Business Development Executive

CRAIG BARNARD-EL

Washington, DC ***** 847-***-**** **********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/craigbarnardel/ Business Development Executive

Seasoned Business Development Executive with over 15 years of proven success in driving revenue growth, expanding client bases, and building long-term partnerships across diverse industries. Skilled in identifying business opportunities, leading strategic sales initiatives, and managing full sales lifecycles from prospecting to deal closure. Expertise in developing tailored marketing and sales strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and consistently exceeding sales targets. A results-oriented leader with a strong background in managing high-performing teams, fostering client relationships, and optimizing operational efficiency to deliver sustainable business growth. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Sponsorship Sales & Revenue • Strategic Partnership & Planning • Relationship Management

• Contract Negotiation • Team Management & Leadership • Marketing Strategy

• Financial & Budget Management • Enterprise Account Management • Project Development & Execution

• Market Research & Data Analysis • CRM Software Proficiency

• Senior Executive Partnership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE Clear Channel Media Washington, DC Mar 2024 - Present

• Developed innovative activation campaigns based on market trends, enhancing partner ROI and client satisfaction for new business opportunities across diverse industries, from small businesses to large corporations, through targeted prospecting and lead generation efforts, consistently growing the client base and driving revenue.

• Secured strategic sponsorship partnerships, increasing revenue by creating customized advertising solutions and leveraging marketing assets with internal departments, including marketing, creative, and operations teams.

• Delivered high-touch account management, ensuring 100% fulfillment of contractual obligations for partners by conducting in-depth market research to stay current on industry trends, competitor activity, and market conditions.

• Managed the full sales pipeline lifecycle, from initial prospecting through to contract negotiations and deal closure, ensuring timely follow- ups, accurate forecasting, and a seamless experience for clients throughout the process. REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Equinox Fitness Group Washington, DC Aug 2022 – Mar 2024

• Spearheaded campaigns resulting in a substantial 40% surge in new member acquisitions, consistently enhanced partnership subsidies by over 10%, and strategically devised initiatives culminating in a remarkable 25% increase in membership renewals.

• Gained six net new corporate, university, government contracts & partnerships for the DMV region within my first 60 days. Executed in person and virtual events and expanded corporate membership offerings to achieved wellness objectives.

• Exceeded 120% of monthly sales goals monthly by implementing updated sales funnel best practices with Regional Director of Sales & Operations for corporate business revenue & profitability.

• Successfully reduced the sales conversion cycle timeline by 50% through the implementation of meticulously tailored engagement strategies

& upgraded corporate sales best practices.

SENIOR SALES DIRECTOR – MEMBERSHIP Equinox Fitness Group Chicago, IL Feb 2021 – Aug 2022

• Cultivated strong business relationships with multifaceted clients, team members, and stakeholders to expand and scale the business.

• Assessed competitions and market trends to determine new business opportunities and develop strategies to increase the club's profitability in four months.

• Successfully led hiring and onboarding process for new advisors; executed sale management training, including sales analytics, lead generation activities, and leadership development to enhance the employees’ sales skills and knowledge, optimizing operational efficiency.

• Produced monthly business performance and present sales and revenue forecasts at the division’s sales management meetings.

• Organized and execute key client events, facilitate lead generation efforts, and identify prospects to maximize business value. DIRECTOR OF SALES - MEMBERSHIP The Metropolitan Chicago, IL Aug 2017 – Mar 2020

• Played a pivotal role in multiplying the club’s new member acquisition rate by 3 times, resulting in over 50% net revenue.

• Developed effective strategies and created an annual sales plan to achieve departmental revenue goals and expand the membership base.

• Built strategic partnerships across political and cultural groups to broaden the club demographic, increasing new membership applications.

• Spearheaded membership events, promotions, and joint ventures in collaboration with legal and corporate partners to strengthen connections and engagement with members. Increased the total number of young executive applicants and members.

• Exceeded the yearly sales goal by 114% and was hailed as the #1 in sales across all sister clubs globally in 2019. OWNER / DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Ultimate Athletics LLC Wauconda, IL Feb 2006 – Jun 2017

• Prompted the company’s expansion from the ground up with only 20+ members to over 3+ locations with 2500+ members and 28+ teams. 2 Craig Barnard-El 847-***-**** **********@*****.***

• Presided over the execution of strategic business plans, including financial and budget management, generating $7M+ in annual revenue.

• Negotiated B2B contracts for revenue generating programs such as student-athlete training, personal fitness training, and seasonal sports camps across business units.

• Hired, supervised and trained 60+ high-performing staff members on company’s customer service, quality control, & industry safety & certification to ensure industry growth & compliance.

• Negotiated & executed the sale of Ultimate Speed Camps & RelmWear to industry leader. REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Varsity Spirit Group Dallas, TX Apr 2009 – Mar 2015

• Chaired the business operations around the Midwest region, including building and maintaining a book of business for multiple clients.

• Led the training and development of sales representatives; provided mentorship on various effective business development strategies.

• Designed marketing collaterals such as brochures, flyers, social media posts, etc., to promote brand development and mission.

• Conducted effective webinars and Go-To meetings for regional sales representatives to monitor organizational performance.

• Initiated market research to develop new products, forecasted sales, and prepared budgets to ensure the quality of projects/programs. EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY Associate’s Degree in Communications, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Leadership & Management, Online Certificate Program, Wharton, University of Pennsylvania PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Member, American Management Association January 2019 Member, National Association of Sales Professionals January 2019 Member, National Hospitality Association Sept 2018 Keynote Speaker: Annual New Member Recognition Ceremony, Golden Key International Honour Society May 2013 & May 2019 Humanitarian of the Year, Golden Key International Honour Society May 2014, May 2016, & May 2018 Honorary Member, Golden Key International Honour Society June 2018

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