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Executive Leader | Driving Revenue & Engagement Through Innovative Experiential Strategies | Strategic Growth | Business Operations | Brand Marketing | Philanthropy

Logistics, Shipping & Operations

Dynamic Executive Leader with over 22 years of experience in driving substantial revenue…

As the Corporate Partnerships Manager, I collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Executive Leadership Team to build a comprehensive corporate partnerships and sponsorship revenue model for USA Triathlon. I work with the CDO to develop and implement a broad strategy for integrating the USAT Foundation and USAT Corporate Partnership initiatives.

I drive the long-term growth strategy for USA Triathlon's corporate revenue, analyzing relevant data to develop effective strategies, build strong relationships, secure multi-year contracts, and meet revenue goals through partnerships that support the organization's mission.

I maximize endemic and non-endemic sales by proactively prospecting, collaborating internally and externally, and maximizing partner opportunities. I create compelling sales materials and lead new business meetings, partnering closely with USAT teams.

I successfully close deals with prospective companies by demonstrating our unique value proposition, negotiating effectively, and onboarding new partners seamlessly.

Owning all partnership revenue, I conduct annual audits, track sales figures, and generate reports to monitor and evaluate the financial value of our partnerships. I also represent USAT at industry trade shows to develop and expand corporate relationships.

Senior Director Foundation Operations and Partnerships

•	Generated and managed all corporate partnership revenue, as well as oversaw
relationship management for partnerships
•	Spearheaded the development and execution of a proactive partnership
strategy aimed at optimizing revenue and providing value to partners, USA
Triathlon’s members, and constituents

Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships

Developed organization-wide sponsorship revenue goals and sales strategies in collaboration with Executive leadership
Managed a revenue pipeline of new partners, exceeding revenue goals
Structured, packaged, and priced Life Time event assets to maximize revenue and value to partners
Identified trends and prospecting categories, creating actionable partnership sales strategies
Maintained knowledge of key customer segments, research trends, emerging markets, and the changing landscape of sport sponsorship
Managed end-to-end marquee sponsorships, making strategic asset decisions, executing sponsorship activations, optimizing spend commitments, and measuring success
Acted as primary liaison to cultivate positive relationships with sponsors, their marketing agencies, and internal/external partners/staff
Collaborated with Life Time departments on sponsor-related matters to ensure partnership fulfillment obligations were met
Oversaw the planning and execution of sponsor activations at Life Time events and programs.

Director of Strategic Partnerships,

Provided critical leadership in coordinating day-to-day sales activities for sales representatives covering the Western United States
Organized sales territories, directed market research, established prospecting targets, and devised and implemented effective sales strategies to capture new business
Developed and implemented policies and procedures
Mentored and trained sales team to achieve defined sales goals and maximize success in a highly competitive sales environment

National Sales Manager

Conducted in-depth analysis of data to provide insights for the Run and Cycling industry
Created detailed reports and models to support decision-making processes
Managed accounts and developed relationships with clients in the industry
Formulated sales and market strategies based on analytical findings.

Run and Cycling Industry Analyst--Retail Sales and Marketplace Intelligence

Established and maintained relationships with specialty running store management to promote and merchandise new products
Managed territory operations, set prospecting targets, and developed sales strategies to acquire new business and grow current client base
Cultivated strong relationships with store owners and managers to analyze retail trends and propose sales-boosting solutions

Sales Representative--Run Specialty

Led daily store operations by developing standard operating procedures, monitoring sales metrics, and providing staff training
Oversaw the execution of marketing and product merchandising strategies, delegated staff duties, and ensured high quality standards
Played a key role in attaining a Top 50 ranking for a Running Specialty store nationwide and consistently boosted sales by up to 17% year-over-year.

Store Manager

Operations Specialist--Search and Rescue Swimmer

Ben Pickel is an Executive Leader at USA Triathlon in Denver metropolitan area, Colorado.

Ben Pickel — Executive Leader at USA Triathlon

Ben Pickel

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Education history

Michigan State University

Grand Rapids Community College