Charles Lange

About Charles Lange

CJ LANGE is the President and CEO of IBVI (Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.) and the architect of a highly successful career in which he has innovated around technology, consistently implemented and executed strategies successfully, and unified the organization in creating business opportunities for the blind and visually impaired. With keen insight in identifying new channels for business development, and building and managing high-performing teams that fuel growth and creative positive change, CJ drives IBVI’s mission to create superior customer products and services and be a difference-maker in people’s lives. Drawing upon his background in science and love of music, CJ brings well-roundedness, sensitivity and an analytical and methodological approach to both business and life. He credits his extensive clinical experience in nurturing his critical thinking and problem solving skills. A performing musician, singer and songwriter since age 7, CJ’s 15 years as a bandleader have taught him discipline, preparation and the value of working to exceed customer expectations. Both the sciences and humanities have imbued him with a strong sense of empathy, a quality on which he places a premium in business and one which will differentiate him as an organizational leader. Known for his stellar communication skills, meticulous attention to detail and natural mentoring quality, CJ’s strength is in understanding the power of delegation in executing strategy, and he thrives in situations where he can develop and implement ideas, match task with talent and drive tangible business results. His commitment to excellence is rooted in a philosophy of servant leadership and holding himself accountable to the highest professional standards. By focusing on the aspirations of others and investing in their success, CJ will develop strong future leaders, continue on a path of innovation and growth, and effect positive change within the organization.

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Industries For The Blind & Visually Impaired

   May 2000 — Present · West Allis, WI, US

   Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc,(IBVI), originally founded in 1948 as a manufacturing company, is a nonprofit organization with the goal of attracting federal government businesses, who are mandated by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act, to buy products and services from manufacturers and organizations that hire blind and visually-impaired professionals and expand blind employment opportunities. From humble beginnings, IBVI has moved from a simple purveyor of brooms and brushes to a highly innovative $100+ million organization that is a robust and multi-faceted operation featuring industry-leading advances in supply procurement, world-wide distribution, cutting-edge e-tail technology, and custom product solutions.In his current role, CJ leads a highly dedicated and innovative staff of business unit leaders that focus on business opportunities that feed IB\'s mission of employment first while also providing needed revenue streams to support those mission objectives. He is expanding on a stellar history of innovation by leading a growth-oriented sales team and oversees the collective marketing and business development efforts of the organization.Additionally, CJ also serves on IBVI’s Board of Directors. CJ drives the IBVI brand and places a premium on building cohesive, trust-based relationships. He is always looking for new and creative outlets through which to build IBVI’s value proposition. CJ focuses on mentoring and empowering others, building high-quality teams that embrace an innovative mindset and connecting strategy to execution in order to best serve the needs of their expanding customer base.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  Bachelor of Science, Microbiology

  1991 — 1994

• DeVry University

  Masters, Information Systems Management

  2000 — 2003

Skills

• Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Operations
• Sales Process
• Strategic Leadership
• Sales
• Recruiting
• E-Commerce
• Contract Negotiation
• Budgets
• Customer Service
• Team Leadership
• Business Development
• Strategy
• Public Speaking
• Sales Process Development
• Program Management
• Public Relations
• Product Development
• Social Media
• Event Management
• Customer Satisfaction
• Community Outreach
• Vendor Relationships
• Account Management
• Marketing Communications
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Building Strong Business Relationships
• Sales Management
• Leadership
• Team Building
• Sales Process Implementation
• Project Management
• Management
• Nonprofits
• Program Development
• New Business Development
• Forecasting
• Strategic Partnerships
• Retail