This regards Vincent Chiappone. Our agency began representing the Richard Manno Co. in 1995, and within a few years we brought in some major accounts. However, when the founder retired, every apparatus within the organization was dysfunctional, and they entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As an outside entity we had little choice but to go with the flow until options could be exploited. Then Vincent Chiappone joined the firm as a remedy; his mission was the needed turn-around. We watched an unknown entity and a stranger to the industry, successfully implement personnel and tactical adjustments in every department; i.e., field representation, inside sales, goals, margins, commodity focus, quoting parameters and analysis, contract negotiations, web and tradeshow participation, to name the few we’re aware of. His efforts included new products, and profitable fabrication and inventory decisions, thereby increasing our competitiveness and revenues. That focus alone resulted in thousands of new SKU’s with our primary catalog houses alone. He easily grasped product knowledge and effectively contributed to our field efforts with primary distribution customers…McMaster-Carr, W. W. Grainger, Amazon and other accounts. He visited key accounts with us and was an asset in amplifying the benefits of the Manno Company as a supplier; therefore, we welcomed his presence wherever possible. The senior sales executive of any supplier can be the finest tool and support mechanism for an outside marketing effort. And he was always available and immediately effective whenever we turned to him for resolution of any issue. With his direction and back-up we realized a steady uptick in our numbers even during a rough economic period. Without reservation, and from our personal experience, he’s a focused high energy talent capable of overcoming challenges…a win-win “go to” individual and an asset to any organization seeking profitable growth.