Mike Sobus, Business Executive Coach, Advisor, Boston MA

In his early teens Mike learned firsthand the critical importance of sales development and customer service when he assisted his father in the establishment of a thriving service station/repair shop/convenience store in his native city, Baltimore, Maryland. Mike’s Dad was a true entrepreneur even before it was vogue, and working with his Dad Mike learned firsthand critical lessons for startup businesses such as cash control and developing a Unique Selling Proposition.

Continuing his education, Mike graduated from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, with a BS in Chemistry. Upon graduation, he studied for the ministry where he combined a passion for service with teaching on the secondary school level. During his ministry training Mike also developed further his professional scientific skills and he was awarded a Ph.D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry from the University of Maryland. Thereafter Mike held a post-doctoral research position at Harvard. Following on his scientific education career Mike taught Chemistry and Biochemistry at Loyola College, Boston College and St. Joseph’s University.

During his 16 year with PQ Corporation, a chemical manufacturer in Philadelphia, PA Mike combined his love of science with a developing commercial eye. Moving from R&D to Marketing, he held positions of increasing responsibility- Market Development Manager, Product Manager, Marketing Manager and Commercial Manager. As part of his education in commerce Mike completed the MBA Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania during this time. A few of his major accomplishments during this period are:

• New Market Development: Developed $5 MM new market for silica gel adsorbents in the beverage industry in Japan and Korea; directed development of new profitable markets, such as PET film coatings, plastic additives and semiconductors, resulting in sales of $5 million annually. Opened new markets in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea resulting in sales growth of 25%.
• New Product Rollout: Directed the development and product rollout of a new generation silica gel adsorbent resulting in $1 million of additional annual sales.
• Start-up: Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, built a multiple product line Specialty Chemical Business for a new European joint venture. After 3 years sales had reached $30 million and profitability was 15%.
• New Business Development: Directed the development of a European nano-silica business of $10 million and supervised the construction of a new factory in the former East Germany.
• Turn-around Business: Returned Colloids Business to $2 million Operating Income from a $1 million loss position in 3 years by concentrating on increasing sales, developing new markets, introducing quality improvement and reducing operating costs.
• New Market Development: Directed development of new profitable markets, such as PET film coatings, plastic additives and semiconductors, resulting in sales of $5 million annually. Opened new markets in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea resulting in sales growth of 25%.
• Sales Management: Developed and trained a new sales team which seamlessly took over sales responsibility from a former distributor. The new sales team serviced our clients so well that a director of a major client wondered why we had not done this sooner.

His 16 years at PQ Corporation served as a tremendous venue for gaining critical experience for his next decade of executive leadership for ChemConnect, SupplyChainConnect and Silco International, all emerging high-tech organizations. As Vice President, Sales/Marketing, Mike was instrumental in rapid sales growth and represented the customer voice throughout the new product development process. Sample achievements include:

• Strategy and Planning: Developed 1 and 3 year Strategic Plans and Marketing Plans that set a new and successful direction for the business.
• Sales Management: Established sales representatives and distribution channels throughout the US that increased local representation and improved responsiveness 43%.
• Sales: Highly proficient at selling sophisticated hi-tech products to demanding customers. Directed sales development of the Procurement and Supply Chain Optimization software and services resulting in 20% revenue growth per quarter.
• Client Acquisition and Account Management: Developed /Managed Key Global Accounts: Colgate Palmolive, GE Plastics, Dow, DuPont, Abbott, Bristol Myers and Rohm and Haas (to name a few).

After this time Mike provided independent consulting for some close associates with whom he worked in his career. From developing business plans to establishing a market strategy and assembling a sales team, Mike discovered a strong pull to his real passion- people. It was during this time that he began researching the profession of business coaching and was introduced to the Professional Business Coaches Alliance (PBCA). He completed his training and licensing and now is an active member of PBCA. He founded Next Level Business Development in the summer of 2009.

Mike is very happily married and resides in Peabody, Massachusetts in the beautiful North Shore of Boson. Though not a native New Englander, Mike was inducted quickly into Red Sox Nation and now enjoys the summer roller coaster saga of the Yankee – Red Sox rivalry.