Karilyn Smith
Prior Lake
Summary
Highly motivated sales professional with 11+ years in sales in the industrial filtration industry. Skilled in building strong relationships and value-based selling. Proven track record of achieving sales goals.
Known for strong team collaboration, reliability, and adaptability to changing market conditions. Strategically plan travel to end users and work in partnership with resellers to win new opportunities to achieve overall growth goals.
Currently employed as a Regional Sales Manager responsible for both end users and resellers.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Sales Manager
Hengst Filtration
Camden, SC
06.2025 - Current
- Introduce and educate end users on the Hengst Filtration dust collection products and capabilities.
- Build and maintained strong relationships with key clients achieving high satisfaction by responding to requests in a timely manner.
- Planned and executed successful trade show.
- Travel with intention to drive sales in southeast US territory, seeking out new business opportunities to achieve growth goals.
- Preserve relationships within industry organizations such as GEAPS (Grain Elevator and Processing Society) and leverage my current network to increase Hengst brand awareness.
- Define and improve opportunities in company processes as well as marketing and sales tools.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities within territory.
Aftermarket Key Account Manager
Donaldson Company
Bloomington, MN
08.2017 - 06.2025
- Respond to incoming filter and part quote requests while identifying other opportunities to grow sales at each location.
- Strengthen relationships with customers as their Account Manager and ensure their experience is one that makes them save my information for future use and share it with other locations.
- Connect customers to resources, appropriate team members, and local support as needed to get them the help they need in timely manner.
- Travel to customer sites to understand needs, find opportunities and strengthen relationships.
- Maintain active company representation in monthly events as well as serve as the main point of contact for annual tradeshows for two organizations: GEAPS (Grain Elevator and Processing Society), and IAOM (International Association of Operative Millers).
- Active GEAPS member for 8 years and held all positions on the Minneapolis Chapter Board over 5 of those years, including Chapter President.
- Seven-time President’s Club winner for outstanding sales achievement.
- Based on customer’s feedback, collaborated with the Training Manager to develop, host, and assist in filling the seats for a one-day training course designed to fit the customer’s needs. These courses are conducted 3-4 times annually, even after my departure.
Aftermarket Sales Associate
Donaldson Company
Bloomington, MN
08.2014 - 07.2017
- Responsible for maintaining 100% of personal outgoing call goal to current customers to ensure they are receiving constant support needed.
- Field incoming calls from current customers within territories assigned and assist them with their questions and requests.
- Assist four sales representatives with needs of their territories to ensure success of their sales and call goals as well as assume their role when they are out of office.
- Educate, recommend, and assist our customers with their dust collection equipment, filters, and parts to ensure they are getting exactly what they need.
- Manage time and adjust schedule to ensure daily tasks keep me in line with daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual goals.
Hospitality/Bar Manager
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chanhassen, MN
09.2011 - 08.2014
- Responsible for maintaining levels of inventory and supplies for current business week including holidays and special events.
- Contacting appropriate parties to place orders for product and supplies needed.
- Keeping products updated according to corporate mandates and standards.
- Maintaining necessary staffing levels while maintaining labor and sales goals.
- Assisting in everyday workload in every department including but not limited to entering invoices, receiving deliveries, ordering products and supplies, cash flow, scheduling, interviewing, and hiring/orientations.
- Ensure guest satisfaction every day.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI08-2005
Advanced Business Communications Certificate - undefined
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI08-2005
Skills
- Direct sales
- Distribution channel sales
- Customer service
- Strategic planning
- Revenue generation
- Upselling and cross selling
- Business development and planning
Timeline
Regional Sales Manager
Hengst Filtration
06.2025 - Current
Aftermarket Key Account Manager
Donaldson Company
08.2017 - 06.2025
Aftermarket Sales Associate
Donaldson Company
08.2014 - 07.2017
Hospitality/Bar Manager
Buffalo Wild Wings
09.2011 - 08.2014
Advanced Business Communications Certificate - undefined
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire