SJS Group

SJS Group was a Canadian distributor serving the rapidly expanding interactive entertainment, computer-products and video-game marketplace, connecting major manufacturers and publishers with retail customers across Canada.

Operating within one of the fastest-growing consumer technology categories of the late 1990s and early 2000s, SJS developed a significant national distribution platform serving major retail chains, regional accounts and independent retailers. The business subsequently became part of Hip Interactive, which developed into a leading Canadian provider and distributor of electronic entertainment products, including PC and video games, hardware, software and accessories, with distribution operations across major Canadian markets.

National Sales Manager

February 1998 – March 2001 | 3 years, 2 months | Western Canada & Toronto, Ontario

Initially recruited as Western Regional Sales Manager, successfully developed new regional chain and independent retail business throughout Western Canada. Strong early results led to promotion and relocation to Toronto in January 2000 to assume responsibility as National Sales Manager, overseeing national account development, sales strategy and a six-person sales organization.

Played a key leadership role during a period of exceptional company growth, helping increase annual sales from approximately $26 million to $40 million — growth of nearly 54% — while expanding national retail distribution, opening new accounts and strengthening sales execution across Canada.

Key Achievements

• Contributed to nearly 54% revenue growth, with company sales increasing from approximately $26 million to $40 million during the period, representing one of the strongest growth phases in the company’s history.
• Earned promotion from Western Regional Sales Manager to National Sales Manager based on strong regional performance, successful account development and demonstrated sales leadership.
• Opened numerous regional retail chains and independent accounts across Western Canada, establishing new distribution and generating incremental revenue before assuming national responsibility.
• Developed and executed national sales and account-development strategies, identifying new channels, retailers and geographic opportunities to accelerate revenue and distribution growth.
• Managed and led a six-person sales team, including both in-house and remote representatives, establishing account priorities, sales objectives, reporting disciplines and performance expectations.
• Directed relationships with major national and regional retail accounts, strengthening customer partnerships while expanding product distribution, assortment and sales opportunities.
• Championed new-business development, prospecting and account acquisition, contributing directly to record company sales performance and a significantly expanded Canadian customer base.
• Integrated regional sales activities into a more coordinated national account strategy, improving consistency in retailer management, sales execution and business-development priorities.
• Worked within the highly competitive and rapidly evolving consumer technology and interactive entertainment sector, requiring continuous adaptation to changing products, platforms, retailer requirements and consumer demand.
• Collaborated with executive leadership, suppliers and internal teams on sales forecasting, inventory requirements, account development and national growth initiatives.

Leadership & Business Impact

The progression from Western Regional Sales Manager to National Sales Manager reflected an ability to combine front-line account development with broader strategic sales leadership.

The position required managing rapid growth while simultaneously expanding distribution, developing new retail relationships and leading a geographically dispersed sales organization. This provided substantial early experience in national account management, team leadership, high-growth business development and large-scale distribution.

Most significantly, the role demonstrated an ability to convert strategy into measurable commercial results — helping a national organization grow from approximately $26 million to $40 million in annual sales while building the retailer relationships and sales infrastructure required to sustain that expansion.

Core Areas of Expertise

National Sales Leadership • Revenue Growth • Business Development • National Account Management • Retail Distribution • Sales Team Leadership • Regional Market Development • New Account Acquisition • Strategic Sales Planning • Sales Forecasting • Distributor Management • Retailer Relationships • Consumer Technology • Interactive Entertainment • High-Growth Business Management

 

This letter should serve to confirm as our reference for Hartley Berg.

Hartley was initially hired as our Western Regional Sales Manager. He quickly opened a number of regional chains and independent accounts, and serviced them with detail and diligence. We moved Hartley to Toronto in January 2000, to serve as our National Sales Manager.

During Hartley’s tenure at SJS Group, our sales increased from $26 million (fiscal 1998), to $40 million (fiscal 1999). Obviously, we were sad to see Hartley leave us. Hartley resigned to return home to British Columbia to pursue personal interests. He was a definite asset, and was a reliable team player, who we are proud to recommend to potential employers.

For any additional information, I can be reached at 905-362-3768.

Sincerely,

Stan Samole
SJS Group Ltd.
President