Mike Colligon

About Mike Colligon

Most business owners think AI is for tech companies.I\'ve spent 40+ years proving otherwise—first by building a $17M book of business in commercial foodservice equipment, now by helping traditional businesses implement AI without the intimidation.As Principal & CMO at High Sabatino Associates, I lead marketing and sales strategies for a fourth-generation manufacturer\'s rep firm serving Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia since 1957. I\'ve worked with 200+ clients—K-12 schools, universities, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and government agencies—to optimize kitchen operations and specify equipment that actually works for their business.The results speak for themselves:→ 98%+ customer satisfaction through strategic campaigns→ 25% increase in online visibility→ 30% improvement in prep efficiency through targeted solutions→ Expanded market share across municipal, state, and federal contractsI also serve on the MAFSI Board of Directors (Region 5) the MAFSI Conference Committee 2026 and co-founded hosted The Good, The Bad, and the Foodservice Industry podcast.But here\'s what I\'ve learned: The same relationship-driven approach that builds trust with operators and consultants is exactly what\'s missing from the AI conversation.That\'s why I founded AI Elevates—helping growth-minded business owners implement smarter systems without sacrificing their personal touch. My approach: Automation Without Intimidation.Whether you need equipment solutions that align with your business goals or want to explore how AI can free up your time without losing what makes you you—let\'s talk. DM me or connect at HighSabatino.com

Experience

1. Principal & Chief Marketing Officer

   High Sabatino Associates

   May 2000 — Present

   As Principal and CMO, I lead all brand, marketing, and business development efforts to position High Sabatino as a trusted leader in commercial foodservice equipment solutions. My focus is on driving B2B growth through strategic marketing, team leadership, and deep industry partnerships. Key Responsibilities & Achievements:Developed and executed targeted inbound marketing strategies that boosted brand visibility and lead generation, contributing to 25% growth in online engagement.Built and scaled the sales organization, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and performance coaching to maintain a high-performing team.Led cross-channel campaigns (email, SEO, digital content) tailored to operators, distributors, and consultants, resulting in improved conversion rates and deeper engagement.Educated clients and partners on equipment features and best-use practices through training, demos, and consultative selling—improving adoption and satisfaction.Expanded market share by leading B2B sales initiatives into new verticals including municipal, state, and federal agencies.Successfully secured new manufacturer partnerships and grew accounts across diverse segments, from independent restaurants to institutional clients.These efforts have directly contributed to increased sales revenue, stronger industry partnerships, and a sustained reputation for excellence in the foodservice equipment industry.

Education

• Father Judge HS

  High School

  1979 — 1983

• Vanderbilt University

  Certificate in Modern Contextual Protocol for Leaders in Generative AI, Modern Contextual Protocol for Leaders in Generative AI

• Augment.org

  Augment MBA Certificate, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

• Vanderbilt University

  Certificate in Prompt Engineering, Prompt Engineering for Generative AI Specialization — Vanderbilt University

• University of Richmond

  Completed significant coursework toward a double major in Psychology and Education, Psychology and Childhood Education

Skills

• Contract Negotiation
• Selling
• Start-Ups
• B2b
• Small Business
• Sales
• Forecasting
• Management
• Team Building
• National Accounts
• Account Management
• Budgets
• Sales Process
• Strategic Planning
• Sales Operations
• Solution Selling
• Customer Service
• Marketing
• Sales Management
• Sales Presentations
• Social Networking
• Email Marketing
• Inventory Management
• Coaching
• Negotiation
• Marketing Strategy
• Purchasing
• Direct Sales
• Social Media Marketing
• Training
• New Business Development
• Budgeting
• Personal Development
• Entrepreneurship