Paul Sorvold

About Paul Sorvold

Enterprise growth doesn’t happen because of aggressive targets. It happens when trust, strategy, and discipline work together.Over the past 20+ years, I have built and led commercial organizations across industrial and technology-enabled markets by integrating relationship-based leadership with data-driven decision-making. I don’t believe in choosing between instinct and analytics, I believe in validating strong field insight with disciplined analysis to ensure growth is both sustainable and profitable.Today, I manage a $1.2B North America book of business by partnering at the C-suite level and strengthening enterprise account strategies, pricing models, and channel execution. Across strategic accounts exceeding $625M, I have driven consistent 3%–10% organic annual growth while implementing pricing and commercial programs that delivered an additional 7%–10% incremental top-line expansion independent of market lift.Earlier in my leadership journey, I transformed a multi-state region from $60M to $100M+ in revenue and delivered six consecutive years of double-digit growth while evolving sales culture from transactional order-taking to solution-based enterprise selling. I have restructured underperforming teams, modernized distribution strategies, introduced technology efficiencies, and built stronger alignment between sales, finance, marketing, and product teams to create scalable commercial systems.What differentiates my leadership is not only growth performance, it’s how that growth is achieved.My foundation was shaped through service as an E-5 Sergeant in the U.S. Army and Ohio Army National Guard, where integrity, accountability, and team-first leadership were non-negotiable. I carry those principles into every organization I serve. I believe titles are secondary to trust. I encourage dissenting viewpoints, coach emerging leaders intentionally, and measure success not only by revenue outcomes but by the strength of the team delivering them.I focus heavily on root-cause analysis (“the 5 Whys”) within customer portfolios to reestablish momentum when accounts stall. I ensure pricing decisions are supported by data, not emotion, and that commercial strategies discussed at the executive level are actionable in the field. Growth must translate beyond the boardroom.I am industry-agnostic and motivated by opportunities where disciplined commercial strategy, ethical leadership, and long-term value creation matter. I welcome conversations with organizations committed to scalable, high-integrity commercial growth.

Experience

1. Director Strategic Accounts

   Acuity

   Oct 2020 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   In this capacity, I achieve data-backed growth by operating at the C-suite level with customers and working with cross-functional teams. I manage and expand a $1.2B book of business across North America with ownership of customer relationships, pricing strategy execution, and enterprise account growth. Key highlights in this tenure include:Retained $625M+ in strategic accounts and delivered 3%-10% organic YoY growth in a competitive industrial lighting market.Led pricing and software implementation and enabled location, volume, and sales-based pricing strategies that contributed 7%–10% incremental top-line growth annually, independent of organic market expansion.Improved electronic invoicing penetration from 17%-18% to 55% of the customer base and improved transaction accuracy, speed, and customer experience by driving adoption of digital and operational efficiencies.Launched a 260-SKU product portfolio before COVID (with 70 foundational and high-velocity products) and maintained consistent customer focus and demand through market disruption.Introduced a differentiated go-to-market program for foundational SKUs by simplifying warranties, exchanges, and supply chain execution, which resulted in 5.5-6 inventory turns and sustained product availability.Led transition from a regional to a North America-wide role for establishing credibility following a highly regarded predecessor by rebuilding relationships, introducing new technology, and modernizing account engagement models.

Education

• Bowling Green State University

  Bachelor Science in Education, Minor in History & Economics

• Bowling Green State University

  Bachelor’s science, Education

Skills

• Product Development
• Lighting Controls
• Leadership
• Lighting Design
• Manufacturing
• Market Research
• Lighting Control
• Competitive Analysis
• Contract Negotiation
• International Sales
• Business Planning
• Purchasing
• Business Development
• Mentoring
• Product Marketing
• Project Management
• Sales Presentations
• Solid State Lighting
• Customer Service
• B2b
• Product Management
• Key Account Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Daylighting
• Forecasting
• Sales Management
• Pricing
• Sales
• Account Management
• Staff Supervision
• Strategic Planning
• Project Estimation
• New Business Development
• Crm