CONNEXTION MEMBERS
Meet Our Team
Laura Akins
Senior CONNEXTION
Areas of Expertise:
- Sales Growth and Market Expansion
- Advanced Analytics
- B2B Approach
- Vendor Management
- New Business Development
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Project Coordination / Operations Management
- Brand Management / Process Development
- Client Service and Orientation
- Key Account Management
- Problem Solving and Advanced Analytical Skills
Laura Akins is an accomplished contributor with robust business acumen and extensive experience in sales, account management, client service management, product content, and business development. She excels in coordinating the full sales cycle, surpassing quotas, implementing strategies, and monitoring key sales performance metrics to attain revenue targets. Laura’s expertise lies in offering solutions to clients, conducting analysis, and aligning sales vision to penetrate and expand in key markets. She possesses exceptional communication, prospecting, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, enabling her to forge lucrative relationships across all levels of organization.
Sheryl Craun
Executive Leadership Connextion
Sheryl is the Owner/President of Craun Consulting. Craun Consulting provides Executive Leadership development and coaching as well as lifestyle coaching and training for all levels of management, or those aspiring to management. Sheryl’s consulting portfolio also includes organizational effectiveness assessments and operational efficiency analysis.
Sheryl brings more than 30 years of financial services industry experience having served in Leadership roles with Fidelity Investments, the Vanguard Group, Deutsche Bank/Scudder Investments and ADP Retirement Services.
- Sheryl has a passion for innovation and has addressed the challenges in the diverse, ever-changing Public, Private Securities Investment world as well as Global Retirement.
- As Senior Managing Director at Nuveen Asset Management, she led the Global Operations team delivering trade support, pricing, portfolio accounting and data services for all affiliates and the global client base, representing billions of dollars daily.
- At TIAA, she led the Global Retirement Operations providing recordkeeping services to over 16,000 clients and their participants. Focus on optimizing processes, controls and channels for delivering those services.
- Significant success in delivering automation solutions through user managed technology (Robotics and AI) to simplify the client experience and increase client engagement and retention.
- Set strategy and delivered on updated, competitive new products while improving the control framework to manage regulatory and reputation risk.
- As a consultant with MCA, Sheryl completed multiple programs in the retirement industry. Sample engagements include product offering changes, client channel use and optimization, operational enhancements to gain efficiencies and internal change management to ensure a best-in-class client experience
- Sheryl has a Masters in Organizational Leadership with a Bachelors in Psychology, and previously held NASD licenses
- Represented Nuveen/TIAA on the ICI Bank Trust and Retirement Advisory Committee
- Named Chair for the SPARK Institute Senior Advisory Committee, also presented at the annual conferences
- Interviewed for a New York Times article on Retirement and Career Magic (Leadership) by author/speaker Marjorie Brody
Brian Coller
Business Development Connextion
Areas of Expertise:
- Action Plan Development
- Advanced Analytic Skills
- B2B Conceptual Selling
- Business Management
- Business Development
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Process Development / Improvement
- Strategic Planning
Brian Coller emerges as an invaluable asset to the automotive industry, boasting extensive expertise in fixed operations over several decades. With a degree in Business Management Administration and a rich background in professional business development and coaching, Brian exemplifies a potent blend of skills and experience.
His profound business acumen, honed through years of practice, enables him to navigate complexities within the industry adeptly. Brian’s critical thinking prowess, coupled with advanced analytical skills, serves as the cornerstone for crafting multifunctional Excel templates, facilitating efficient operational workflows.
Moreover, Brian’s creativity and robust PowerPoint proficiency enhance his capacity to conceive and deliver compelling presentations, a crucial aspect in today’s dynamic business landscape. His ability to synthesize information and communicate effectively underscores his contribution to the team.
In essence, Brian Coller epitomizes a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, enriching every endeavor he undertakes.
Mallory Brinkman
Social Media Connextion
Hi there! My name is Mallory Brinkman! I’m a Social Media and Digital Marketing Strategist who has been innovating in the industry since 2012. My journey began with a simple fascination for the way digital spaces can connect people, ideas, and brands. Over the years, that has grown into a dedicated career, during which I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a variety of industries, including food & beverage, service-based businesses and retail establishments! My expertise lies in leveraging the latest trends and tools in social media and digital marketing to build strong, engaging online presences that drive growth and foster community & engagement. Whether it’s through eye-catching content, strategic ad campaigns, or curated engagement strategy, my goal is always to exceed expectations and achieve remarkable results for the brands I partner with.
Don DeLoy
Materials and Logistics Connextion
Areas of Expertise:
- Third-party relationships (warehousing, vendors and transportation).
- SAP operating system.
- Facility scheduling / planning (PFS+)
- Facility materials purchasing
- F.I.F.O inventory management
- Batch management inventory
- Warehouse management inventory
- Kanban systems
- Hazardous material handling
- Hazardous bulk tanker and iso-tainer handling (loading / unloading)
- RCRA certified
- Hazardous waste management
With over four decades of expertise in chemical production, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. My most recent tenure was at one of the world’s leading solution acrylic adhesive manufacturers, where I played a pivotal role in ensuring operational excellence and safety standards.
Throughout my career, I have specialized in the safe handling of large volumes of hazardous chemicals, including solvents, acids, bases, and more. My deep understanding of chemical properties, coupled with rigorous safety protocols, has been instrumental in maintaining a secure working environment for both personnel and the surrounding community.
In addition to safety, I have a strong focus on efficient inventory management practices. My strategic approach to inventory control ensures optimal utilization of resources while minimizing waste and cost. At our facility, which manages an impressive throughput of nearly 40 million pounds annually, I have implemented streamlined processes to track, monitor, and replenish chemical supplies with precision and accuracy.
My commitment to continuous improvement drives me to stay abreast of the latest industry developments and advancements in technology. By leveraging innovation and best practices, I strive to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability within the chemical production sector.
With my extensive experience and proven track record, I am equipped to tackle the most complex challenges in production, always prioritizing safety, efficiency, and quality.
Fred Akins
Business Insight Connextion
Areas of Expertise:
- Strategic business planning
- B2B sales expertise
- Business operations management
- Project management
- Growth-driven business development
- Miller Heiman sales methodology
- Analytical problem-solving
- Creative problem resolution
- Strategic selling with perspective
- Comprehensive strategic development
- Personal Interest: Proficient in dog training techniques.
Fred’s love for canines is evident to anyone who crosses his path. He eagerly shares videos and images of his training successes, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of his dog training endeavors. This passion for discipline extends beyond the realm of pet care, as Fred applies the same dedication and commitment to his professional pursuits.
In his current role, Fred channels his extensive experience and expertise into helping others excel. Whether it’s devising strategies to engage teams or providing insightful guidance for business improvement, Fred possesses a keen ability to dissect challenges and deliver actionable plans for success.
With a rich background in professional business development and coaching, Fred is well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of any business environment. His strategic planning skills, honed over years of experience, allow him to identify opportunities and drive growth effectively.
In essence, Fred Akins epitomizes a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. His passion for dogs mirrors his dedication to excellence in all endeavors, making him a valuable asset in any business or training scenario.