Matthew Knowles: in Batavia, IL

Provided strategic direction for all areas of sales, marketing, and operations for 2 locations while managing 9 employees and company P&L. Built high-end customer service and issue resolution model that consistently produced high degree of customer retention. Implemented and evolved high-impact strategies to target new business opportunities and new markets. Developed and executed strategic partnerships. Forecasted sales activity and revenue attainment. Instructed staff in solution selling strategies and sales closing techniques. Used active listening techniques to determine needs. Educated customers on costs/benefits of products based upon their needs and activity level. Provided floor sets and designed visual merchandizing campaigns to fit store layouts and maximize sales. Audited department signage, checked display levels, and ordered inventory. Ran morning huddles to communicate sales goals for day, week, and month. Implemented overarching sales strategy, with success in generating revenue leading to launch of second store. Recognized by Kona Bicycles as one of the top shops in the Midwest in 2021. Voted as one of the best and most popular bike shops in Kane County over 10-year period. Eclipsed $500,000 in sales 2 consecutive years; increased profits by 30% in 1 year by restructuring business line. Built company brand, eventually being featured in multiple regional magazines, newspapers, radio interviews, and national print. Formulated company's digital marketing and advertising strategy, which created new revenue streams and increased phone calls/lead generation from customers actively seeking cycling equipment: * Planned and negotiated media buys (TV, radio, print and digital). * Developed online store using third party website platform. Developed onsite body content, meta descriptions and page titles in support of SEO strategies. Implemented Google AdWords/AdWords Express programs. Managed holistic redesign and launch of company's website in 3 months. * Created official company pages on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter to facilitate customer interaction. * Analyzed ratings and programming features of competitors to evaluate effectiveness of marketing strategies. Drove additional business during slow periods and created revenue consistency throughout year by adjusting marketing focus to reach specific demographics. Increased brand awareness and new customer acquisition setting up, sponsoring, and growing one of the top junior development teams in the country. Sent 3 riders to Europe to race in the World Cup of Cyclocross in Belgium and The Netherlands (2021). Authored employee handbook that outlined job roles and expectations, provided framework for dress codes, time policies, employee discipline. Developed handbook in line with prevailing employment law, as well as industry best policies, procedures, and practices.

Established vision and mission of umbrella organization consisting of custom steel bicycle manufacturing company with international customer base (Norway Bicycle Company) and outdoor clothing, travel, and supply store (Norway General Store). Created and implemented sales and marketing plan that included sale of mountain and road bicycles in US, Europe, and Asia. Implemented multifaceted grassroots marketing and customer engagement campaigns. Raised company profile through race participation and event sponsorship. Attended tradeshows to provide sales support, generate leads, evaluate sales activities, strategies, and competitor strengths. Identified new markets and customer opportunities. Evaluated product perception and adjusted brand positioning strategy to ensure alignment. Designed and managed social media campaigns. Engaged in contract negotiations. Started Norway Bicycle Company in garage, growing it into one of the top custom bike companies in the Midwest. Sold brand as boutique item in store, duplicating European model. Developed and implemented aggressive sales and marketing strategies that saw company sales revenue grow 233% from year 1 to year 3 (from $150,000 to $500,000. Oversaw all aspects of organization's stand-up and launch, including business plan development, sales/financial/marketing planning, staff training, store plan-o-grams, logistics, technology plan, policies and procedures, and infrastructure to ensure scalability. Designed, engineered, and assembled every frame sold. Formed partnership with Bosch Appliances to develop international race team that won Wisconsin Offroad Race Series (2008). Recognized by multiple agencies for contributions to the community.

Secured multi-month trials and subsequent multi-year contracts via front-line access to senior leadership to engage in consultive sales process for SAS company serving insurance industry. Secured sales meeting pre-authorizations with potential client offices, bypassing objections and roadblocks to access. Directed inside sales personnel in day-to-day operations and project rollout execution. Identified, developed and evaluated marketing strategies based on knowledge of each company's objectives and market trends. Implement training to improve clients' knowledge of service. Grew B2B solution sales growth for multiple accounts by employing 3 Up/3 Down/3 Across strategy to forge strategic relationships/partnerships with key industry decision makers. Created and directed sales team training and development programs by instituting official claim adjusting protocol through Insurance Institute of America. Advised software designers on creating clean and simple user interfaces (UI), facilitating intuitive interactions and experiences through unique Internet based claims processing system. Renegotiated key contracts through bid process, including multi-year exclusive contracts with nation's top 10 insurance companies, including State Farm, All-State, Nationwide, and Geico.

Directed East Coast and West Coast territories, with accountability for overall customer satisfaction and account management. Developed and executed annual sales plans and strategies for both territories. Regulated portfolio of 14 accounts, generating $8 million in annual revenue. Negotiated and closed contracts with nation's largest insurance companies. Created and directed sales team training and development programs. Wrote, proofed and edited sales proposals and correspondence. Gathered relevant materials for bid processes and coordinated bidding/ contract approval. Spearheaded CCS Fraud Program, resulting in 500% revenue increase over 3 years. Identified, evaluated, and implemented marketing strategies, guided by each company's objectives and market trends. Planned, created, and delivered Claims Service sales presentations and Fraud Resolution presentations to claims personnel in all territories. Keynote speaker for Fraud Investigation of Mobile Electronics Claims for Virginia State Police Association.