Michael DeLong
Bothell, WA
425-***-**** ad2lr4@r.postjobfree.com
www.linkedin.com/in/mike-delong-48651615/
I am seeking my next opportunity as an executive level Sales or Category Manager with an organization that attributes their success to quality, equity, and mentorship. I believe my strong track record of managing teams which have continuously surpassed annual profit metrics by successfully implementing brand/sales objectives, would make me a valuable addition to a culture that prides itself on comradery and excellence.
STRENGTHS:
●Successfully maximized sales opportunities and profit objectives. Exceeded both objectives between 3% and 30%.
●Extensive knowledge of sales tools such as Salesforce, Outlook, Microsoft Office.
●Meticulous organizational techniques using programs such as Excel, Word, etc.
●Impeccable customer service and communication skills including proficiency in Slack, Zoom, Team, etc
●Patient and creative mentorship techniques used to connect with different learning styles
●Dedication to continuous learning and enactment of diversity, equity, and belonging in and outside of the workplace
EXPERIENCE:
Zippo Manufacturing Company; 93 Year old lifestyle brand, featuring the USA Made Windproof lighter. Plus outdoor products and home decor candles specializing in heat and light. 10/13 - 11/23
Senior Category Manager Bradford, PA 01/21 - 11/23
Responsible for building product and brand campaigns
●Built a combination of marketing campaigns and sales partnerships to advance sales with the Zippo consumer which highlighted the longevity and lifestyle appeal of Zippo products. Doubled sales and brand awareness annually.
●Developed a line of products that appealed to the Zippo consumer. Participated in product research, product development and manufacturing.
●Founded a team responsible for launching a cost-efficient social media campaign that focused on specific target audiences. Recruited celebrities and other social media influencers to promote the product and brand. The efficiency of this campaign resulted in a 75% saving over traditional advertising and media campaigns.
●Exceeded the performance metric created to emphasize sales and profitability from idea, design, manufacturing and distribution by a net margin of 32%
●Began the worldwide execution of the alternative market plan for Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
●Launched promotional events that included trade shows, concerts, and in person sampling in multiple states.
Regional Sales Manager Bradford, PA 01/18 - 01/21
Oversaw sales personnel over 11 states and successfully managed nationally prominent high-volume accounts, regional wholesale accounts, and retail direct customers.
●Implemented a unique communication openness which enhanced motivation and goal achievement for sales representatives; resulting in territories exceeding all KPI goals.
●Successfully instituted multimillion dollar level accounts including; Target, Core-Mark, Albertson/Safeway, Costco, Winco Foods, Amazon and REI Outdoor Stores.
●Developed market trend analysis for tobacco accessories, cannabis, and sporting goods
●Utilized Salesforce CRM system to build schedules and sales reports. Presented sales and expense reports quarterly to the company board for analysis.
●Charted and managed multi-million dollar budgets for the region. All promotional, display and POP expenses were monitored and maintained within the company's guidelines and goals.
●Developed training programs for new sales reps that emphasized a mentor system. Pioneered a teamwork approach among territories to motivate success.
Area Sales Manager Bradford, PA 10/13 - 01/18
Built out and maintained wholesale and retail sales in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest Territories. Through marketing and sales promotions, these territories repeatedly saw an 8% - 32% in annual growth.
●Created new distribution channels for wholesale, retail for consumer goods, and industrial products.
●Consistently met or exceeded sales goals with a range of 8% - 32% increases.
●Developed national level accounts such as Target, Albertson/Safeway, Costco, Winco Foods, and REI Outdoor Store.
●Designed print AD campaigns for national, regional, and seasonal campaigns for customers such Albertsons/Safeway, Winco Foods, Amazon, and other various sporting goods outlets.
●Wrote and implemented a cost cutting system for distribution of marketing materials resulting in savings of 15% annually
Blue Dot Marketing, Co.; Multi-line Sales Company 07/98 - 10/23
Owner Mukilteo, WA
Blue Dot was hired by various companies to build sales and increase brand awareness.
●Development of company safety campaign: Notable customer - Boeing
●Hired by 12 manufacturers to develop their sales and marketing campaigns in the Pacific Northwest: Notable manufactured products - Medical uniforms, overseas sourced apparel, and industrial products.
●Development of gift with purchase campaigns: Notable customer - Zippo Mfg
●Development of employee reward and incentive campaigns: Notable customers - VA Hospital Group, Microsoft, Red Hook Brewery.
Admiral Exchange, Co.; Multi-line sales company that specializes in military and consumer goods sales 05/91 - 07/98
Pacific Northwest Sales Manager San Diego, CA
Managed the sales force for the retail and military sales teams.
●Initiated all Military sales in the Northwest region: Notable customers - US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Army, and USMC
●Developed International business: Notable - Russia (Right after the USSR collapse)
●Boosted sales among wholesale and dealers for consumer product.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts Degree; University of Washington
Political Science Major Seattle, WA Graduated
ACTIVITES:
●High School Official for Football and Basketball – 17 years of experience
●President of SCBOA – Snohomish County Basketball Officials Association
●Youth Sports Coach – Baseball and Soccer
●Private Pilots License
●Volunteer at Special Olympics