Stephen Robison

About Stephen Robison

A proven achiever with a robust background in Sales, New Business Development, National Account & Strategic Channel Management, Merchandising, and Product Marketing helping world-class companies achieve their goals. Expertise within the Consumer Durables and Home Furnishings fields working with iconic, industry leading brands. Skilled in optimizing the business potential within the retail national account, hospitality, independent dealer, emerging markets, furniture and mattress retail channels. Action oriented innovator helping companies in the development of new product introduction strategies, identifying market specific opportunities, and tactical execution plans. Experienced operating in highly competitive environments and organizations that demand continuous improvement. MBA & GE Six Sigma GreenbeltExpertise includes:• New business development, market & customer development, and channel expansion• Product marketing & retail merchandising• Developing and leading cross functional teams• National account management; Big Box, Club, Dept Store, Specialty Mass• Multi-Channel experience: National Retail, Builder, Hospitality, Independent Dealer, Licensing/Licensees, Specialty Retail, Wholesale Distributors• Idea generator, innovator, activator, critical thinker, creative problem solver, consensus builder• Product Development (incl. NPI process, product management, product planning, commercialization)

Experience

1. Vice President, Sales and Business Development

   Downlite

   Apr 2016 — Present · Louisville, KY, US

   Based in Mason, OH (just north of Cincinnati), DOWNLITE designs, develops, manufactures, and markets natural and synthetic filled bedding products including comforters, pillows, matress pads, blankets, throws, and more. Responsible for the sales, revenue generation, and margin delivery for the hospitality and mattress & furniture channels. Develop winning products, facilitate successful new product launches, with a focus on quality and a WIN-WIN mentality.

Education

• University of California, Berkeley

  MBA program, Haas School of Business

  1993 — 1994

• Indiana University Bloomington

  BS, Public Affairs & Journalism

  1982 — 1986

• Bellarmine University

  MBA, Business Management

  1998

Skills

• Idea Generation
• Creative Problem Solving
• Product Management
• Collaboration
• Process Improvement
• Leadership
• Creativity
• Strategy Execution
• Management
• Team Building
• Private Label
• Strategic Planning
• Account Management
• Channel Strategy
• Third Party Vendor Management
• Strategic Partnerships
• Introducing New Products
• National Accounts
• Product Marketing
• Merchandising
• Customer Marketing
• Retail Marketing
• Channel Strategy Development
• Innovation
• Sales Management
• Market Development
• Marketing
• Contract Negotiation
• Hospitality Industry
• Strategy
• Sales Operations
• Commercialization
• Pricing Strategy
• Forecasting
• Sales
• Negotiation
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Strategy
• Program Management
• Strategic Sourcing