Mike Kardelis

About Mike Kardelis

I am passionate about…Skills Checklist- Developing long-term growth strategies based on clear volume, price and innovative sales & marketing concepts- Beverage sales in a designated territory covering three counties with customers - Meeting and exceeding sales objectives in the retail/service/restaurant/food service vendor industry - Creating contract solutions for high volume customers- New product launches including Monster, Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds Mcafe - Creating POS solutions and ordering par levels for customer base - Prospecting new business and customers in territory- Coca-Cola Freestyle certified and seller within territory - Event marketing strategic planning, execution & PR- Management of corporate & field staff- Proficiency in creative/promotional process- Brand development & strategies- Sponsorship- Promotions- Direct Marketing- Social Media Marketing- Valuations- Contractual acumen & negotiations- Full range of Marketing disciplines & Social Media- Sponsorship Evaluations- On-Premise Sales Tactics

Experience

1. Business Development Manager - Wi Mn Nd Sd

   Gorilla Energy Drink

   Jan 2026 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   Gorilla Energy, a top 10 global energy brand, is disrupting the energy category and launched in the US in 2024. Backed by expertise across various beverage brands, Gorilla Energy is a unique startup with a history of success in delivering great-tasting items with transparent ingredients, as well as forging strong social and distribution partnerships. Join us as we grow and transform the energy drink market in the US!I am the Business Development Manager lead in WI, MN, ND and SD to drive the distribution and sales of Gorilla Energy to independent retail outlets and ensure strong DSD execution across chain accounts. I will be on the front lines, ensuring our product reaches consumers and establishes a strong market presence.My focus and responsibilities will consist of the following:· Own business development process across assigned territory of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota· Build relationships with retailers, securing product placements, and executing promotional activities to boost brand awareness and sales.· Collaborate with store owners and decision-makers to secure and maintain new distribution of Gorilla Energy in assigned market area territories.· Communicate local retail opportunities to DSD partners· Improve existing retailer performance through SKU expansion, off shelf POI, etc.· Implement shelf resets to incorporate samples of Gorilla Energy.· Place Point of Sale (POS) material, including shelf tags, brand awareness materials, and displays.· Provide training and support to store owners on ordering processes through Gorilla Energy\'s Direct Store Delivery (DSD) partners.· Educate store decision-makers on the Gorilla Energy brand and its benefits.· Attend team meetings as directed by your manager, typically through team calls.· Utilize the Gorilla Customer Management App to track account execution.· Analyze data from the Gorilla app to track progress and identify areas for improvement.· Launch new markets & Distributors

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  Communications, Public Relations & Marketing

  1997 — 2001

Skills

• Sponsorship
• Direct Marketing
• Integrated Marketing
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Brand Development
• Marketing Management
• Sales Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media Marketing
• Event Planning
• Relationship Marketing
• Management
• Business Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Program Management
• Sponsorship Activation
• Sponsorship Program Development
• Event Management
• Corporate Events
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Mobile Marketing
• Marketing Communications
• Digital Marketing
• Product Launch
• Sports Marketing
• Brand Awareness
• Strategic Planning
• Advertising
• Brand Management
• Trade Shows
• Creative Strategy
• Account Management
• Guerrilla Marketing
• Market Planning
• Interactive Marketing
• Lead Generation
• Strategic Partnerships
• Online Advertising
• Email Marketing