Gary B.

Simms
Springfield, MO C: (417) 298-2424 gbsimms@gmail.com

SALES EXECUTIVE
Proven sales performer with both startup and ongoing business operations. Track record of new business development in pioneering positions. Strategic thinker and planner with success delivering sales increases, developing successful market positioning and growing profitable business. Outstanding ability to drive revenue through relationship building, business insights, and persistence. Exceptional coach and mentor. Excel in leading sales teams to top performance. Highly professional; always well prepared for meetings and negotiations. Selected Highlights: Provided strategic direction that opened the East Coast market and captured $4M in new customer sales with 67% total sales increase through lifestyle merchandising and Atlanta tradeshow premier. (Classic Concepts) Pioneered concept of proprietary overseas trading company selling to existing customers, which effectively doubled sales revenue. Earned the Highest sales increase award for $1.5M in new revenue. (IMAX Corp.) Captured $2M in new business with leading retailer in highly competitive environment through expert relationship building and highly focused sales strategy. (Toyo Trading Company) Secured company's first account and grew to $15M; led to obtaining all capital funding, successful IPO, and sustainable business growth. (Decorize, Inc.) Core competencies include: Key Account Relationship Management Strategic Sales & Marketing Planning Sales Team Development & Leadership Client Relationship Development Strategic Channel & Alliance Development Market Entry & Rapid Sales Results

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CLASSIC CONCEPTS Vernon, CA
Leading importer of rustic furniture and textiles; $30M in annual revenue; 85 employees stateside.

20102011

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Recruited to senior-level position directing the entire sales function, overseeing 10 in-house key account managers and national sales team of 20 independent sales reps. Provided strategic direction and sales leadership to grow sales and market share. Retooled marketing initiatives for 4 major trade shows. Travelled extensively. Increased total sales 67%, adding $6M in revenue including $4M in new customers. Spearheaded lifestyle marketing of 3 distinct brands, a paradigm shift that was a key factor in driving sales. Opened the East Coast market by premiering product line at major trade show in Atlanta, which immediately generated $500K in new revenues. Set up and merchandised the entire show, which is now a feature event. Restructured sales force to build significant East Coast presence; hired, trained, and managed outside sales representatives, organized sales territories and quotas, and managed sales forecasting. IMAX CORPORATION Tulsa, OK
Wholesaler and global leader in home and garden accessories industry; $50M in annual revenue; 150 employees.

20062010

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER Recruited to develop new accounts nationally and internationally working with large product line of 4,500 SKUs. Pioneered all accounts, capturing business with top retailers, including Wal-Mart.com, Target.com, Lowe's, QVC, and Home Depot.com. Managed and transformed product line offerings with customers in China. Sales Employee of the Year and the Highest Sales Increase Award for adding $1.5M in new revenue, a 35% increase, 2007. Propelled sales revenue to new levels through establishment of overseas proprietary showroom selling to existing customers in non-compete fashion, adding a significant sustainable new revenue stream. Achieved 35% overall sales increase with big name specialty retailers Home Depot EXPO, Sears, The Great Indoors, and Robert's Craft; exceeded all targets.

Gary B. Simms
TOYO TRADING COMPANY Santa Fe Springs, CA

C: (417) 298-2424 Page 2 20042006

Home Furnishings Company of high-end products driven by licensing designers; $20M in annual revenue; 40 employees.

VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS Recruited to pioneering position to establish, present, and manage all facets of direct importing private label products for leading retailers. Developed new channels of distribution and established strong customer relations. Worked with 20+ independent manufacturing rep companies; trained them on key account and sales strategies. Supervised, coached, and mentored 20 direct reports to overcome obstacles and drive business growth. Brought in $4.5M+ in total new revenue through keen business acumen and expert relationship building. Forged relationship with JC Penney and won $2M in competitive new business through aggressive, tailored sales pitch and presentation of showroom and merchandising strategy. Developed private label brand with La-Z-Boy. Became one of their strongest private label brand producers and the first vendor invited by La-Z-Boy to sell in their showroom to their franchisees. DECORIZE, INC. Springfield, MO
Accent furniture and Accessories Company; $15M in annual revenue; 15 employees.

20002004

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER As the third employee hired, challenged to establish direct import programs and secure investor funds for Startup Company. Worked directly with customers. Collaborated at all buying and executive levels. Involved in IPO. Captured company's first account that grew to $15M and led to securing $5M in funds for operating capital. Developed relationship with Hancock Fabrics and obtained company's first and only multi-million dollar order at $1.2M; secured 2 more multi-million dollar orders totaling $3M. SUPERSILK ACQUISITION Salt Lake City, UT
Home Decor Company; purchased by Decorative Concepts, a $300M company, in 2000.

19992000

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Recruited by owner to drive the company's value through strategic sales leadership. Managed 50 sales representatives serving the Americas and Europe. Managed daily operations of the entire organization. Consolidated Sales and Marketing into Decorative Concepts sister companies during acquisition. PRIOR EXPERIENCE: National Sales Manager, India Exotics, Inc., Springfield, MO, 19961999 Grew annual revenue 100% from $4.5M to $9M selling 15,000+ products in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Licensed Agent, The New York Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MO, 19941996 Earned the Rising Star Award from GAMA for outstanding sales after 6 months. NASD Series 6 & 63. Vice President Sales & Marketing, Universal/Sunray-The Gerson Companies, MO & KS, 19901994 Increased sales each year 15%20% in seasonal lines and 25%35% in jewelry, watches, and private label lines. Midwest Regional Sales Manager, Teters Floral Products, 19801990 Grew sales 100% from $6M to $12M in under 5 years managing the largest sales region. Vendor of the Year. Recruited, mentored 9 district managers; 7 became salesman of the year; 5 were promoted to management. United States Air Force, Honorable Discharge.

EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Business Administration, Golden State University Extension, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV Accounting, Auditing, and Quality Assurance, U.S. Air Force Technical School, Wichita Falls, TX Xerox Advanced Selling Skills and Key Account Strategies; Dale Carnegie Sales Training