Zach Connolly
Chesapeake
Summary
Relationship-driven professional with 10+ years of experience influencing decision-makers, educating customers, and managing high-value portfolios. Most recently, 2+ years in B2B and B2G sales, building trust with diverse stakeholders and delivering tailored solutions that drive measurable results. Skilled in product demonstrations, territory planning, and consultative selling with strong follow-through and customer engagement. Seeking to transition skill set to a challenging sales role in medical or pharmaceutical industry.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ADS Inc.
Virginia Beach, VA
06.2024 - Current
- Strategically manage and grow a $115M portfolio, tailoring solutions to customer requirements and differentiating offerings through industry insights; achieved 127% to goal in 2025.
- Build rapport and trust with customers through consistent face-to-face interactions, needs assessments, and solution-focused conversations.
- Deliver product demonstrations, explain features and benefits, and provide education to help customers understand how solutions support their operational needs.
- Conduct targeted outreach, including cold calling, to expand territory reach and identify new contacts, accounts, and decision-makers.
- Consult with customers to recommend products aligned with mission requirements, budget constraints, and operational challenges.
- Generate and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities to meet annual sales goals; review sales data to refine territory plans and prioritize top targets.
- Partner with vendors to negotiate preferred pricing and advise customers on purchasing pathways, funding options, and contract mechanisms.
- Maintain high accuracy and compliance with contractual regulations, including oversight of multi-million-dollar awarded contracts.
- Provide exceptional customer service through timely responses via phone, email, and in-person meetings.
- Demonstrate strong follow-through and organization while managing a high volume of customer interactions and processing activities. Collaborate with inside sales, contracting, operations, and product teams to ensure cohesive execution of territory strategy and customer support.
MANAGER, HSE
Mitsubishi Chemical America
Chesapeake, VA
11.2020 - 06.2024
- Built strong relationships across all levels of the organization by leading with empathy and active listening.
- Delivered presentations, training, and educational sessions to groups of 10–50, strengthening communication skills essential for customer education.
- Influenced executives and cross-functional teams to adopt new programs and allocate resources — demonstrating persuasive communication and strategic thinking.
- Implemented a Safety & Health Management System that achieved OSHA VPP Star recognition.
- Consistently exceeded KPIs for program adoption, training completion, audits, and corrective actions. Ensured compliance with regulatory, legal, and ethical standards.
SPECIALIST, HSE
PepsiCo
Newport News, VA
04.2017 - 11.2020
- Managed multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
- Acted as a change leader, influencing employees and leadership to adopt new initiatives. Exceeded quarterly performance goals for new program rollouts and sustained existing KPIs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Health
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.2016
Skills
- Customer Relationship Building — Engages diverse stakeholders with professionalism and empathy
- Product Demonstrations & Training — Experienced presenter and educator
- Territory & Account Management — Strategic planning, call cadence, and pipeline development
- Consultative Selling — Needs assessment, tailored solutions, and value positioning
- Data-Driven Sales Planning — Uses sales data to refine territory strategy
- Cross-Functional Collaboration — Works seamlessly with internal teams and external partners
Timeline
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ADS Inc.
06.2024 - Current
MANAGER, HSE
Mitsubishi Chemical America
11.2020 - 06.2024
SPECIALIST, HSE
PepsiCo
04.2017 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Health
Old Dominion University