Benji Clause

About Benji Clause

For more than two decades in progressive leadership roles with the same employer, I’ve offered exceptional guidance and leadership while managing large teams responsible for the sale and distribution of industrial products and services across the United States. My success has been consistently reflected in positive P&L outcomes, growth, and leadership.In my current role as the Regional Vice President for UniFirst Corporation – one of the nation’s leading supplier of uniforms and commercial products – I serve as a direct line advisor, strategist, and consultant to the company’s CEO and executive management team. There, I am trusted to manage complex business negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and the execution of strategic initiatives that maintain rapid growth and organizational efficiency. Having risen through UniFirst’s leadership structure from General Manager to RVP, I built a strong reputation for success as I gained the skills and insight necessary to serve in an executive leadership role.While my impact as a leader shows strongly in company financial success, I am equally proud of my ability to build strong, productive team members. Throughout my tenure, I mentored and trained 40+ high-potential team members, allowing them to achieve their desired career progression by investing in development of individual strengths. I am considered a motivating executive leader with an unparalleled work ethic that inspires others to achieve beyond expectation. I welcome your connection request so that we can share ideas, insights, and opportunities.

Experience

1. Regional Vice President

   UniFirst Corporation

   Jan 2012 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   As a direct, first-line report to the executive leadership team and CEO, direct market leadership teams overseeing the day-to-day execution of strategic plans across 24 operations in 9 states over a $200M P&L. Oversaw large, matrixed operations teams consisting of 9 General Managers, 15 Brand Managers, 2 Regional Managers, a Regional Production Manager, 300 Commercial Service Routes and 1,200+ employees. Leverage key financial reports to effectively allocate resources toward performance Highlights & Contributions:* Achieved 8% average annual growth across ten years, the highest rate in the UniFirst organization.* Directed 25+ acquisitions as a key driver of M&A activities, leveraging expertise in negotiations, change management, and team leadership to solidify processes, programs, and cultural changes during integration and alignment of joined divisions.* Following promotion to RVP, swiftly evaluated gaps in service delivery and addressed concerns by upgrading staff quality by recruiting individuals with desired skills, qualifications, and talents.* Delivered annual divisional growth margins of 42% compared to company average of 37%.* Transitioned multiple employees into organizational leadership positions, offering individualized coaching and mentoring to help team member achieve career advancement.* Successfully managed increasing demand for products during early stages of COVID-19 pandemic.

Education

• Rochester Institute of Technology

  Executive Masters of Business Administration, Business and International Studies

  2010 — 2011

• Indiana University Bloomington

  BA, Psychology with Minor in Biology

  1996 — 2000