Director of Business Development at Natura Tobacco & Cigar Company (2024-10 – Present)
- Developed and expanded Natura's premium cigar distribution network across Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland
- Built strategic relationships with wholesalers, brokers, and premium retail accounts through consultative sales and territory development
- Increased regional brand visibility through in-store activations, cigar events, golf outings, charity fundraisers, and consumer engagement programs
- Conducted competitive market analysis and delivered actionable sales insights to leadership to support growth initiatives and product positioning
- Led retail staff education and product training to strengthen brand consistency and customer experience
- Managed inventory planning and forecasting to support growing market demand and minimize out-of-stock conditions
- Secured new retail placements and repeat business across multiple premium cigar accounts
- Elevated Natura's market positioning through coordinated brand partnerships and targeted lifestyle marketing initiatives
Owner/Operator - Retail Smoke Shop Business at Grassy Plain Smoke, LLC (2019-05 – 2024-06)
Owned and operated two high-volume retail smoke shop locations specializing in premium cigars, tobacco products, oral nicotine, CBD, vape products, and accessories.
- Managed all aspects of business operations including sales strategy, merchandising, inventory management, staffing, vendor negotiations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance
- Generated $2.9M in non-tobacco product sales through category expansion, merchandising strategy, and consumer trend analysis
- Developed strong relationships with distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturer representatives to optimize purchasing and promotional opportunities
- Utilized sales reporting and analytics to forecast demand, identify growth opportunities, and maximize profitability
- Successfully negotiated and executed profitable business exit through strategic operational improvements and market positioning
Business Development Manager at East Hills Auto Group (2015-02 – 2017-08)
Recruited to launch and manage centralized Business Development Center for four automotive dealerships.
- Hired, trained, and managed team of 25 inside sales representatives
- Generated 3,696 unit sales resulting in $8.5M gross profit through lead management and customer retention initiatives
- Developed KPI reporting systems and performance analytics for executive leadership
- Implemented CRM process improvements to optimize communication, lead conversion, and sales performance
- Achieved 90%+ General Motors Standards for Excellence scores for nine consecutive quarters, generating additional $1.3M revenue
Owner/Operator of 3 Retail Locations & 1 Mobile Retail Unit at North Shore Tobacco, Ltd. (1997-10 – 2015-02)
Owned and operated three retail tobacco locations and one mobile cigar retail unit focused on premium cigars and tobacco products.
- Managed $1.4M annual operating budget including inventory purchasing, vendor negotiations, merchandising, and financial oversight
- Built long-term relationships with premium cigar manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and loyal retail customers
- Increased revenue through strategic merchandising, product expansion, consumer engagement, and innovative retail concepts
- Conceptualized and launched "The Good Humidor Man," a first-of-its-kind mobile cigar retail truck featured in The New York Times
- Forecasted industry trends and introduced emerging product categories to increase revenue and market competitiveness
- Developed and trained retail staff through ongoing coaching, product education, and customer service initiatives
- Maintained strong operational standards within a highly regulated industry environment
Owner/Operator - Fast & Casual Restaurant at Firehouse Subs (2012-05 – 2014-12)
- Awarded first multi-location development agreement in New York State by franchisor
- Managed staffing, operations, customer service, marketing, and compliance for high-volume franchise location
- Led local marketing campaigns and tracked performance metrics within franchisor brand standards
- Recruited, trained, and supervised team of 40 employees
- Maintained strong customer satisfaction and operational performance standards
Vice President of Advertising at Lockwood Publications (1995-07 – 1997-09)
Managed national advertising accounts for consumer cigar magazine Smoke and trade publication Smokeshop.
- Increased advertising revenue from $850K to $3.3M over three-year period
- Developed strategic partnerships with cigar industry executives through domestic and international business travel
- Created consumer cigar events generating additional annual revenue streams
- Collaborated on integrated marketing and advertising campaigns to strengthen client relationships and brand exposure
Territory Sales Manager/NYC 5 Boroughs, Nassau & Suffolk at Osbon Medical Systems (1993-05 – 1995-06)
Managed NYC, Nassau, and Suffolk territory for medical device sales across urology, endocrinology, and cardiology channels.
- Increased unit sales by 59% and expanded retail account network by 52%
- Achieved 95% customer conversion rate through consultative education and relationship-focused selling
- Consistently exceeded monthly sales quotas and earned promotion opportunity to Regional Manager
