The CMI Team
Michael began learning the business at age 15 while working part-time in his father Monroe's company. His dynamic, high-energy style and goal-oriented management has made CMI the progressive company it is today. He has spent half his life on an airplane, traveling the world to find new opportunities for the Sales team. He regularly attends national rep council meetings with our major manufacturers as well as related conventions and tradeshows worldwide. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota.
James has been with CMI for 28 years. His account responsibilities range from Best Buy, TV Shopping (ShopHQ, HSN, QVC), premium channels, mail order catalog, and U.S. distributors to retail. In the past he has led the sales efforts for Musicland, Montgomery Ward Direct and Title Wave. Not only selling to these channels, James has been involved with sourcing brands and private label programs for retail customers and brand expansions for U.S. - based companies. Out of these 28 years, he’s spent 20 of them traveling to China sourcing and looking for new opportunities to bring the U.S. market. Being ahead of the curve for the next hot product is always the goal. James has a B.A. degree from St. Cloud State University.
Brandon is a dynamic consumer products sales director and account team leader with nearly 20 years of multi-industry and product expertise, representing a portfolio of quality brands, vendors and factories. He has an outstanding record of achievement in sales team management, contract negotiations, account solution-based management, inventory and sales analysis. He also has a proven track record of developing strong relationships with executives, merchants, support staff, vendors and factories by utilizing a customer-centric consultative sales methodology. Brandon spent nine years at CMI specializing on Target Stores prior to joining SanDisk Corporation where he was responsible for many national accounts and over $300M in annual sales. Now back at CMI, he’s leveraging his relationships to drive business at Walmart, Sam’s, Costco, Staples, BJ’s Wholesale and Amazon. He has a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management.
Mark is an exceptional sales and merchandising executive with a proven track record in conceiving, developing and executing programs that create optimal sustained revenue growth in national and regional channels. Having worked in merchant roles at Target, Best Buy and ShopNBC in the past, Mark brings tremendous experience and knowledge for what’s needed to succeed, now that he’s on the sales side of the desk. Mark attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.
Chris is a dynamic sales leader with more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the consumer electronics and cellular markets. He has an excellent track record of developing new business, growing accounts and sales team development. He has achieved this by developing strong relationships with vendors, merchants and executives by working by the mantra of there is a winning solution for all parties. Prior to joining CMI, Chris worked for companies such as Imation, Wilson Electronics and Creative Labs where he managed sales in excess of $180 million. At CMI, Chris will work with Lowe’s, Menards, Groupon, Rural King, Tractor Supply, Gander Mountain and other key retail partners. Chris has a B.S. in Marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind.
Mike has over 25 years experience with large customers and is currently focused on The Home Depot. Prior to joining CMI, Mike worked at SanDisk and Casio, producing sales north of $300M annually. At The Home Depot, Mike can facilitate domestic or direct import programs, branded or private label, and get placement in THD stores, THD Pro and on homedepot.com.
Currently Mike has programs running with 30+ suppliers in 11 departments at The Home Depot.
Mike has a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich.
John is an account executive with more than 20 years of experience calling on the top major accounts in the Club, Mass and Specialty Retail categories. Following 17 years of selling for Fortune 500 companies, such as Philips Electronics, Fiskars and Imation, John transitioned to a Manufacturer’s Rep four years ago. He successfully managed businesses up to $200M of sales annually. Currently residing in Bentonville, Arkansas, John concentrates on Walmart, Sam’s Club and Bass Pro Shops across multiple departments. He’s driven, energetic and willing to take on a challenge as well as manage all facets of the process. John has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Gina is a sales representative and has been with CMI for over 18 years, calling on major accounts such as Target.com, Camping World, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wayfair and many catalog companies. In addition, she continues to provide administrative account support to multiple sales managers within the company. Gina has over 30 years of customer service and administrative experience as well as a background in hospitality, sales, real estate and hotel management. Gina graduated from McConnell Travel School for tourism and hospitality.
As the Controller, Kim is responsible for all accounting and finance activities across CMI. She brings over 30 years of progressive experience working for small and start-up businesses as well as world-wide corporations like Carlson Companies. Kim has led and participated in cross-functional teams focused on initiatives like Y2K, Month End Process Improvement, New Hire Orientation, creation of a Finance Training Manual, and Production Process Improvement. At Carlson Companies, Kim was awarded the 2000 Manager of the Year (Finance), the Finance Innovation Award, and the Production Innovation Award during her tenure. She has also applied her education and experience at CMI by converting the finance and accounting processes to computerized systems and implemented payroll direct deposit for employees. Some of her other responsibilities include: Contract Review, Human Resources and Facilities Management. Kim graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a B.A. degree in Entrepreneurship.
Jody currently provides administrative account support for Best Buy, Groupon, Heartland, Lowe’s, Menards, Tractor Supply and many other accounts for multiple sales managers within the company. Jody has been with CMI for over seven years and previously handled the coordination process for new and developing business ventures, as well as provided office support as our Administrative Assistant. Jody has more than 25 years of customer service and administrative support experience as well as a background in hospitality, sales, real estate and hotel management.
Heidi has 30 years of administrative experience. She’s responsible for sending out contracts to potential vendors and ensures the process is completed in a timely manner. In addition, she provides day-to-day office support by answering phones, handling trade show registrations, as well as various other duties. Heidi attended the University of Minnesota.
