As Confab’s North American Executive Vice President Sales, Rich developed an organization that successfully launched five National Retailer Brand Programs that gained significant distribution throughout all FDM channels. During this time, Confab gained national market shares equal to the leading national brands. Rich taught his team to develop in-depth knowledge of each retailer and to fully understand their initiatives. This approach led to the development of the many successful marketing and merchandising strategies utilized in mutually building a profitable business for Confab and their retail customers.

Over the past six years, Rich has been a principal partner in The Swanson Group (TSG), a customer driven, value-added, Sales and Marketing Service provider that enhances the competitive position and profitability of retailer and manufacturing clients by leveraging their combined strengths. TSG has provided national, regional, specific class of trade and account specific strategic business development services to both national and retailer brand clients. TSG has developed and lead strategic initiatives with leading National Brand companies, managed U.S. sales and ongoing national initiatives for Branded and Retailer Brand companies, and most recently, working with OEM clients to design and implement a more “Direct To Retailer” strategic position.

Rich is a current member of NACDS and past NACDS Associate Board Member. He is also a member of PLMA and has business initiatives with ECRM and GMDC.

Rich’s core competencies include:
• Senior Sales Management
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Sales Development and Implementation
• National retailer exposure and knowledge
• Retailer Brand Marketing
• Organization Design & Structure
• Convention & Trade Development