CHRIS PALMER

847-***-**** Northbrook, IL adtcpz@r.postjobfree.com

Outside Factory Sales Representative

Strategic Profile

Consistently profitable Top Sales Performer, Business Driver, Customer Advocate and Account Champion in highly competitive US and multinational marketplaces. Entrepreneurial track record in new business development, multi-account oversight, enterprise planning, requirements analysis and organizational streamlining in fast-paced environments. Widely recognized by top executives, professional peers and demanding client base for comprehensive expertise across multiple commercial and industrial sectors. Highly skilled in executive presentations, workforce formation, packaging strategies, target marketing, quality assurance and creative troubleshooting.

Solid background in outside sales for the plastics industry, lead generation, deal qualification and new product introduction; fully accountable for P&L, budgeting.

Managed all distribution sales for all Spartech Plastics (extrusion) products for the Midwest Region.

Proficient in dealing with distribution networks, internal partners, multiple departments, consultants, thought leaders and diverse resources in organizing and executing complex and technical sales programs. Focus markets: Printing, Industrial, Medical, Automotive, Aerospace, Food, Construction and Plastic Distribution.

Results-oriented formation and delivery of profit-building initiatives, business plans, product demonstrations, accurate reporting, trade show participation and continuous improvement.

Timely completion of major distribution deals and regional market development efforts in full compliance with industry regulations and client requirements.

Extensive exposure to cross-cultural dynamics and best practices through wide travel national and internationally in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe and North America.

Reliably recognized for hard work ethic, high integrity, relationship building, quick learning, client retention and mentoring top performers.

Self-motivated to achieve maximum revenue performance, ensure peak customer satisfaction, expand market footprint and meet aggressive growth objectives.

Core Competencies

New Business Development ● Strategic Planning Sales Entrepreneur ● Profit Building ● Manufacturer Rep Networks ● Territory Development ● Pricing Structures ● Cost Controls ● Packaging Strategies ● Printing Specialist ● Relations Vendor ● Deal Execution ● Quality Assurance ● Project Scheduling ● Product Portfolios ● Operational Streamlining ● VIP Relations ● Market Trend Review ● OEM Accounts ● Staff Recruiter ● Contract Negotiations ● Mentor/Coach ● Branding Strategies ● ISO Methodologies ● P&L/Budgeting Change Agent ● International Business

Employment & Accomplishments

Gibo Inc., MM Composite, Mount Pleasant, IA (Sept 2020 – July 2022)

Account Manager, USA

Gibo Inc. is a custom thermoformer and supplier of custom composites located in Mt Pleasant, IA with parent company in Denmark.

Spartech Plastics, LLC, Maryland Heights, MO (2010 to 2012), Polyone Corp, OH (2012 to 2017), Spartech Plastics (2017 to March 2020)

Senior Account Manager, Distribution Sales Specialist

Spartech Plastics is a large sheet and role extruder offering ABS and ASA, Acrylic (sheet, rod and tube), HDPE, PE, Polycarbonate, PET, PETG, APET, and other plastics. I was employed by Spartech Plastics in 2010 and the company was purchased by Polyone Corp (2012) for 5 years then sold back to Spartech in 2017. The below responsibilities were carried out throughout the 10 year period. I was let go by Spartech in March 2020 with a decision to down size by Spartech due to the Covid 19 Virus.

I oversaw all aspects of outside sales, distribution sales emphases and account penetration in $14,000,000 multi-state territory (IL, MO, KS, IA, MI, IN, OH, WI) for this custom extruder of sheet and roll polymers. Primary focus on custom printers, plastic distribution, thermoformers, OEM formed parts users. Performed cold calling, lead generation, qualification and follow-up, along with deal pricing, contract negotiation and customer service.

Successfully expanded company’s largest distribution-focused region from five to seven states in last 18 months with consistent YOY growth.

Skillfully represented all products lines at industry trade shows and multiple industry clients across US Upper Midwest.

Bergen International, Elgin, IL (2007-2009)

National Sales Manager

Directed three independent sales representatives in selling and supporting blowing agents (PVC) materials for plastic molding (profile) industry. Deployed expertise in daily decision-making and long-term customer service.

Achieved 12% to 20% revenue growth by concentrating on core company accounts and following up on all online sales/ lead generation activity.

Aggressively promoted full range of products in newly established plastic wood market space, representing multiple millions of dollars in potential revenue.

Invista, Spartanburg, SC (2006-2007)

Outside Sales Representative

Brought on by this startup APET plastic extrusion sheet division of Koch Industries and headed distribution sales within US Midwest territory. Focused on acquiring clients within printing, packaging market space and custom thermofomers and molders.

Quickly grew new business volume by 12% through aggressive prospecting and effective contract negotiations.

Mark Products, Wood Dale, IL (2005-2006)

Regional Sales Manager

Coordinated all aspects of new business sales and in-house account growth after opening and networking into printing and packaging market spaces.

Negotiated and selected as US plastic (PVC, PET) distributor for Taiwan-based, Nan Ya Plastics.

VPI, LLC (purchased by Spartech Plastics 2004), Spartanburg, SC (1999-2004)

National / International Sales Manager

Supervised two direct reports and 13-person manufacturing representatives in handling national plastic distribution network, as well as OEM account growth in Europe, Asia and Pacific Rim territories. Proactive member of Senior Management Team tasked with strategic planning.

Succeeded in expanding National sales volume by 20% with direct sales team and overall sales up to 25% YOY through rep networks.

Again promoted because of outstanding sales expertise after initial hiring and one year as Key Account Sales Manager.

Lustro Plastics (purchased by Spartech Plastics 1999), Evanston, IL (1993-1999)

National / International Sales Manager

Progressively promoted through levels of increasing impact after initial hiring as Outside Sales Representative because of excellent job performance. Supervised five sales staff and 20 US and international manufacturing sales representatives in driving and support up to $50M in year revenue.

Aggressively increased sales volume by 15% - 25% YOY; also piloted rollout of first lenticular (3D/flip/animation) lens products to printing market.

Identified new business opportunities and opened up brand-new plastic distribution network in Japan and Australia.

Related Experience

Held management and professional roles in sales and marketing with packaging, fabrication and manufacturing firms in Southern California – Packaging Products & Design, Tooltronics and Sirod Corporation.

Recognized for outstanding expertise in sales presentations, market penetration, customer satisfaction and technical problem resolution.

Gained hands-on skills in new product introduction, team formation, resource allocation, C-level interaction and proposal generation.

Education

BA – Public Administration, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Professional Training & Activities

Courses in Customer-Concentric Selling Techniques, Customer Service, Product knowledge and related topics.

Proficient in MS Office Suite, Salesforce.com and other CRM applications.

Regular volunteer with Project Share to assist in feeding under-resourced inner-city community in Chicago for last 15 years.

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