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Read McNamara
Professional Background
Read McNamara is a seasoned sales professional with over 17 years of comprehensive experience in enhancing and growing category-leading as well as early-stage natural and organic consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. He has established himself as an expert in sales planning and strategy, leveraging actionable insights and data analytics to drive business performance. His expertise spans various channels of trade including natural and specialty, conventional retail, club stores, drug, foodservice, and on-premise markets, enabling him to navigate the complexities of the evolving marketplace effectively.
As a Regional Sales Manager East at Bragg Live Food Products, LLC, Read has been pivotal in expanding brand reach and visibility in a competitive sector. He has successfully managed relationships with key accounts across major grocery retailers, ensuring optimal positioning of products while actively engaging in the development of dynamic sales strategies tailored to maximize growth. His prior experience as National Sales Manager at Kicking Horse Coffee underscores his ability to lead sales efforts on a broader scale, where he championed strategies that enhanced brand awareness and sales performance across conventional channels.
Read has also held significant roles at recognized brands within the organic food domain. His previous positions include serving as Regional Sales Manager Northeast at The Republic of Tea, where he developed and implemented growth strategies that strengthened the brand's presence, as well as the Regional Sales Manager East at Weetabix North America / Barbara’s Bakery Inc., contributing to the growth of beloved breakfast products. Each of these roles has equipped him with a rich understanding of market dynamics, enabling him to apply best practices in sales management across diverse product categories.
Education and Achievements
Read’s educational background is rooted in a unique blend of Music and Psychology, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyon College. This foundation has not only enriched his appreciation for creativity and cultural nuances but also enhanced his understanding of human behavior—skills that are incredibly beneficial in the sales industry. Graduating from St. George's School with a High School Diploma further solidified his academic credentials, allowing him to pursue a career where analytical as well as interpersonal communication skills are paramount.
Throughout his career, Read has excelled in various competencies that are critical for driving sales success. Some of these include sales forecasting, budgeting, promotional analysis, return on investment (ROI) assessments, and extensive training and coaching. He possesses advanced skills in interpreting data through tools such as IRI, Nielsen, and SPINS analysis, enabling informed decision-making that leads to optimized sales strategies. His proficiency in omnichannel shopper marketing also reflects his deep understanding of consumer behavior across different platforms, fostering engagement and brand loyalty among diverse consumer segments.
Achievements
Read’s career is marked by numerous noteworthy achievements that reflect his capabilities and commitment to excellence. His hands-on experience with various distributors such as UNFI, KeHE, Sysco, and others has allowed him to create effective distribution networks that facilitate product accessibility and market penetration. Furthermore, his HR call experience with top-tier retailers such as Kroger, Albertsons/Safeway, and Whole Foods Market showcases his ability to collaborate with industry leaders to drive business objectives.
Read has developed a reputation as a dedicated sales professional who consistently demonstrates innovative thinking and a proactive approach in sales management. His commitment to professional development is evidenced by his engagement in training and coaching, empowering his teams to achieve their full potential while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Given his success in penetrating diverse markets, leading high-performing teams, and building strong customer relationships, Read continues to be an influential figure within the CPG sector, dedicated to promoting the growth of natural and organic brands in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
Clay offers several powerful features including:
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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