Excellent communicator who is good team player and enjoys meeting people. Driving hard for success to deliver the best possible solutions for customers whilst keeping a close eye on the bottom line. Over 35 years active in marine industry with broad knowledge of sales, marketing, design, engineering, composite materials, tooling and processing. Focused Sales Manager committed to motivating others and offering extensive knowledge penetrating new territories and promoting product lines. Highly effective mentor driven to assess individual and group performance to implement improvements and set goals. Determined individual with background in establishing and nurturing lucrative partnerships.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Sales Manager
Rondal BV
Vollenhove, Netherlands
09.2021 - 01.2024
Responsible for the international superyacht market with Rondal products across different product groups, such as Sailing Systems, Composite Specials, Hatches, Windbreaks, and Mooring Winches
Primary contact with stakeholders (architects, owner's representatives, and yards)
Visit and participate in relevant trade fairs in the Netherlands and globally
Visit key accounts in Finland, Netherlands, Italy and Spain
Assess requests for technical and commercial feasibility, make calculations, prepare quotations with specifications, and ensure the commercial completion of sales processes
As part of this process obtain quotations and negotiate quotations for key components such as furlers, running and standing rigging & hydraulics
Partner for customers and colleagues to determine technical applicability and solutions
Once commercially completed ensure a smooth transfer of sales to the project team
Successful lead generation from nothing when started to highest number recorded
Manage 2 full time Sales Engineers plus several apprentices who conducted research on various sales related subjects
Management Team member (health & safety, staff, capacity, quality, finance, investments budgets) Lead sales meetings and update sales record data base
Submit monthly and annual budget forecasts
Work closely with the marketing team writing of newsletters and social media stories
Conduct interviews with maritime press Assess market viability for WASP (wind assisted ship propulsion) aimed at leisure and commercial vessels
Introduced and sold Rondal captive winches for mooring of large superyachts
Previously only used for sail handling
Reintroduced composites and aluminum hatches to the market
2023 sales 280K 2024 forecasted 800K
Coordinated AeroWing nomination for JEC Innovation Award 2023
Founding member Defense Composite Group (DCG) – with 3 other partner companies successfully qualified Rondal with several large defense contractors such as Damen Naval, TKMS, Saab Kockums & Naval Group.
Identified and pushed for savings in purchase of composites & standing rigging generating a cost saving of 1.3mln for project Royal Huisman project 410
Sales turnover increase from 15mln (2021) to 21mln 2023
Forecast 23mln 2024.
Collaborated with marketing teams to create targeted promotional campaigns, driving customer engagement and sales growth.
Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.
Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
Attended industry shows, conventions, and other meetings with primary mission of expanding market opportunities.
Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
Regional Sales Manager
GURIT UK Ltd
Newport, Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom
03.2003 - 08.2021
Manage technical sales to America's Cup teams, Volvo 65, Open 60's and various other racing classes and high-performance race boats
Very active in superyachts, commercial vessels and patrol boats
Helped to create a world leading market position
Sales & Technical Support of several leading one-off & production boatyards and spar makers
Key role is the introduction and sale of new or improved laminating technologies, adhesives and foam cores
Successfully build confidence through product recommendations and many years of composite expertise
Exceptionally loyal customer base
Lead development into industrial components, architectural structures with fire retardant resins and prepregs
Key supplier of composite materials for Apple Stores, Steve Jobs Theater, Makkah Clock Tower and Haramain High Speed railway roof structures Support and development of distributor network in, Middle East, South Africa, Italy, Scandinavia and Benelux
In past also established distribution networks in France, Spain and South America
Established, grown and managed the company's largest distributors
Developed and drove training events for existing and prospective customers resulting in product awareness and customer retention
Scoping of new markets & territories
Built a strategy and turned it into commercial success
Actively work with Marketing Department creating brand, process and customer awareness through case studies, joint presentations, social media
Organize concurrent design meetings with designers, structural engineers, technical support and customer and other suppliers find best solution and construction process
Found a market and helped with development of FR product range for architectural structures
Participant of various international marine trade & composite shows and networking events including public presentations
Through extensive travel to over 35 countries on behalf the business culturally and religiously aware of local customs and practices in different parts of the world
Part of consortium winning 2015 JEC Innovation Award for Lightweight Bucket for Construction Work and 2019 IBI METS Trade Winner Collaborative Solution between Superyacht Builder and Supply Chain Partners
Monthly submission of forecasts, area and visit reports
Advise Product Management of competitor products & pricing, market analysis and needs
Work closely with Technical Support, Research & Development and Customer Support delivering best service and product
Annual sales between 9-17mln Euros per annum from a wide client base
Value varies due to territorial allocations and projects.
Expanded market share within the region by identifying growth opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Ensured customer satisfaction by addressing inquiries promptly, resolving issues, and providing exceptional service.
Cultivated strong partnerships with distributors and retailers to increase product visibility and drive sales volume.
Implemented innovative sales strategies that successfully penetrated new markets, boosting regional brand recognition.
Analyzed competitor offerings to devise targeted sales pitches, effectively differentiating our products from competitors in the marketplace.
Consistently exceeded annual territory revenue goals by prioritizing high potential accounts and executing customized action plans.
Enhanced overall customer experience by conducting regular account reviews, ensuring alignment with client objectives and company offerings.
Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts across multiple industries to ensure consistent revenue generation within the region''s jurisdiction.
Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients in assigned sales territories.
Contacted key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
Conducted product demonstrations and presentations to potential clients to capture more sales.
Finalized sales contracts with high-value customers.
Executed successful promotional events and trade shows.
Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps close deals.
Set up production and building of a Corby 33ft racing yacht.
Project coordination of 38’ custom blue water cruising yacht
Racing & delivery crew on 12M classic American flagged yacht ‘Onawa’
Attend various regattas as crew boss/tactician/skipper/trimmer/foredeck in Europe. As part of crew won various National and European titles.
Sales and Project Manager
CARBOSPARS LTD.
01.1998 - 06.2001
Manage worldwide technical sales
Project co-ordination with high profile private customers, boatyards and agents
Full budgetary control for each project
Organizing, building up and attending of national and international boat shows
Implement and manage marketing strategies
After sales assistance and customer care
Winner MacRobert Award for AeroRig unstayed rig
Winner DAME Award
Sales approx € 1,800,000 per annum.
Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
Managed projects from procurement to commission.
Chandlery and Yacht Brokerage Manager
EDGE OF WORLD
01.1997 - 12.1997
Sales Manager, stock control and purchase of products
Sale of new and brokerage yachts.
First Mate and Watch Leader
60' Sailing Yacht ‘OCEAN VENTURE'
09.1996 - 12.1996
Sailed from Australia to Singapore, via Indonesia
In charge of safe running of yacht, watch keeping, navigation, maintenance and housekeeping.
Enhanced vessel safety by conducting regular inspections and maintenance of all onboard equipment.
Managed inventory levels on board, ensuring adequate supplies for voyages while minimizing waste and unnecessary expenses.
Ensured safe navigation through various types of waterways using advanced technical knowledge in chart reading.
Conducted thorough pre-voyage checks to ensure ship''s seaworthiness, leading to increased confidence in vessel performance.
Addressed guest needs, questions, or concerns to create optimum experience onboard.
Operational Sales & Commissioning Assistant
OPAL MARINE LTD.
Hayling Island, United Kingdom
09.1993 - 01.1996
Demonstration sales and customer care
Commissioning and handover of yachts
Building up of boat shows and form part of the sales team.
Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
Sailing Instructor
‘t GARIJP
Goingarijp, The Netherlands
03.1989 - 06.1993
Taught one week sailing courses at all levels
Became Group Leader in 1990 and in charge of safe and efficient running of a comprehensive sailing program.
Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on sailing activities and real-life scenarios into lessons.
Collaborated with fellow instructors to develop improved teaching methods for increased student retention and success rates.
Conducted comprehensive safety lectures, ensuring all students were well-prepared for potential hazards on the water.
Implemented innovative teaching techniques, resulting in heightened student engagement and satisfaction levels.
Provided personalized feedback to students, enabling them to improve their sailing skills and achieve personal goals.
Conducted regular equipment inspections, guaranteeing optimal functionality for safe and efficient training sessions.
Coordinated team-building exercises for students, strengthening teamwork skills essential for success in group sailing activities.
Established rapport with diverse groups of learners by adapting instructional strategies to suit individual needs.
Continuously updated personal knowledge of sailing practices, attending professional development workshops as needed to ensure top-quality instruction.
Led skill assessments for new students, accurately placing them into appropriate training levels based on demonstrated abilities and knowledge gaps.
Completed pre- and post-season maintenance on boats and equipment.
Documented daily class attendance, performance, weather and other key details.
Education
Ba (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management -
Southampton Institute, Warsash Campus
Hampshire, United Kingdom
09.1993 - 08.1996
HAVO/MBO -
Abstede College
Utrecht, the Netherlands
12.1993
Skills
Fluent in Dutch, English and elementary knowledge of German
Certificate in Negotiation in Letter of Credit
Certificate in Small Craft Surveying
RYA/DoT Yachtmaster Offshore
Dutch Keelboat Instructors Certificate ZI-A
Gurit Sales Academy
Clean driving license
Client Relationship Management
Territory Sales Management
Market Research
Account Management
Lead Generation
New Business Development
Positive and Upbeat
CRM Software
Marketing Strategy
Consultative Sales
Extensive Personal Network
Product Knowledge
Market Intelligence
New Hire Onboarding
Brand Development
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 01/19/72
Nationality: Dutch
Marital Status: In relationship
Hobbies and Interests
(Ice) Sailing (cruising and racing)
Skating
Cross country skiing
Canoeing
Cycling
Travel
Photography
DIY
World Champion in Nautor Swan Class and International 8M Class (Neptune Trophy). Various other National and European titles in sailing.
Owner of motor trawler, Dragon and DN ice boat.
Volunteer Experience
2004-2014 Illusion Class Secretary – rule writing, press rapports, loaner boats day to day running of class – local class grew from 25 to 50 boats
2015 – 2019 - Finnish Dragon Class Sectary – part of organizing committee very successful 2018 Dragon Gold Cup in which 60 teams participated
2016 – Present METS Approval Committee member – One of 3 members who approve new or existing companies to exhibit at this world leading maritime exhibition.