1. James A. Bemister
6670 S W Bayshore Dr.. Traverse City, Michigan 49684 (517) 240-0805 jamesbemister@yahoo.com
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Accomplished sales professional with exceptional customer relations and interpersonal skills. Specializes in establishing and
meeting individual customer needs. Skilled in building and maintaining new accounts. Maintains a blend of flexibility, high
energy, and professional performance. Strong presentation, negotiation, closing and troubleshooting skills.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AVON-ISI - SCBA and ‘thermal imaging’ camera manufacturing. 2007 - 2014
Regional Sales Manager
Three state territory including Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Responsibilities include distributor training and end-user sales calls and training.
Highest Sales , Gross Profit for 5 of last 6 years.
TVI CORPORATION - Leading Manufacturer of Rapidly Deployable Shelter Systems & Respiratory Products 2002 – 2007
Respiratory Specialist (2006 – 2007)
Coordinate regional distribution and perform training and fit testing for eastern United States territory.
As in previous position, set up new distribution and work with current distributors and end-users.
Regional Sales Manager (2002 – 2005)
Started new territory consisting of 12-state region; worked closely through Homeland Security Funding to standardize 9
of the 12 states with over 50% TVI branded decontamination equipment and Wisconsin at 100%.
Oversaw the addition of Hagemeyer North America as a new distributor; became a Centaur supplier for 2007.
FISHER SCIENTIFIC - Large National Safety Supply Distributor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 2000 – 2002
Safety Specialist
Directly supported research personnel and health-care representatives, covering West Michigan territory.
Served as key contact for 3 national accounts including, Rohm Haas/Morton Salt, Dynegy, and PG&E.
Involved with domestic preparedness and weapons of mass destruction, and personal protective equipment with county
and state EMS departments and various hospitals.
Consistent member of 100% Club recognizing sales accomplishments.
SAFETY SERVICES, INC. - Large Michigan-Based Safety Supply Distributor, Kalamazoo, Michigan 1998 – 2000
Customer Account Manager / Fire Safety Product Manager
Redeveloped neglected Eastern Michigan territory, assisting primarily industrial and municipal clients.
Initiated the development of a service and rental facility, servicing SCBA’s and instrumentation.
SELLSTROM MANUFACTURING - Mid-size manufacturer of safety products, Palatine, Illinois 1993 – 1998
District Sales Manager
Assumed direct responsibility for 273 distributors in seven states.
Worked with distributors on end-user accounts in new business development.
Conducted inside and outside sales training at the distributor level / fit testing on end-user level.
Participated in promotional events and local/national safety and welding shows.
VALLEN SAFETY SUPPLY COMPANY 1990 – 1993
Territory Manager, Lower MichiganTerritory, excluding Detriot Metro area
Directed sales and training of 400+ account territory.
Recommended proper safety products based on plant applications, following through with staff training.
Managed day-to-day operations of satellite branch/service center in Midland, Michigan.
Ensured daily delivery and service of respiratory and safety products to Dow Chemical Corporation.
Achieved a 230% sales increase within 3 years.
Awarded highest percentage in gross profits for fiscal year 1992 – Midwest Region.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
JACKSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Jackson, Michigan – Business Coursework
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Traverse City, Michigan – Business Coursework
Successful completion of several courses, including Texas A&M Industrial Fire School, 40 hour Hazmat, 3M Fit Test Cert.
