Craig Ericsson

About Craig Ericsson

I’m a career Business Development Representative and Business Development Consultant at Ad Astra, focused on helping organizations uncover smarter, more effective ways to solve operational challenges and drive growth.In my role, I generate and qualify new sales opportunities through high-volume inbound and outbound outreach across calls, email, and social channels. I lead first-touch conversations and discovery meetings with target accounts, building a strong, consistent pipeline while managing post-engagement follow-ups that convert interest into first meetings and Sales Qualified Leads.I consistently meet and exceed quota by combining thoughtful account and industry research with value-based selling—prioritizing real business needs, not just surface-level interest. I work closely with Regional Vice Presidents to ensure smooth handoffs of qualified opportunities, setting deals up for long-term success.In addition to core prospecting, I support lead generation through conferences and trade shows, with timely, intentional post-event follow-up to maintain momentum and maximize ROI.I’m driven by meaningful conversations, disciplined execution, and the satisfaction of turning curiosity into qualified opportunity.

Experience

1. Business Development Consultant

   Ad Astra

   Feb 2026 — Present · US

   Drive pipeline growth by generating and qualifying new sales opportunities through inbound and outbound outreach. Build strong relationships with target institutions by leading first engagements, managing follow-ups, and securing discovery meetings using value-based selling. Consistently meet or exceed quotas for first meetings and SQLs while researching accounts, leveraging social media, and staying current on industry trends. Partner closely with senior sales leadership to transition qualified opportunities and support territory growth through conferences, trade shows, and strategic prospecting

Education

• Center Senior High

  Diploma, General Studies

• Central Methodist University

  Jacksonville State University, Emergency Management

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Account Management
• New Business Development
• Solution Selling
• Sales Management
• Direct Sales
• Selling
• Product Marketing
• Key Account Development
• Crm
• Advertising
• Strategy
• Team Building
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Customer Service
• Management
• Team Leadership
• Business Development
• Social Media
• Sales Operations
• Marketing Strategy
• Microsoft Office
• Negotiation
• Lead Generation
• Strategic Planning
• Online Advertising
• Strategic Partnerships
• Coaching
• Sales
• Marketing
• Sales Process
• B2b
• Sales Presentations
• Cold Calling
• International Sales
• Project Management
• Budgets
• Salesforce.com
• Contract Negotiation
• Key Account Management
• Forecasting