CHRISTOPHER BARFIELD
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Dynamic General Manager and Sales Operations Leader with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, enhancing processes, and driving sales growth while stabilizing business operations in challenging environments. Expertise in blending business acumen with servant-leadership principles fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability. Proficient in budgeting, P&L oversight, vendor management, contract negotiation, and customer relationship management, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence. Recognized for adaptability, effective communication, and decisive problem-solving that consistently delivers measurable results.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Consultant (Independent)
RIVER RAT CONSULTING
01.2023 - Current
- Supported a national relaunch for an international industrial equipment manufacturer, contributing to U.S. sales structure rebuilding and market repositioning.
- Advised a major utility technology company on vacuum system selection, installation planning, workflow standards, and maintenance strategies.
- Guided procurement and vendor strategy for an industrial distributor, improving pricing alignment and purchasing efficiency.
- Guided launch a new warehouse and retail operation for a regional home services organization, including layout, workflow design, and hiring.
- Assisted an industrial investment group with acquisition due diligence for compressor and industrial service companies.
- Developed strategic initiatives that improved operational efficiency and reduced costs for multiple organizations.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for clients.
- Provided expert advisory on operational best practices to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Executed cost-benefit analyses to guide clients in making informed financial decisions.
Owner-Operator / Operations & Sales Leader
RIZON AIR TECHNOLOGIES
01.2023 - 2025
- Purchased a troubled compressed air and gas business and led a full operational turnaround with the intent to stabilize, rebuild, and prepare the organization for sale.
- Value was $1m at Purchases and Valued at $1.8m at sale.
- Rebuilt day-to-day operations including sales, estimating, procurement, scheduling, and service coordination.
- Restored customer relationships and rebuilt quoting, delivery, and communication standards.
- Managed budgeting, margin improvement, vendor agreements, and operational workflows.
- Navigated and resolved significant legal and financial challenges while protecting customer commitments and upholding business integrity.
- Developed employees through accountability-driven, hands-on leadership.
- Expanded market presence across industrial, manufacturing, and commercial sectors.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities for revenue growth and diversification of service offerings.
- Established performance metrics to monitor operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Business Development Manager
FLOW CONTROL GROUP
2022 - 2023
- Directed sales operations across 10 branches from Boston to Charleston, leading an 18-member team and supporting $36M+ in regional revenue.
- Improved regional profitability by 12% through pricing discipline, forecasting accuracy, and structured margin management.
- Generated $1M in new revenue in the first year by launching a new sales channel and expanding service offerings.
- Consolidated vendor agreements to improve pricing and reduce cost of goods.
- Implemented KPIs for quoting, customer follow-up, pipeline health, and margin consistency.
- Strengthened sales activity expectations across branches, improving conversion rates and customer retention.
- Implemented sales training programs to equip team members with effective selling techniques and product knowledge.
General Manager (Promoted)
UNIVERSAL AIR & GAS PRODUCTS CORPORATION
2019 - 2022
- Launched and led the Charlotte branch and later oversaw multiple locations across VA, NC, and SC.
- Led a 24-person operation and established strong processes, culture, and customer relationships.
- Delivered strong double-digit annual revenue growth, expanding the operation to over $8M within two years.
- Increased annual sales by more than 20% through improved customer engagement and strategic partnerships.
- Managed P&L, budgeting, inventory, procurement, scheduling, and customer project delivery.
- Negotiated vendor agreements to improve product quality and reduce cost.
- Implemented workflow tracking systems that improved operational efficiency and decision-making.
- Maintained service continuity through the global pandemic and stabilized supply chain challenges.
- Launched and staffed the Sumter, SC branch and developed future managers.
- Executed operational strategies that improved productivity and enhanced service delivery across multiple branches.
- Streamlined internal communication processes to foster collaboration and enhance cross-departmental effectiveness.
Parts & Purchasing Manager (Promoted)
PATTONS
2014 - 2019
- Managed purchasing, inventory control, vendor relationships, and fulfillment for compressed air parts and equipment supporting hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial customers.
- Facilitated regular meetings with suppliers to review performance and address operational concerns.
- Executed strategic sourcing initiatives to enhance product quality while managing procurement costs.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
Executive Director of Operations
LEGACY CHURCH
2006 - 2014
- Served as Executive Director of Operations for a multi-site church organization, leading business operations, budgeting, staffing, facilities, and vendor relationships across multiple states.
- Managed staff teams across three states, ensuring operational consistency and financial stewardship.
- Oversaw budgeting, payroll, purchasing, and accounting across all sites.
- Managed site planning, facilities projects, lease negotiations, and vendor contracts.
- Supported senior leadership and board functions while improving communication and operational flow.
- Transitioned into industrial operations to serve people in practical, hands-on ways while continuing ministry involvement.
- Led a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve church goals.
- Coordinated facility maintenance and improvement projects, enhancing worship environments and community spaces.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Directed multi-site operational strategies, aligning resources to support church growth and community engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Pastoral Ministry
Lee University
Cleveland, TNCertified Broker - NC Licensed Real Estate Broker
J. W. Monk School of Real Estate
Charlotte NC01-2019
Intermediate Certification - Law Enforcement
North Carolina Justice Academy
Salemburg, NC01-2006
Certification - Basic Law Enforcement Training
Gaston College
Dallas, North Carolina, NC01-1999
Skills
- General Management
- Sales & Operational Leadership
- Multi-Site Operations
- Budgeting & Financial Control
- Team Development
- P&L Accountability
- Vendor Negotiation
- Process Optimization
- Customer Satisfaction
- Performance Metrics
- Project Management
- Change Leadership
- Team leadership & development
Websites
Certification
- CAGI Compressed Air System Specialist (CASS)
- Six Sigma White Belt
- Master Certificate in Business Management — Leadership & Management Skills Development
- Extensive training in sales leadership, customer service, and operational management
Timeline
Consultant (Independent)
RIVER RAT CONSULTING
01.2023 - Current
Owner-Operator / Operations & Sales Leader
RIZON AIR TECHNOLOGIES
01.2023 - 2025
Business Development Manager
FLOW CONTROL GROUP
2022 - 2023
General Manager (Promoted)
UNIVERSAL AIR & GAS PRODUCTS CORPORATION
2019 - 2022
Parts & Purchasing Manager (Promoted)
PATTONS
2014 - 2019
Executive Director of Operations
LEGACY CHURCH
2006 - 2014
Bachelor of Arts - Pastoral Ministry
Lee University
Certified Broker - NC Licensed Real Estate Broker
J. W. Monk School of Real Estate
Intermediate Certification - Law Enforcement
North Carolina Justice Academy
Certification - Basic Law Enforcement Training
Gaston College