James Ashe

 J.R. Ashe: A Transformational Leader in Sales and Team Development

J.R. Ashe is a dynamic and results-oriented leader, recognized for his proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing sales teams in both inside and outside sales environments. Guided by his "care first, do no harm" management philosophy, J.R. has cultivated a leadership style rooted in trust, collaboration, and empowerment. His focus on transformational growth, operational excellence, and team culture has set him apart as a visionary leader in sales and business development.

Career Achievements and Leadership Highlights

Head of Sales and Business Development
Chicago Sun-Times (Jan 2005 – Feb 2013 | 8 years)

  • Spearheaded sales strategies to drive advertising revenue growth for one of Chicago’s most renowned publications.
  • Managed call center operations while aligning sales teams with organizational goals.
  • Established an innovative, accountable, and thriving team culture.

Director of Sales
Yelp (Feb 2013 – Nov 2017 | 4 years)

  • Directed a team of 12 managers and 120 sales representatives, driving consistent revenue growth across diverse verticals.
  • Fostered a positive, motivating sales culture, emphasizing collaboration, recognition, and professional development.
  • Expanded Yelp’s local advertising presence while building long-lasting client relationships.

Director of Sales and SDR
Booksy (Nov 2017 – Aug 2020 | 2 years 10 months)

  • Led sales and Sales Development Representative (SDR) teams, achieving significant client acquisition and market penetration.
  • Implemented streamlined processes and sales enablement tools to enhance productivity and results.
  • Championed innovative strategies to increase client retention and satisfaction through a customer-first approach.

Branch Sales Manager – IT, Pro AV, Copier
Sharp Business Systems (Jan 2023 – Present | 2 years)

  • Leads a top-performing branch sales team specializing in IT, Pro AV, and copier solutions.
  • Exceeded sales targets by implementing effective operational strategies and fostering client relationships.
  • Delivered tailored solutions that addressed customer needs while driving branch profitability.

Education

  • Harvard Business School (May 2022 – Aug 2022)
    • Organizational Leadership Program
  • Colgate University (Jul 1994 – Jun 1998)
    • Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (GPA: 3.8)

Leadership Style and Core Strengths

  • Transformational Leadership: Inspires teams through clear vision, collaboration, and empowerment.
  • Culture Builder: Creates environments where employees thrive, focusing on trust, recognition, and growth.
  • Strategic Visionary: Blends big-picture thinking with data-driven insights to drive sustained success.
  • Operational Excellence: Optimizes processes to enhance productivity and achieve measurable results.

Testimonials from Team Members

  • Michael Thornton: “J.R. supports the team at such a high level it’s shocking to new hires. He helped me grow both professionally and personally. I can’t say enough about this man.”

  • Jacob Rudisill: “J.R. is constantly motivating, training, and inspiring the team to succeed. He actively seeks feedback and evolves as a leader. Our team wouldn’t be as successful without him.”

  • Jordan Keyes: “J.R. has been a mentor and an inspiration, offering valuable insights on company growth. His vision and strategic approach drive team excellence.”

  • Billy Hurley: “J.R.’s dedication to his team and his leadership by example left a profound impact. His positivity and mentorship make him a standout leader.”

  • Shirley Perry: “J.R. builds a winning culture based on trust and empowerment. His belief in his team allows them to thrive and achieve great results.”

  • Sahaira Murillo: “J.R. taught me a sales approach for success in one day that other leaders haven’t taught me in months. His teams consistently perform at the top.”

Conclusion

J.R. Ashe’s career reflects a legacy of transformational leadership, team development, and sustained revenue growth. His expertise and leadership philosophy have created a culture of trust, collaboration, and success across every organization he has served. J.R.’s ability to deliver results while empowering his teams to excel makes him a rare and invaluable asset to any company.

Comments