Regional Sales Manager

Brian J. Besse

Saint Louis, Missouri 314-***-**** ********@*****.***

Professional Summary

Dynamic sales leader with nearly 30 years of experience driving revenue growth and market expansion. Proven success as a Regional Sales Manager, leveraging strong relationship-building and strategic planning skills to penetrate new markets and maximize profitability. A results-oriented professional with expertise in managing cross-functional teams, streamlining operations, and achieving record-breaking sales growth. Seeking to advance in a leadership role that capitalizes on my sales and business development acumen.

Professional Experience

Regional Sales Manager

2023 - 2024

Curaleaf, Inc.

St. Louis, Missouri

• Spearheaded regional sales operations in Missouri, driving monthly sales from $400,000 to

$1.4 million within three months

• Successfully launched multiple new products, leveraging market insights to align offerings with customer demand and increase revenue

• Organized and executed high-impact promotional events and trade shows, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement

• Led and motivated a high-performing sales team, consistently exceeding quarterly goals and fostering a collaborative, results-driven culture

• Partnered with marketing and product teams to craft targeted sales strategies that captured significant market share in a competitive landscape President - Owner-Operator

2018 – 2023

Death Valley Fine Cannabis

Death Valley, California

• Raised $3.5M toward the $10M project and helped design the facility as a consultant in 2016

• Assumed operational control in 2018 to stabilize the cultivation operation

• Created and implemented standard protocols to streamline operations from cultivation to packaging, while overseeing operations in a 50,000 sq ft greenhouse with 60 employees

• Directed all aspects of operations, including sales strategy, business development, and regulatory compliance

• Established and cultivated a healthy and sustained relationship with the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe of Death Valley

• Developed innovative marketing and sales strategies tailored to tribal markets

• Expanded business partnership relationships with nine other Native American tribes, making Death Valley Cannabis the sole provider of cannabis products to many of the tribes in California and achieving annual gross sales of $7.5 million

• Launched a dispensary in 2018, driving first-year sales of $1.2 million and growing to $2.6 million annually by 2023.

Consultant

July, 2020

Green Fox Holdings, LLC

Missouri

• Provided the expertise necessary to secure two cultivation licenses, two manufacturing licenses and one dispensary license in the state of Missouri Co-Founder – General Manager

2018 – Current

MotaCann Holdings, LLC

Motacann Services, LLC

• Co-founded two business entities and helped raise $1M in seed capital

• Acquired two manufacturing licenses and one dispensary license in addition to a full vertical suite of licenses at the Lake of the Ozarks

• Appointed as General Manager in 2021, charged to wind down the company

• Coordinated the profitable sale of all licenses, with the Lake of the Ozarks license suite sale pending government approval.

Director of Sales

2017 - 2018

Progressive Treatment Solutions

East St. Louis, Illinois

• Developed and executed strategic sales plans across Illinois in a highly regulated medical market, building relationships with dispensaries and fostering market expansion and consistent revenue growth

• Directed statewide sales during the nascent market phase, achieving monthly revenue growth from $80,000 to $450,000

• Hired and trained two sales representatives to sustain and expand sales operations, ensuring a seamless transition when I left the company

Co-Founder – General Manager

2015 – 2017

Nature’s Care

Rolling Meadows, Illinois

• Drafted a successful application to secure one of Illinois' first medical cannabis licenses

• Engaged and managed consultants and lobbyists to advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis in Illinois

• Oversaw a $3 million buildout of the dispensary compliant with all state regulations

• Established and nurtured relationships with suppliers and stakeholders

• Recruited, trained, and managed a team of 7 staff members

• Directed all purchasing and inventory management Owner - Operator

2006 – 2017

Belleville, Illinois

7 High Street Properties, LLC

Seven Restaurant & Lounge

Shichi Sushi Restaurant

• Acquired, rehabilitated and remodeled a 2-story, historic building built in 1871

• Secured and administered a government grant for façade and exterior improvements

• Directed all marketing, promotions, and event planning

• Grew revenue streams through catering and delivery services

• Supervised all operations and a team of 50 staff members

• Achieved revenue growth from $800k in year one to $2.2M at the time of sale Other Relevant Experience

Owner Operator Lafayette Pub & Grill II- 2005 -2009 Operational Management Marketing and Sales

Revenue growth to 5.6 million over four years.

Owner Operator Lafayette Pub & Grill I- July 1999- 2004 Business redevelopment Service Expansion Operational Management Revenue growth from $400k to $3.1M over five years. Partner – Operating Manager Full Throttle Midwest Magazine 2005 - 2010 Event development for Lake of the Ozarks Vender recruitment Sales & Marketing Management Partner, ABS Inc Steinberg Skating rink 2003- 2011 Infrastructure rehabilitation Operational expansion Sales and Marketing Grew revenue by over 77% in eight years.

Skills Licenses

• Sales Strategy & Execution

• Market Expansion & Penetration

• Team Leadership & Development

• Client Relationship Management

• Revenue Growth Optimization

• Compliance & Regulatory Navigation

• CRM Tools & Sales Analytics

• Cannabis Licenses: Missouri, Illinois, North

Dakota, California

• Liquor Licenses: Missouri, Illinois

Personal Interests

Family-oriented with a passion for travel, outdoor adventures, live music, and diverse cuisines. I enjoy golfing, skiing, and cheering for my son at hockey and lacrosse games.

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