Bruce Bell

Experience

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  NORDICA USA, INC

  Jan 1987 - Aug 1991

  Sales Representative

  Initial field experience as technical and sales rep. Learned to take personal ownership of each customer relationship. Provided sales/service of ski boots, bindings and accessories to specialty shops in Vermont, western Massachusetts and Connecticut.Earned Eastern Regional Sales Rep of the Year, 1991.

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  Specialized Bicycle Components

  Oct 1991 - Apr 1994

  Territory Manager

  Top-tier US bicycle manufacturer: On the forefront of innovation and; Recruited during sales-force reorganization and challenged to increase revenue in underperforming, underserviced territory. Researched/analyzed business and dealer performance and distribution concerns. Fostered/improved dealer relationships. Developed lucrative specialty-dealer network in Vermont, western Massachusetts, and upstate New York.Catapulted sales growth by 40-50% in each of first two years.Consistently met/exceeded ever-increasing monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals.Recognized as #2 Eastern Region Sales Representative.Won prestigious "Hardrock" Sales contest, for highest category-sales volume east of the Mississippi (one of only two awards nationally). Show less

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  MOUNTAIN SPORTS & BIKE SHOP

  May 1994 - Sept 2004

  Owner/General Manager

  Challenged to expand this seasonal specialty-sports retailer to year-round sales. Managed sales, product selection, merchandising, advertising, website content, e-commerce and strategic planning, as well as day-to-day operations and P/L responsibility. Hired, trained and managed up to 10 seasonal and full-time staff members. Developed efficient systems for special orders, customer-reward programs and service department. Identified changing trends in bicycle industry and developed strategies to maintain top position in market. Developed/ implemented strategies to improve margins and inventory turns. Successfully sold business when recruited to Level North America.Highlights of accomplishments:Successfully expanded summer-only specialty shop to full-year retailer:launched and promoted winter-sports product lines; these sales rivaled summer sales within five years.established online sales component to broaden sports-market reach.Improved inventory tracking to sharpen sales-forecasting results:hired RMSA to churn and provide monthly inventory tracking;increased sales, decreased inventory and enhanced inventory turn. Maintained top-of-mind awareness in the local community: participated on the Stowe Conservation Commission, leveraging passion for sports safety to procure"Share the road" signage, paint crosswalks and construct sidewalks. Show less

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  Level North America, Inc.

  Sept 2004 - Dec 2010

  Director of Operations

  Recruited to structure and oversee start-up US operation for this Italian consumer-sporting-goods company. Spearheaded growth from one product line in the US to three product lines in the US and Canada. Manage distribution channels, customer service, accounting/financial reporting and third-party warehouse procedures. Assessed and realigned existing product offerings to meet current market demands. Developed forecasting tools and operational systems. Secured financing for both US and Canadian operations. Planned and coordinated migration from Peachtree to MS Dynamics GP, a scalable ERP system. Show less

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  Fit Werx

  Feb 2011 - now

  Manager, Buyer, Product Consultant

  Fit Werx provides "Rider First" solutions for the enthusiast cyclist. Our mission is to provide leading edge bicycle fitting solutions, innovative product selection, and total commitment to customer satisfaction to all cyclists interested in riding more comfortably, safely, and as efficiently as possible.Chosen to manage daily operations for this established leader in specialty bicycle products and services. Develop sales through increased exposure in local and regional markets. Identify changing trends and growth areas. Execute sales plans through product selection and marketing initiatives. Manage customer service, custom bicycle sales, provide fitting services, and purchasing. Show less