Michael Grudecki Marketing-1

Career Timeline

This timeline highlights the key milestones, leadership roles, and accomplishments that have shaped my 20+ year career across marketing, sales, and revenue operations. From early roles in channel marketing to executive leadership across high-growth technology and mobility organizations, each chapter reflects a progression of impact, innovation, and results. These moments tell the story of how I’ve built brands, aligned teams, accelerated revenue, and delivered measurable outcomes through strategic leadership and a people-first approach.

2025

Led Annual Industry Education Event — Heartland
Oversaw planning, content strategy, and executive alignment for one of the industry's largest education and innovation events. Continued the momentum built over three consecutive years of leadership and record attendance.

2024

Industry Event Leadership — Heartland
Directed the strategy and execution of Heartland’s annual industry summit, strengthening partner relationships and elevating brand visibility across the supply chain and mobility ecosystem.

2023

Industry Event Leadership — Heartland
Led the full transformation and execution of Heartland’s annual industry event, securing major sponsors, attracting 200+ attendees, and positioning the company as a thought leader in mobility, supply chain, and operational technology.

2023

Honeywell Global Partner of the Year — Heartland
Recognized by Honeywell for exceptional revenue performance, strategic partnership development, and leadership influence across the mobility and supply chain ecosystem. This award elevated Heartland’s visibility nationally and showcased the impact of your sales and marketing transformation efforts.

2022

Vice President of Sales & Marketing — Heartland
Led the full revenue organization—including Sales, Marketing, Pre-Sales, Inside Sales, and Sales Operations—through multi-year GTM modernization, partner ecosystem strengthening, operational improvements, and expanded commercial coverage. Directed major strategic initiatives supporting long-term growth and transitioned after completing a series of high-impact leadership priorities.

2021 – 2022

Vice President of Marketing — Heartland

Modernized the marketing engine, rebuilt brand presence, expanded partner visibility, and launched integrated demand generation programs. Directed branding, digital strategy, content, and event marketing, laying the foundation for a fully unified commercial strategy before transitioning into the VP of Sales & Marketing role.

2019 – 2021

Chief Marketing Officer — Strategic Mobility Group (SMG3)
Directed corporate marketing, brand evolution, and inside sales operations during a period of major organizational expansion. Managed a $2.25M annual budget and implemented data-driven demand generation that scaled performance across multiple divisions.

2017 – 2019

Vice President, Inside Sales & Marketing — SMG3
Expanded inside sales operations, launched new marketing initiatives, and executed more than 15 national trade shows that produced over 2,800 qualified leads. Grew partner joint-marketing investment from $39K to $320K annually.

2016 – 2017

Director, Inside Sales & Marketing — SMG3
Implemented Salesforce and HubSpot integration, creating the company’s first automated marketing engine and increasing qualified lead flow by 225%. Supported rapid scaling by formalizing technology, outreach, and follow-up systems.

2015 – 2016

Director, Inside Sales — SMG3
Built the company’s inside sales foundation, developing outbound processes, hiring and training programs, and structured sales support that set the stage for future revenue expansion.

 

2011 – 2015

Adjunct Instructor — Waubonsee Community College
Taught courses in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, helping students apply real-world business thinking and strategic planning to academic concepts.

2007 – 2015

Founder & CEO— Vignette Home Décor
Established and grew a profitable home décor and design business with more than 150% multi-year sales growth. Developed a brand known for quality, creativity, and customer experience.

2007 – 2009

Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing — Unified Barcode & RFID
Led multi-state sales and marketing operations, achieving three consecutive years of 30% annual revenue growth. Expanded the company’s offerings and positioned it as a complete solutions provider.

2005 – 2007

Director of Sales & Marketing — Unified Barcode & RFID
Advanced from marketing director to sales and marketing leadership by establishing brand positioning, launching new product and service portfolios, and improving market visibility.

 

2005

Marketing Director — Unified Barcode & RFID
Joined as Marketing Director and immediately modernized the organization’s marketing strategy, creating stronger messaging and early channel development.

 

Early 2000s

Marketing Roles — Zebra Technologies & Jones Media Sales
Gained foundational experience in B2B marketing, channel strategy, and partner communications—skills that became the backbone of future leadership success.

Real Lessons. Real Experience. Real Growth.

Honest insights from my professional journey—what I’ve learned, what works, and how leaders can build stronger, smarter organizations. A practical blend of hands-on experience, executive leadership, and real-world problem-solving.

  • Sales, marketing, and operations strategies backed by 20+ years of experience.

  • Leadership insights for navigating change, building culture, and empowering teams.

  • Proven frameworks that drive clarity, growth, and predictable execution.

  • Real examples & case studies from complex, high-velocity environments.

  • Practical tools & guidance you can use immediately—no fluff, just impact.

OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES

Let’s Talk About What’s Next

I’m actively exploring new executive opportunities and welcome conversations with companies seeking proven leadership in sales, marketing, and revenue operations. If you’d like to discuss my experience, explore fit, or request my full resume, I’d be happy to connect.

 

Michael Grudecki Headshot-1