G. RAY HARDING, JR. 1769 Pine Harrier Circle ~ Sarasota, FL 34231 ~ (941) 323-7943 ~ rh11dec24@westpost.

net QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE Highly accomplished Sales Manager with proven success managing sales responsibil ities within multimillion-dollar corporations. Adept in managing sales initiativ es within companies that set record growth in saturated markets. Proven success in driving sales and marketing strategies, impacting bottom line revenues, and d riving market expansion within companies. Background in managing multiple distri bution sales channels to achieve revenue goals, identifying new revenue streams, enhancing product distribution, and nurturing key accounts. Decisive leader wit h expertise in penetrating previously untapped markets, maximizing sales, increa sing customer retention, and identifying growth opportunities. Skilled in perfor ming within dynamically changing environments requiring focused decision-making. AREAS OF EXPERTISE * Sales Management * Sales Force Automation * Marketing Collateral * Territory Management * Business Development * Contract Negotiation * Competitive Analysis * Account Management * Marketing * Revenue Growth * Strategic Planning * Innovative Team Leadership CAREER HIGHLIGHTS * Achieved Masters status for exceeding sales quota 7 times with Stanley Furnitu re and Top Ten Award from Badcock Furniture. * Spearheaded efforts to generate $2M annually through development of private la bel program, which included identifying private label merchandise as a solution, collaborating with designers to create a new bedroom collection, and capturing key accounts while maintaining established dealer base. * Increased sales by 40% through product display plan and incentives, which incl uded developing the marketing plan that consisted of pricing incentives, promoti ons, and improved floor sample payment terms. * Implemented the marketing plan across 19 accounts and increased product displa ys by 400%. * Boosted revenue by $2.5M annually by growing designer channel. * Pioneered the implementation of new finance options that resulted in 30% total store sales volume. PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND A-AMERICA, INC. (2010 - Present) Independent Sales Representative * Served as the representative for the manufacturer /importer of mid-priced dini ng room and bedroom furniture in Florida. * Grew undeveloped territory from zero to over $300,000 in backlog sales. * Expanded the account base by 160%. * Solicited and directed private label product development process. * Formulated and introduced the distribution strategy to target dealers and crea te foundation. DIGITAL LEATHER / SIF TECHNOLOGY COMPANY (2009 - Present) Independent Sales Representative * Represented a start-up hi-tech company introducing cutting edge process into t

he furniture business. * Advised overall strategy and generated strong interest within the industry. LEXINGTON HOME BRANDS (2007 - 2009) Territory Manager * Managed all aspects of sales responsibilities for leading high-end manufacture r/importer of residential furniture and upholstery for the New England territory . * Executed territory management, account management, business development, and r evenue growth initiatives. * Generated revenue from the sale of products to retail furniture stores, region al chains, designers, buying clubs, and e-tailers. * Participated in industry trade shows to produce new business. * Conducted formal and informal sales training. STANLEY FURNITURE COMPANY (2006 - 2007, 1989 - 2002) Sales Manager / Vice President of Sales Sales Representative * Provided leadership and direction to all aspects of sales management, business development, sales growth, and strategic planning. * Spearheaded efforts to grow the Florida west coast territory from $1.7M to $13 M as well as overall state volume from $9M to $34M. * Championed efforts to land and manage the company's largest account. * Established sales metrics to set and track sales goals. * Coordinated trade shows and sales meetings. * Handled budget management responsibilities and supervised 58 sales representat ives nationally. * Worked with IT Department to develop new and enhance existing sales force auto mation programs. PULASKI FURNITURE COMPANY (2004 - 2006) Sales Representative * Drove sales for manufacturer/importer of medium/high end residential furniture in the territory. * Generated revenue from multiple channels, which boosted territory volume by 40 %. * Evaluated new products, marketing, technology, and sales initiatives. * Advised company on new sales force automation program and trained sales repres entatives on system. BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE (2002 - 2005) Owner * Acquired 2 Badcock Home Furnishings stores and opened a third store in NC. * Directed sales management, business development, and team leadership responsib ilities. * Recipient of the Top 10 Award for Hendersonville, NC store out of 300+ stores in chain. * Maintained accountability for $5.2M revenues. EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts Rollins College