Robert Fanning
Louisville
Summary
Results-driven International Sales and Portfolio Manager with extensive expertise in the wallcovering and industrial automation sectors. Proven success in managing global distribution networks, overseeing Private Label and OEM accounts, and driving significant revenue growth. Highly skilled in navigating international trade complexities, developing strategic pricing models, and effectively bridging the gap between product development and global clientele. Committed to leveraging a deep understanding of market dynamics to foster long-term partnerships and enhance business performance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
International/Private Label/OEM Sales Manager
Koroseal Interior Products
08.2021 - Current
- Oversee sales and business operations for international distributors, private label and OEM accounts.
- Manage a team that handles day-to-day customer service operations for these accounts
- Strategically develop programs and coordinate product launches while building long-lasting relationships.
- Act as the vital connection between Marketing, Design and Production to deliver timely service to customers
- Identify customer opportunities and perform market analysis to create product briefs for new collections.
- Develop pricing strategies for products and programs to boost overall profitability.
- Provide in-person product training and promotions for international distributors to increase brand recognition.
- Directed a 22% cumulative increase in annual sales revenue between 2021 and 2025.
- Optimized pricing models and distributor programs to deliver a 68% increase in annual Gross Margin
- Secured the largest single order in company history in 2022, resulting in a 34% single-year revenue spike
Sales Executive
MHS Global, Inc.
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Developed new business with clients involved in distribution & fulfillment. My target accounts were multi-site companies with either existing warehouse automation or potential to move toward automation.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
Area Market Manager - Midwest
Interlake Mecalux, Inc.
01.2019 - 10.2019
- I manage a territory that includes IN, IL, KY, TN, WI and requires frequent travel within the region. I am responsible for 7 sales reps and all the distributors/territories they handle. I help to negotiate pricing, lead times, freight, installation and any other issues that may come up during the sales cycle. I am frequently involved in sales presentations and training for sales reps, distributors and end users.
Account Executive
Interlake Mecalux, Inc.
09.2018 - 12.2018
- I was responsible for managing relationships with distributors within Kentucky. This included updating customers' knowledge of products/applications, securing engineering/design support, and providing appropriate training.
- I conducted sales presentations, directed sales calls, and managed all negotiations related to selling projects. I maintained existing accounts and helped to develop new accounts.
- I was responsible for developing sales strategies within Kentucky and forecasting future business based on market potential.
Distribution Sales Manager
LSI Wallcovering (now Versa Designed Surfaces)
06.2017 - 08.2018
- I was responsible for all sales in the majority of export markets - Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa. This included frequent travel to these regions as well as daily correspondence with customers. I oversaw all pricing, product placement, project tracking and quoting.
- Additionally, I oversaw some key accounts within the US that carried products we manufactured for private label brands. I acted as the liaison between our product development team and their decision makers.
- Lastly, I was heavily involved with a newly-launched national accounts program. I assisted our National Account Manager in identifying, developing and closing opportunities with national restaurant chains and retail stores.
APAC Region Sales Executive
LSI Wallcovering
04.2016 - 06.2017
- This position also required relocation, specifically to Hong Kong to immerse myself in the main hub of architecture and design in Asia. I was responsible for maintaining the day-to-day relationships with all customers in the APAC region. This included frequent travel to visit customers, promote new products and solicit business. I was the link between the customer and our manufacturing facilities in both the US and China. I was responsible for developing and executing sales strategies throughout the region. I helped execute a 35% growth in sales from 2016 to 2017.
Business Development Representative - APAC
LSI Wallcovering
01.2015 - 04.2016
- This position required full time relocation to Suzhou, China where we opened a new manufacturing facility. I was responsible for several administrative and manufacturing related tasks in order to get the facility running smoothly and on par with US manufacturing. I helped to direct business from APAC customers specifically to the factory in China, this included some travel throughout the region and promotion of our new facility.
International Sales Coordinator
LSI Wallcovering
06.2012 - 12.2014
- I was responsible for daily sales coordination and customer service including: order entry, order processing, quoting, creating export documentation, arranging shipments with warehouse/freight forwarding.
- In addition I visited key customers in Central & South America to maintain and develop business relationships in the region. I also initiated and managed social media accounts for LSI Wallcovering.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Language & International Trade
Clemson University
Clemson, SC01.2011
Bachelor of Science - International Business Program
Universidad De Alicante
Alicante, Spain01.2009
Skills
- Global business acumen
- Sales pipeline management
- CRM proficiency
- Sales training
- Competitive analysis
- Sales presentations
- Territory management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Communication skills
Certification
Supply Chain Logistics
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
International/Private Label/OEM Sales Manager
Koroseal Interior Products
08.2021 - Current
Sales Executive
MHS Global, Inc.
11.2019 - 08.2021
Area Market Manager - Midwest
Interlake Mecalux, Inc.
01.2019 - 10.2019
Account Executive
Interlake Mecalux, Inc.
09.2018 - 12.2018
Distribution Sales Manager
LSI Wallcovering (now Versa Designed Surfaces)
06.2017 - 08.2018
APAC Region Sales Executive
LSI Wallcovering
04.2016 - 06.2017
Business Development Representative - APAC
LSI Wallcovering
01.2015 - 04.2016
International Sales Coordinator
LSI Wallcovering
06.2012 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Language & International Trade
Clemson University
Bachelor of Science - International Business Program
Universidad De Alicante