GREGG BENNETT

T: 830.914.3955 | C: 281.620.7609 | gb5cfcc6@westpost.net

SALES MANAGEMENT FOCUS

Complex Accounting | Management Reporting | Corporate Tax Expertise
Highly motivated and experienced sales manager with expert proficiency in produc
t merchandising, marketing management, and new business development. Comprehensi
ve understanding of the sales process covering large, sophisticated customers ne
gotiating long-term wholesale agreements to secure a recurring revenue base. Men
tor and train new employees in sales execution, sharing best practices developed
from a career focused on driving revenue and increasing company market share. A
nalytical talent and entrepreneurial passion directly transferable to sales lead
ership positions in multiple industries. Synthesize, review, and analyze sophist
icated data, contributing valuable input to the executive decision-making proces
s. Regarded for the ability to produce revenue growth and motivate diverse teams
. Outstanding interpersonal communication and leadership skills. Additional stre
ngths include:
* Client Account Management / Marketing * Profit & Loss Analysis / Problem Solv
ing
* Strategic Planning / Project Management * Client Collaboration / Leadership S
kills
* Operational Execution & Efficiency * High-Profile Management Presentations
* Continuous Process Improvement * Interpersonal Communication Abilities
* Merchandising / Market Analysis * Employee Development / Training
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE GRO COMPANY, Marysville, OH (1999-2010)
District Manager (2002-2010)
Managed, led, and trained a top-performing professional sales team of the larges
t lawn & garden consumer product company in the world that generates over $3 bil
lion in annual sales in North America (NYSE: SMG). Primarily responsible for inc
reasing overall market share and achieving aggressive sales targets in priority
accounts in the company's Houston territory reflecting $79 million of recurring
revenue. Oversaw and directed six sales representatives charged with delivering
exceptional customer service and product support to over 30 merchandisers and 16
2 store accounts that included 46 Home Depot, 32 Lowe's, and 84 Wal-Mart stores.
Built and maintained long-lasting business relationships with key customers, co
lleagues, and company decision-makers to drive revenue growth. Forecasted, defin
ed, and tracked annual sales goals and budgetary considerations, hiring and trai
ning experienced sales managers to lead the company's future. Analyzed feedback
received on the company's core product portfolio to deliver quality improvement
recommendations to senior management.
* Increased sales by 16% in 2009 and 22% in 2008, expanding the Houston territor
y's annual revenue to over $185 million in total sales. Attained an 11% compound
ed annual growth rate (CAGR) starting in 2006.
* Compiled and prepared seasonality charts and communicated 12-month sales trend
analyses to identify growth opportunities and potential market risks. Conceptua
lized and communicated strategic priorities to the sales organization on a weekl
y and monthly basis.
* Oversaw one-off promotional sales events that included a garden-door program u
tilized by the Home Depot Gulf market and a Home Depot regional sales event ("Bu
g-a-Palooza") that increased customer demand. Developed and launched Lowe's Bug
and Weed Independence Program to educate customers.
* Named District Manager of the Year in 2006 and a #7 overall national ranking i
n leadership effectiveness.
District Training Manager (2001-2002)
Hired, trained, and coached sales team members recruited to join the South Texas
coverage team responsible for securing multi-year sales agreements with 70 stor
es. Mentored promising talent and served as a liaison between the front office s
ales teams and senior management.
Sales Merchandising Manager (1999-2001)
Developed and executed a comprehensive merchandising strategy to improve Miracle
Gro's product presentation and branding in key Texas markets. Achieved sales go
als to over a 72 accounts that included agreements with Home Depot, Lowe's, and
K-Mart. Hired and trained merchandisers, encouraging continuous professional dev
elopment across the organization.
Gregg Bennett, Page Two
T: 830.914.3955 | C: 281.620.7609 | gb5cfcc6@westpost.net
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - CONTINUED
BENNETT & SONS, INC., Southlake Carrol & Grapevine, TX
Owner & Business Operator (1998-1999)
Owned and operated a successful food distribution business that served a diverse
set of customers in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. Ordered, sold, and displayed M
ission Food products and services on behalf of national and independent accounts
.
* Increased the total number of national accounts by 8% while adding seven new i
ndependent accounts to the business portfolio. Efforts resulted in expanded sale
s and greater market share.
* Established and maintained long-lasting relationships with key decision makers
from a key retail partner that provided four new permanent displays at no cost.
LONGHORN LIQUORS LTD., Arlington, TX
Territory & Merchandising Manager (1995-1998)
Increased sales and managed promotional displays for a privately-owned wholesale
provider of the top brands in wine and distilled alcoholic beverages. Introduce
d new product lines to the market and managed the merchandising function of the
company.
* Increased display targets by 33% by selling to the largest wholesale and retai
l outlets in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
* Generated a 12% increase in total market share in expanding total goods sold t
o the Goody Goody Liquor Chain by 11%.
TARRANT DISTRIBUTORS, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Sales Representative (1989-1995)
Managed 41 customer accounts for one of the leading alcoholic beverage distribu
tion companies in North Texas. Accountable to senior management for executing ne
w business development initiatives, increasing market share, leading new store o
penings, and expanding the merchandising function to grow sales. Mentored and tr
ained new sales representatives; interacted regularly with corporate and store-l
evel representatives to understand market trends and customer dynamics.
* Generated $10 million in sales and notably increased business conducted with t
he Sigels Liquor chain (a top-10 firm) by 26%. Boosted total territory sales vol
ume and maintained profitability.
* Worked intensively to develop national product lines in the Fort Worth market
in collaboration with key company executives.
Prior Experience:
THE JULIUS SCHEPPS COMPANY, Dallas, TX - Sales Representative & Merchandiser (19
80-1989)
EDUCATION
WEATHERFORD COLLEGE, Weatherford, TX
Completed coursework toward a degree in General Studies.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Completed management training courses offered by the following individuals & org
anizations:
DE Jones and Associates - Overcoming Objections & Time Management
Scotts Sales University - Fact-Based Selling, Consultative Selling, Managing Oth
ers
PDI (Personnel Decisions International) - Selecting for Success & Performance Pl
anning
Aarthun Performance Group - Coaching for Profit
DDI (Development Dimensions International) - Essentials of Leadership: Adaptabil
ity & Managing Projects
The Ken Blanchard Companies - Situational Leadership II