Experience

• 

  Newell Enterprises

  • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

  • Sales Representative

    • Apr 2018 - Present
    • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

    Demonstrated and sold multipurpose cleaners at national trade shows. Also wholesaled to small businesses. Product line included Sud-n-Clean (proprietary; co-developed this product), Orange Glo, Orange Clean, OxiClean, New Life, Power Paste, and Kaboom. Exclusive distributor for these products via the trade-show channel.

• 

  Pressence Marketing

  • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

  • Merchandise Sales Representative

    • Jan 2014 - Apr 2018
    • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

    Maintained merchandise for conventional and specialty grocery stores in 8 Southeastern states and Washington, D.C. Set (new) and reset (existing) stores for BI-LO, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Ingles, Lowes Foods, Publix, and Winn-Dixie (conventional), and Earth Fare, Fresh Market, Sprouts Farmers Markets and Whole Foods (specialty). Maintained 200 lines of gluten-free and organic products in stores. Worked with account executives to coordinate merchandising and placements. Performed audits and price checks on existing lines. Introduced new brands.Complimented by supervisor for performance: “He is always available and ready to go the extra mile to complete the projects that are assigned to him …” (2016 performance appraisal); and “His great attitude and good manner has helped him establish some really nice relationships with customers. Martin’s day to day work has contributed to his success in the N.C. market.” (2017 performance appraisal)

• 

  Advantage Sales & Marketng

  • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

  • Sales Representative

    • May 2008 - Jan 2014
    • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

    Maintained merchandise for conventional and specialty grocery stores in 8 Southeastern states and Washington, D.C. Set (new) and reset (existing) stores for BI-LO, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Ingles, Lowes Foods, Publix, and Winn-Dixie (conventional), and Earth Fare, Fresh Market, Sprouts Farmers Markets and Whole Foods (specialty). Maintained 200 lines of gluten-free and organic products in stores. Worked with account executives to coordinate merchandising and placements. Performed audits and price checks on existing lines. Introduced new brands.Complimented by supervisor for performance: “He is always available and ready to go the extra mile to complete the projects that are assigned to him …” (2016 performance appraisal); and “His great attitude and good manner has helped him establish some really nice relationships with customers. Martin’s day to day work has contributed to his success in the N.C. market.” (2017 performance appraisal)

• 

  Fairways and Greens

  • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

  • Business Owner

    • Aug 1998 - May 2008
    • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

    Sold sports/game-related gifts and accessories through local vendor show spaces (up to 6 locations at one time, including three with Black Lion) – and at major seasonal trade shows nationally – to interior designers, small businesses, and the general public. Focused on unique, high-quality merchandise typically not found at major retailers or online. Performed all purchasing, stocking, merchandising, and selling.Actively managed this business, making it profitable and successful from the start.

• 

  Magnolia Markeplace

  • Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

  • Co-Founder

    • Aug 1996 - Sep 2005
    • Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

    Co-planned and implemented the design, upfitting, and startup of a 28,000-s.f. retail facility for the sale of decorative furniture, furnishings, and accessories. Personally handled the rental and management of show spaces for 150 independent vendors using this facility. Hired and oversaw a store manager and up to 6 sales associates. Actively represented vendors and sold their merchandise. Collaborated on, and executed, marketing functions.Expanded Magnolia Marketplace to two locations in north Raleigh: a 26,000-s.f. add-on to a strip center and an 8,000-s.f. mall space. Negotiated the lease and terms with property owners. Recruited 100+ vendors (from Va., W.V., N.C., S.C.) to these new spaces through print advertising, signage, and word-of-mouth. General-managed these locations and their staff. All three locations operated profitably every year, meeting income expectations.

• 

  Newell Enterprise

  • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

  • Sales Representative

    • May 1994 - Aug 1996
    • Charlotte, North Carolina Area

    Demonstrated and sold multipurpose cleaners at national trade shows. Also wholesaled to small businesses. Product line included Sud-n-Clean (proprietary; co-developed this product), Orange Glo, Orange Clean, OxiClean, New Life, Power Paste, and Kaboom. Exclusive distributor for these products via the trade-show channel.Initiated and conducted (lengthy) negotiations to promote and sell Sud-n-Clean on QVC. Earned certification from QVC to be a spokesman. Present