A creative business executive providing expertise in business development, sustainability, and philanthropy
About Me
Hello! I'm Jeffrey Gannon....
A business development professional who creates marketing, sustainability, and philanthropic strategies that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in incremental revenues for both private and nonprofit firms as well as executable and measurable sustainability strategies.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve been an entrepreneur, senior staffer, and consultant creating two companies and working with some of the most prominent environmental and sustainability standards organizations, globally.
What I Do
Build compelling sales and investment materials that stand out from others.
Shape business development and philanthropy teams to increase effectiveness and deepen relationships.
Innovation and Strategy – creative problem solving, roadmapping and projections.
Situational analysis and standards – work to understand, adapt and implement sustainability standards.
Roles
2019-CURRENT
2014-CURRENT
2020-2021
2018-2019
2017-2018
2012-2014
2003-2012
Founder and General Manager
Founder and operator of a new Amazon-style marketplace for flower growers in South America to sell directly to floral professionals in the United States.
Developed, designed, project managed, and brought to market this first of its kind marketplace focused on sustainably grown and ethically sourced flowers.
Built an influential Advisory Board and recruited a team of 4 and raised a successful seed round of funding. Designed sustainability program standards, including certification selection, eco-friendly packaging, and carbon neutral planning.
Founder and Principal Consultant
Founder and principal consultant of boutique consulting group focused on sustainability and business development for non-profit and purpose driven businesses.
Helped over 11 small- to mid-sized organizations develop revenue generation plans, story-based marketing strategies, sustainability strategies, and video and copy development.
Recently worked with an international conservation group to build out their sales team and operations department and helped secure a new $5M philanthropic commitment from a HNWI.
Vice President, Resource Development
Recruited as first business development executive for a new spin off organization, “Acceso,” building sustainable agricultural systems and access to large markets for small farmers in Latin America.
Set up CRM systems, created strategic marketing material, researched and built out an initial pipeline of potential institutional supporters for both philanthropic contributions and equity investments.
Senior Vice President,
Sustainability & Marketing
Recruited as initial SVP of Marketing and Sustainability for an international, floral e-commerce marketplace.
Built sustainability program for flower growers in Colombia and Ecuador. Created and oversaw execution of digital acquisition and inbound marketing strategy resulting in 60% increase in new customers and 600% in revenue during a 10 month period.
Managed a staff of nine in three different countries.
Director, Strategic Relationships
Directly managed relationships with ultra- and HNW- individuals on their philanthropic support for this prominent international conservation organization.
Devised long term strategies within a complex organization that resulted in ambitious proposals that were “game changing” concepts for conservation efforts in Africa.
Guided philanthropists through proposed support concepts via site visits, strategic relationship development, and timely solicitation periods.
Director of Individual Giving
Directly cultivated relationships with ultra- and HNW- individuals on their philanthropic support, managed a team of six staff. Oversaw digital marketing and direct mail platform for this Fortune 500 recognized sustainability verification organization.
Prepare proposals and reports; guided clients through the sales process and created strategies for increasing support by developing a deep knowledge of sustainability verification process and benefits to businesses.
Other Senior Positions
Director level positions with large, national conservation focused organizations, Sierra Club and National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
Sample Clients
Skills and Expertise
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT &
RELATIONSHIP BASED SALES
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Consultative and solution based sales
Fundraising – startups, non-profit
​Sales management and strategy development
Client relationship management
​Account management
Active listening, empathy and relatability
PROJECT & PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
Project management and system implementation for e-commerce platforms
Talent management and mentorship
International management in South America, South Asia, Africa
Business development strategy
Business Requirement Documentation preparation and execution
Non-profit and family foundation reporting and compliance
SUSTAINABILITY & CONSERVATION
Early adaptor and understanding of sustainability practices
Strategy development and execution
International agriculture sustainability standards and best practices
Corporate sustainability
UN SDG goals and applicability
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, BRANDING
C-Suite communication & presentation experience and skills
Marketing strategy and execution – digital, B2B, sustainability, ESG
Creative development, messaging and copywriting
Story-based communication development
Brand equity management
Education & Volunteer
Earned Bachelor of General Studies (concentration in economics & marketing), Bachelor of Music (dual degree), University of Miami.
Hudson Hall, Hudson NY. Board Member, 2012-2019. Chaired fundraising committee, oversaw rebranding and capital campaign for renovation of historic opera house.
Non-Toxic Revolution! Los Angeles, CA. Board Member, 2017-2019. Created and led board for a group that was created to inform, educate and inspire young people to revolt against the dangers of toxic chemicals in their everyday environment.