies including Shamrock Foods

tDeveloped and introduced over 28 brands/products under those brands within twelve years, expanding company’s offerings and solidifying customer loyalty

COLEMAN SPAS, INC. Chandler, AZ 1996 – 2003

International outdoor products company manufacturing premium branded hot tubs in the United States.

Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Led sales, marketing, research and development, and customer service strategies and functions for $30 million portable spa division. Managed four direct reports, six sales agencies, and thirty-four additional managers and staff, while functioning as general manager.

tTransformed organizational strategy from industry-standard sales based model to a consumer-focused, marketing based approach, resulting in increased market share and revenues

tDeveloped new creative/advertising campaigns, repositioning product line and implementing new sales and service processes, resulting to 12% increase in sales during first year

tSuccessfully introduced new product line that accounted for 1/3 of overall sales

tInstructed and mentored sales and marketing team members, ensuring their productivity and success

tLed team as general manager, fostering effective team communication and promptly resolving issues to promote customer loyalty and satisfaction

PRINCE SPORTS GROUP, INC., Princeton, NJ 1987 – 1996

This Atlanta-based manufacturer and distributor sells racket sports equipment, footwear and apparel for tennis, squash and badminton.

Director of Marketing, Ektelon 1994 - 1996

Directed global marketing for Ektelon racquetball brand, coordinating advertising, product development, public relations, market research, and player/sales promotions.

tEffectively accounted for profit and loss for $27 million in products, directly delivering results to Vice President of Marketing and executive team

tTrained and supervised three managers, enhancing their performance and overall job satisfaction

Senior Product Manager, Racquet Accessories and Badminton 1992 - 1994

Bolstered worldwide sales, with profit and loss responsibilities for $35 million in products including string, sports bags, T-shirts, grips and badminton products.

tDeveloped and implemented comprehensive product line strategy, including clear operating budgets, effective advertising, solid sales forecasts, accurate production planning, and strong vendor relations.

tEfficiently directed five managers, including three internationally based team members, ensuring their contributions to expanding product sales

Product Manager, Tennis Racquets 1992

Directed global activities for $117 million in tennis racquet sales, identifying and pursuing key opportunities, via 30% international travel

tExpanded sales of flagship product line by 20%, seizing number one global market share position

tLed line marketing, promotion and advertising for world’s largest tennis market, developing product lines and managing international distribution to ensure sales goals were met or exceeded

Product Manager, Indoor Racquet Sports 1991

Held responsible for $11 million in worldwide sales of squash and badminton products.

tLaunched and administered new racquet category (badminton) for international marketplace

tDefined and advanced global marketing for squash, resulting in 61% annual sales growth

International Sales Operations Manager/Assistant Product Manager 1987 – 1991

General Mills, Inc. Minneapolis MN.

Global CPG Manufacturer of cereals, yogurt, snacks and flour products 1985-1987

Assistant Product Manager/Marketing Assistant,

Sales Representative, Koss Corporation Florida 1982 – 1983

EDUCATION

Masters of Business Administration, Marketing and Strategy Concentration,

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Trinity College, Hartford, CT

Working knowledge of German

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