Experience

Merchant Advocate

• United States
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• National Business Development Director

  • Feb 2020 - Present

  Michael DringusAs a passionate advocate for his clients, Mike prides himself on driving awareness and transparency in the Merchant Services Industry. He joined Merchant Advocate in 2017, after spending most of his career in pharmaceutical industry. As sales team lead for Merchant Advocate, Mike uses a hand-on consultative approach to drive strategic execution and create long-lasting relationships with his clients. In addition to his role as National Business Director, Mike is actively involved with multiple state and national associations in healthcare and finance.Prior to 2017, Mike created an award-winning, decade-long career in the pharmaceutical industry, helping surpass the unmet needs of practices and business owners across all spectrums.Michael spent his initial professional years helping grow and run a small advertising company. He owned a surf school, was a PADI certified scuba instructor, and has various acting credits to his name. He graduated from Stockton University with a BA in Biology and can be found spending his non-working hours with his two beautiful children.Email him at mdringus@merchantadvocate.com. Show less

• Business Development Director

  • May 2019 - Feb 2020

• Business Development Lead; Eyecare, Finance, and Accounting Divisions

  • Mar 2017 - May 2018

• Referral Partner

  • Jan 2017 - Mar 2017



Alcon, a Novartis company

• District Portfolio Sales Manager, Eye Care

  • Nov 2013 - Oct 2016

  Responsible for driving growth in allergy, glaucoma, dry eye, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory markets with Ophthalmology and Optometric specialists while hiring, managing, leading and developing a team of nine specialty representatives. Annual revenue generated from each of the seven promoted brands exceeded $23M. Designated as Mentor and Area Field Expert for multiple individuals and disciplines. Developed Key Opinion Leader advocacy and aligned priorities with Key Accounts. Brands include Simbrinza, Travatan Z, Pazeo, Systane, Ilevro, Durezol, and Tobradex ST• Created and developed Managed Care Pre-Call and Business Planning strategic analysis tools to accelerate share growth resulting in #3/30 national attainment for Travatan Z, #3/30 for Simbrinza, and #5/30 for Ilevro through April, 2016. Gained multi-level buy-in for corporate integration of the tool.• Pioneered counter-sales tactics against compounding alternative post-cataract surgery treatment regimens, leading to development of national playbook for entire field sales force implementation• Achieved 2015 #1 Top Performing DM, Travatan Z and #1 Top Performing DM, Simbrinza (launch brand) for Northeast Region (12 districts) through team implementation of self-created compliant creative selling tactics.• Earned 2015 Fast-Start national sales award resulting in commission multiplier of 150% for entire District through patient expansion tactics and strategic execution.• Selected to lead various Area Field Expert Roles—Pharmacy/EMR Pull-Through; Business Analysis Leadership Team (BALT); Training Advisory Board; Compounding Alternatives (Dropless/LessDrops) Communication Lead; and Advisory Council Member for Vice President, resulting in enhancements to field sales force awareness and tactical execution abilities. Show less

• District Manager, Long Island

  • Feb 2013 - Dec 2013

  Drove exceptional sales results with team of highly tenured representatives in Otolaryngology and Allergy specialties, as well as Pediatrics, Primary Care, and Urgent Care. Successfully launched anti-infective, Moxeza. Selected as Team Leader by VP/RD/DM counterparts in creation and development of new roles/strategies utilizing IDEO Design Thinking Principles.• Initiated innovative and effective pharmacy education and pull-through measures for allergy brand Pataday, resulting in #1 in National Business Unit performance despite brand being blocked on largest managed care plan, Oxford/United Healthcare.• Created Strategic Targeting and Patient Profile Expansion tactics resulting in #3 in Business Unit for combined anti-infective franchises, as well as #3 in Business Unit for launch brand Moxeza • Pioneered tactical execution pilot based upon historical pharmacy stocking trends leading to strong Ciprodex Otic performance during peak volume otitis externa months. Was asked by US General Manager to share this productive application of Design Thinking with entire company during national teleconference for national adoption and universal application to all seasonal brands.• Served as EMR/Pharmacy Pull-Through expert to assist company in prescription insulation and adjudication, catalyzing creation of national EMR playbook.• Awarded 2013 Circle of Excellence for #4/20 national attainment in all combined brands, #1 in Business Unit for Pataday, #1 DM in Region for Pataday, #1 DM in Region for combined anti-infective franchise (#3 Business Unit), and #1 DM in Region (#3 Business Unit) for launch brand, Moxeza. Show less

• New England Associate District Manager

  • Oct 2011 - Feb 2013

  Piloted new management role in recruiting, developing, and onboarding team of 11 contract sales representatives (Quintiles) to drive results in expansion markets and develop team members for incorporation into Alcon roles. Managed all sales performance and coaching while providing KPI insights to contract organization.• Successfully transitioned 6 contract sales associates into Alcon roles through effective coaching, performance management, and talent development.• Was first DM in challenging Massachusetts managed care environment to ever meet and exceed corporate sales goals for Pataday and Ciprodex through patient identification, managed care pull-through tactics, and C-suite education. Show less

• Regional Training Manager

  • Jan 2011 - Oct 2011

  Responsible for co-creating and executing Home Office training curriculum for new and lightly tenured hires while providing field coaching and development for field sales representatives in covered geography. Directly partnered with DM and RD teams to provide insights on field performance and initiate action plans for performance management. Co-created and executed training workshops for national and regional meetings. Interviewed, hired, and managed team of floating sales representatives.• Strong presentation skills recognized by US Professional Development Manager led to selection for facilitation role in national sales integration of three hundred and fifty CIBA Vision representatives into Alcon Vision Care • Served as Interim District Manager for Houston district and New England district to address training and development needs during periods of vacancy/LOA. Show less

• District Sales Trainer/Allergy-Otolaryngology Representative

  • Mar 2008 - Jan 2011

  Selected to pilot new specialty sales role focusing on Allergists and Otolaryngologists to accelerate launch of Patanase Nasal Spray while promoting topical medications for the eye and ear. Served as field-based trainer for Northeast Region while managing territory responsibilities. Chosen to facilitate multiple home office training classes. Promoted brands included Patanase, Pataday, and Ciprodex.• 2010 “At Excellence” performance rating for Pataday and Patanase• 2009 President’s Club Winner, #3/60 in Specialty Sales Force• 2009 “Excellence In Leadership” Award• 2009 Top Patanase Share Growth Show less

• Medical Sales Representative

  • Feb 2007 - Mar 2008

  Responsible for territory management of target prescribers in Otolaryngology, Allergy, Pediatrics, Pulmonary, and Primary Care offices promoting Cirodex Otic, Vigamox, Patanol, and launch brand Pataday. Led national prior-authorization campaign to drive formulary adoption for Vigamox, resulting in 111.68% MVP attainment• 2008 Resilience Award• 2008 Phase II Training Class MVP Award• 2007 #1 District Share Growth, Pataday; Regional Recognition for Ciprodex MVP Attainment• 2007 Ranked #5/239 Show less



PineBelt Automotive, Inc.

• United States
• Retail

• Internet Sales Manager/Assistant Sales Manager/Sales and Credit Specialist

  • Jan 2004 - Feb 2007

  Responsible for screening, pre-qualifying, and converting internet sales leads to automobile purchases. Co-managed department team of eight sales representatives. Negotiated contracts with banks to ensure financing approval and funding. • December 2006 Salesman of the Month • Awarded 2005 Salesman of the Year Responsible for screening, pre-qualifying, and converting internet sales leads to automobile purchases. Co-managed department team of eight sales representatives. Negotiated contracts with banks to ensure financing approval and funding. • December 2006 Salesman of the Month • Awarded 2005 Salesman of the Year



2004 Pipe Dreams Surf School

• Surf Instructor/Owner/Operator

  • Jan 2001 - Aug 2006

  Created and Maintained a Successful Business in Surf Instruction Developed, Produced, and Marketed Instructional Booklet Created and Maintained a Successful Business in Surf Instruction Developed, Produced, and Marketed Instructional Booklet



Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation

• United States
• Real Estate
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Loan Officer

  • Mar 2003 - Apr 2005

  Specialized in Streamline Refinance FHA/VA loans and Low Income/Low Asset Niche programs. Developed network of services with lenders, realtors, title agencies, appraisers, inspectors, and home improvement contractors to ensure comprehensive fulfilment of client needs. • Awarded multiple times “Top Loan Officer of the Month” • Piloted and trained others in For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) program to generate and secure renewable source of mortgage leads Specialized in Streamline Refinance FHA/VA loans and Low Income/Low Asset Niche programs. Developed network of services with lenders, realtors, title agencies, appraisers, inspectors, and home improvement contractors to ensure comprehensive fulfilment of client needs. • Awarded multiple times “Top Loan Officer of the Month” • Piloted and trained others in For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) program to generate and secure renewable source of mortgage leads



Multi-Media Marketing Services, Inc.

• Account Executive/Program Coordinator

  • Jan 1997 - Jan 2003

  Accelerated company sales revenue 30% in first year through successful execution of cold-call presentations to secure advertisement sponsorships on restaurant placemats. Tripled company worth within four years by expanding company footprint from three counties (Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May, NJ) to three states (NJ, PA, DE) by creating and implementing protocols for hiring, developing, and managing new associates. Refined “lead-generation” system while successfully collaborating on and executing new product launches. Designated Interim Business Head during company owner’s annual two month reprieve. • Maintained 80% renewal rate through consultative sales approach and exemplary customer service. • Achieved “Top Performer” 5/6 years Show less