Alex Testa
Regional Sales Manager - East & Mid West · Tank Stream Design
Philadelphia, PA
In My Own Words
With over six years as Regional Sales Manager at Tank Stream Design, and >15 years of international business development experience, I am a forward-thinking and results-oriented leader who enjoys building connections and delivering value to our retail partners. I manage and guide a team of in-house and independent sales consultants across the East coast and the Mid-West of the USA as well a key accounts in Quebec, setting annual sales targets and budgets, while identifying suitable retailers for each of our premium brands.
Having worked in multiple countries and with companies based around the world, I possess a high degree of international business knowledge and fluency in English, Italian and French. I enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions that benefit all stakeholders, while leading by example and supporting my colleagues through collaboration and mentorship. Outside of work, I have a deep love of the arts, music, and travel, and I am a passionate, and very good, cook.
Work Experience
Regional Sales Manager - East & Mid West
Tank Stream Design2019 – Present
Identify suitable retailer partners for each of our brands ensuring these partners understand our values both of the retail $$$ we are capable of delivering for them and how we like to work with our retailers - treating them as partners, nut just retailers purchasing our products. In the right cases, develop flagship accounts with full 'store-in-store' experiences which elevate both their retail presentations and our brands. Manage in house Outside Sales Representatives in their given territories as well as guide our independent sales consultants (approx. 25) across the East coast and south and mid-west of the USA. Set annual sales targets (volume and $$$) as well as travel budgets. Continually look for new sales opportunities within the region in both independent and multi-door retailers. Grown sales from $2M
Regional Sales Manager - Mid Atlantic & New England
Tank Stream Design2017 – 2019
Identify, evaluate and negotiate deals with top retail stores to develop Mid-Atlantic and New England markets. Foster relationships with key decision-makers to create in-store concept areas for showcasing premium products. • Increased sales by close to 3x in first 12 months; • Opened six flagship stores in first 12 months;
Director, Client Services & Retail
LMPI / LS-DNA2015 – 2016
Led 10-person team Controlled $30 million P&L / $140K operating budget Responsible for all English language publishers Promotions development and engagement with publishers, wholesalers and retail groups. Canadian wholesaler and retailer management
Director, Client Services
LMPI / LS-DNA2013 – 2014
Oversaw 11-person team, controlled $45 million P&L, and $150K operating budget with responsibility for all publishers.
Head of Client Services
LMPI / LS-DNA2011 – 2012
Guided 13-person team, controlled $50 million P&L, and $100K operating expense budget. Oversaw implementation of marketing and distribution plans for a portfolio of 4000+ titles.
International Business Development Manager
Marketforce (UK) Ltd2009 – 2011
Responsible for market development for North America, Southern/Eastern Europe and the Middle East as well as a small publisher-facing team.
International Territory Manager
Marketforce (UK) Ltd2005 – 2008
Directed two account managers to develop publisher sales. Managed all forecasting, planning, budgeting, and promotional development across the entire product portfolio in all export countries. • Made savings of +$105K p/a with new shipping arrangements to the U.S. with no resulting loss in sales; • Set up numerous new U.S. sales opportunities for publishers with retailers including Best Buy, Home Depot and Michaels.
International Sales & Marketing Manager
Marketforce (UK) Ltd2001 – 2004
Managed team of two account managers with responsibility for portfolio of 200+ titles from publishers including: IPC Media (now Time Inc UK); Anthem Publishing; Ian Allan; Archant Specialist. Worked with distributors in over 70 countries.
Graduate Trainee
H. Bauer Publishing1997 – 1999
One of three candidates selected from over 1,000 applicants for a new 18-month graduate development program.
Education
Italian; French; English; Maths; Physics; Drama; Geography; Religious Education
Christ's School1984 – 1989
O Level in Italian GCSE's in English, Maths, French, Physics, R.E., Drama, Geography, History