ANDREW FRIAS
Wheaton
Summary
Knowledgeable Sales & Operations Director with proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects that resulted in significant process improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Forum Operations
Q1 Productions
01.2011 - Current
- Lead production and sales teams in creating and delivering high-impact healthcare and life sciences conferences, driving industry-specific content, and attracting key customers.
- Lead business development initiatives to secure sponsorship opportunities, overseeing RFP management, sales strategy, and client engagement.
- Designed and implemented key account plans and go-to-market (GTM) strategies for new and existing forums, driving increased engagement and attendance from concept to execution.
- Procured over 200 C-suite, VP, and Director-level speakers, leading the creation of agendas for 8 forums in 2024.
- Delivered impactful opening speeches and moderated numerous C-suite and VP-level panel discussions at our industry events.
- Created and implemented processes for speaker and attendee acquisition and management, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Coordinate 80+ onsite one-on-one meetings between clients and vendors per event, fostering strong business relationships.
- Recruited, trained, and managed a team of over 50 account executives, market research assistants, and program managers, contributing to professional growth and team success.
- Led divisional growth from 50 attendees ($200K annual revenue) in 2011 to 400+ attendees ($1.2M annual revenue) in 2022, an 800% revenue increase.
- Collaborated with CRM consultants to design and develop a Salesforce database, capturing 40,000+ leads.
- Played a key role in rebranding efforts to revamp company ethos, vision, and core values.
Senior Account Executive
Marcus Evans
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Recruited C-suite and VP executives for legal, financial, and medical summits, facilitating successful meetings between attendees and vendors.
- Secured over 50 high-level attendees for summits, including the Chief Litigation Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Counsel Summits.
- Selected by the COO to attend and help facilitate 8 major summits in 2010.
- Ranked Top 5 in North America for sales in May 2010, leading to promotion to Senior Account Executive.
Regional Manager, Business Development
The Premise Group
03.2009 - 12.2009
- Managed a team of inside sales representatives across territories, handling sales contracts with Sears Home Services, BJ’s Wholesale Clubs, and the Atlanta Braves.
- Recruited, developed, and led a team of 12 sales reps, consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- Drove 40+ new appointments per week for Sears Home Services B2B & residential sales reps.
- Secured over $100K in new sales through collaboration with the Atlanta Braves for corporate ticket packages.
General Manager
Lacoste (Devanlay Industries)
01.2008 - 03.2009
- Managed operations for a retail store with $3.5M annual revenue in Woodfield Mall, leading efforts to optimize store performance and reduce shrinkage.
- Implemented stockroom process changes that reduced shortages by 2% within the first six months.
- Collaborated with the Director of Stores to analyze financial performance and maximize operating results.
- Developed a client management program, later implemented across three Chicagoland stores to improve resource allocation and customer service.
Customer Experience Manager
Banana Republic (Gap Inc)
03.2004 - 01.2008
- Managed sales, inventory, and staffing for multiple, high-volume stores, including Woodfield Mall, Deer Park, Northbrook, and Vernon Hills.
- Led the Vernon Hills (+$12M annual revenue) store to six consecutive quarters of positive revenue growth year-over-year.
- Achieved the highest retention rate in the region (85%+) for staffing and managed a team of 40-60 associates.
Education
Business Management -
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL01.2003
Skills
- C-level Executive Relationship Management
- Client Relationship Management & Retention
- Full Sales Cycle Management & Strategy
- Organizational Leadership
- Vendor & Contract Negotiation
- Brand Alignment & Strategy Development
- Public Speaking & Presentation Leadership
Websites
Timeline
Director, Forum Operations
Q1 Productions
01.2011 - Current
Senior Account Executive
Marcus Evans
01.2010 - 01.2011
Regional Manager, Business Development
The Premise Group
03.2009 - 12.2009
General Manager
Lacoste (Devanlay Industries)
01.2008 - 03.2009
Customer Experience Manager
Banana Republic (Gap Inc)
03.2004 - 01.2008
Business Management -
College of DuPage