GREGORY COLE
Leland,NC
Summary
High-impact sales executive with 18+ years of proven success driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth, transforming underperforming teams, and building strategic partnerships.
Experienced with leading national sales teams to achieve business targets and market expansion. Utilizes strategic planning and client engagement to drive revenue growth. Track record of fostering team collaboration and navigating industry shifts effectively.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
North American Hardware & Paint Association (NHPA)
05.2024 - Current
- Directed a comprehensive overhaul of the national sales department, realigning structure, workflow, and client touchpoints to revitalize performance.
- Set national sales goals, KPIs, and annual budgets, aligning team objectives with organizational revenue targets.
- Implemented scalable sales processes and CRM dashboards to improve forecasting, pipeline management, and performance tracking.
- Streamlined client engagement processes to enhance satisfaction and reduce friction across the sales funnel.
- Rebuilt trust with key accounts, reactivated lapsed relationships, and restored growth in underperforming regions.
- Stabilized revenue within the first six months and positioned the team for sustained national expansion.
- Remote
- Managed national sales programs, supervised 3 sales representatives and evaluated KPIs for promotional opportunities.
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Hardware + Building Supply Dealer Magazine
09.2014 - 04.2024
- Orchestrated a complete brand revitalization, driving substantial market growth across a 19-state territory.
- Consistently outperformed revenue targets with tailored, client-first media and advertising solutions.
- Developed lasting executive relationships leading to high renewal and upsell rates.
- Earned multiple President's Club honors for top-tier sales performance.
- Remote
- Expanded market share within the region by identifying growth opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Increased regional sales by implementing strategic marketing plans and nurturing key client relationships.
- Contacted key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Hardware Retailing Magazine
03.2006 - 09.2014
- Doubled regional revenue in two years through data-driven sales planning and customized client engagement.
- Revamped sales in the Eastern Region, growing revenue from $400K to $1.2M annually.
- Created a supplemental magazine contributing over $100K/year in revenue.
- Designed Excel-based tools for pipeline tracking and forecasting-later adopted company-wide.
- Mentored and trained junior reps, boosting team quota attainment and morale.
- Remote
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Sales & Marketing Coursework
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Indianapolis, IndianaSkills
- Salesforce
- LaunchPad
- Microsoft Excel
- MS Office Suite
- Territory Mapping Tools
- Sales leadership
- Networking expertise
- Market development
- Training and coaching
- Relationship building
- Key account management
- Contract negotiations
- Team building
CORE COMPETENCIES
- National & Regional Sales Leadership
- Revenue Growth & Market Expansion
- Major Account Acquisition & Retention
- CRM & Sales Pipeline Optimization
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Executive Presentations & Negotiation
- Sales Forecasting & KPI Reporting
- High-Performance Team Building
- Consultative / Value-Based Selling
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
MILITARY SERVICE
- United States Marine Corps
- AN/APN 171 Radar Altimeter Technician | 1984-1988
- Honorably Discharged | Good Conduct Medal Recipient
- Leadership & Technical Training
VALUE HIGHLIGHTS
- Grew sales territories from $325K to $1.2M+
- Repeated President's Club performer
- Trusted by national brands and industry leaders
- Specialist in territory turnarounds & long-term partnerships
Timeline
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
North American Hardware & Paint Association (NHPA)
05.2024 - Current
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Hardware + Building Supply Dealer Magazine
09.2014 - 04.2024
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Hardware Retailing Magazine
03.2006 - 09.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Sales & Marketing Coursework
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
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