Jim Close

Background

About Jim Close

I have over twenty-five years experience in the marine industry, whether professional yacht racing, skippering cruising yachts, building boats, or designing, developing and selling product in the marine industry. I have been a Sales Manager, Account Manager and Product Development Manager in both the marine and lighting industry, and I have an understanding of planning a product range and it's life cycle, and optimising a stock matrix for best sales results. I can also offer an extensive technical knowledge and ability for a diverse range of marine products and manufacturing materials and processes, which is useful whether you are developing product or explaining it to a client in a sales capacity. Proactive, innovative and focused, I can work in a team or autonomously. I place high importance on exceptional customer service, work performance and meeting deadlines. I am also 110% trustworthy, honest, conscientious and reliable, and I can communicate with stakeholders of varying ages and cultural backgrounds. With strong negotiating skills to achieve sales objectives or in supply chain relations, I'm professional and confident during presentations to clients. I also adapt quickly to software and operating procedures. I am quick to grasp new ideas and concepts, and to develop innovative and creative solutions to problems. I am able to work well on my own initiative, and perform effectively under significant pressure. My unique professional experience in competing in five Round-the-World yachting races, two America’s Cups and numerous other professional yachting regattas and of sailing, coupled with my business acumen derived from twenty-one years of being self-employed in three businesses, has given me leadership, self-discipline and superior communication skills. I have several years in the role of management, both during my professional yacht racing career, and also in business. A "down-to-earth" reliable, friendly individual, and due to my extensive life experience, I can develop a rapport quickly with people of different ages and cultural backgrounds.