CHRISTOPHER BENAK
Carmel, CA 408-***-**** ******@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/cbenak-ledlighting/ REVENUE & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Sales & Marketing Strategy Profit & Revenue Generation Commercialization & Monetization Dynamic Leader with a proven track record of delivering unprecedented sales and revenue growth across a variety of industries. Consults with key leaders and decision-makers to identify pain points, navigate roadblocks, and solve complex business challenges. Translates ideas into actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels. Passionate about technology and skilled in storytelling, Christopher simplifies intricate technology concepts to cater to a diversity of audiences.
Leverages system and entrepreneurial thinking to devise go-to-market sales strategies and collaborate with product, marketing, partner, and sales teams to implement them. Monitors performance to ensure customer satisfaction. Fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration. Coaches and inspires sales teams to reach their maximum potential. Dedicated to exceeding goals. Industries Served: Commercial & Industrial Products, Large-Scale Agriculture, Real Estate & Real Estate Development, AI, SaaS & Cloud Computing, Networking & Storage, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Consumer Healthcare. Recognition: Top Strategic Sales Leader for Glaxo-SmithKline, US Surgical Corp, Nortel Networks, & Storage Networks. KEY COMPETENCIES CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Planning & Execution
Team Leadership & Coaching
Performance Metrics & KPIs
Relationship Management
Go-to-Market Strategy
Process Improvement
Contract Negotiation
Market Analysis
Public Speaking
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & LAUNCH: Spearheaded the development of AI- inspired Control Environmental Agriculture (CEA) systems and controls. REVENUE GROWTH: Recognized (often rewarded) for exceeding sales quotas for local, national, and global accounts in every role. MARKET EXPANSION: Regarded for nurturing relationships and capturing new business during ever-changing macro-economic landscapes. VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER (VOC): Championed partnerships to gather crucial insights and guide the development of custom, cost-effective solutions. LEADERSHIP PROGRESSION
ALDgreen Monterey County, CA 2017-Present
A spin-off LED lighting design and manufacturing company specializing in sustainability, clean energy production and financing.
Chief Executive Officer
Mentor and lead a high-performance team of employees and contractors in creating and delivering specialty lighting and alternative energy that improves productivity & profitability for clients across the US. Oversee the development of marketing and communications materials to deliver a strong brand positioning and market presence. Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, senior leaders, and key decision-makers from current and potential client companies. Monitor and maintain a transparent performance measurement system including Key Result Indicators (KRI) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to deliver best-in-class growth efficiencies. Drive continuous improvement through comprehensive risk assessment and data analysis. Develop and implement strategies for venture capital, production/supply chain optimization, cost management, and profit maximization. Achievements:
Secured initial A and B funding rounds valued at $2M from outside investors.
Achieved a remarkable market cap of $20,000,000+. CHRISTOPHER BENAK PAGE 2
408-***-**** ******@*****.***
Launched an innovative, AI-inspired CEA system and control unlocking 100% increase in commercial opportunities.
Built collaborative partner networks to create microgrids at customer sites (solar, natural gas, battery backup) to help reduce grid volatility.
Negotiated a successful sale and exit from ALDgreen in 2023. LEADERSHIP PROGRESSION (CONTINUED)
Amagine Lighting & Design, LLC (ALD) Monterey County, CA 2014-2017 Designs long-lasting industrial lighting fixtures through advanced electronic and mechanical thermal management. Sales & Business Development Leader
Led the development of North American sales and business development for Industrial and Governmental lighting and alternative energy across all distribution channels. Provided strategic direction for market penetration, product development, and competitive positioning. Developed project proposals and oversaw the creation of marketing collateral. Implemented strategies for capital investment, production, pricing, and margin to maximize profit and revenue. Promoted teamwork and productivity across the organization. Achievements:
Established and maintained relationships with Fortune 500 companies, electrical distributors, lighting distributors, and the architecture and design community.
Drove sales of a portfolio of Fortune 500 customers, including SpaceX, Boeing, Cargill, Crane WW, and Packaging Corp of America to achieve a 1500% increase in company revenue. Self-Employed Monterey County, CA 2012-2014
Consulted small business owners on profit maximization, product launch, market penetration, and brand awareness. Sales Enablement Consultant
Worked with clients to understand needs and develop custom solutions. Performed market research and made industry recommendations. Crafted venture capital strategies to secure funding. Optimized processes, production, and supply activities. Guided business owners on cost management and profit maximization. EARLY CAREER
Founding Partner Clearwater Real Estate Development LLC & Clearwater Lodging Management LLC Director of Business Development Storage Networks Inc. Strategic Account Director Nortel Networks
District Sales Manager US Surgical Corporation
Business Development Manager, National Accounts Glaxo SmithKline EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Master of Science in Finance University of Missouri-Columbia Bachelor of Science in Business & Economics University of Missouri-Columbia AFFILIATIONS & INVOLVEMENT
Member National Association of Sales Professionals Member Toastmasters
Member Creighton Preparatory High School Hall of Fame, Baseball and Football and Founding Member Benak- Brown Scholarship Program Creighton Preparatory High School Safe Sport Level III Coach Surf Soccer, USA Softball, & USA Baseball Fundraising Champion City of Carmel Rotary Club, Monterey Surf Soccer Club, and Multiple Girls Fast Pitch Teams PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Yadav-Ranjan, R., & Benak, C. (2014, August 15). New GovTech company recognized by the Library of Congress. Cision PRWeb. https://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12093599.htm Speaker, Forbes 2018 AgTech Summit, Salinas, CA
Speaker, PG&E TradePro Speaker Series & Nebraska Baseball Legend Series