Overview
I have 40+ years of successful sales, business management, marketing, and renewable green energy experience. I am seeking a position that utilizes my diverse leadership experiences, salesmanship, and drive. I have reactivated many companies as a change agent — responding to the ever-evolving business climate. The environmental climate is also part of my wheelhouse, as I have been focused in the last decade on the green renewable and conversion energy market segment. My extensive and expert sales and communication skills are the foundation of my career.
Affiliations:
- Oakland Michigan University, Engineering Department
- Oakland Business Incubator
- Michigan Israel Business Association (formerly MIBB)
- Energy Services Coalition
- Michigan Business Accelerator Fund
- Michigan Economic Growth Institute
- Brazil’s Federal Institute of Pernambuco
WORK EXPERIENCE
Keys2Business LLC, Owner/CEO, August 1987 – Present
- As an experienced consultant, I work in all phases of the business life cycle: Business plans, marketing & communication plans, strategic business plans, start-ups, restarts, recruiting, hiring, and training. Expert sales and management skills support all aspects of the business life cycle. I work with all types of businesses — large, small, public, private, chains, manufacturing, soft or hard goods, financial services, real estate, government entities, retail, medical, wholesale, vendors, auto industry suppliers, and web-based.
- I possess an upbeat confidence that comes from wide-ranging international experiences and responsibilities, making me invaluable on both the domestic and international scene. My background includes working as a Global, National, Local Business Marketing Consultant, Business Starts & Re Starts, Business Project Management, Renewable Green Energy Projects, Fossil Fuel Changeover/Conversion, and creative financing/partnership options. Throughout North, Central, South America and Caribbean Nations, I am a known and respected speaker, lecturer and writer on Business Coaching and Green Renewable Energy. My presence is positive and dynamic, whether in a conference setting or a team meeting. My natural curiosity and positive attitude envelop all tasks. I embrace an approach based on respect and humility and can effectively relate to all staff members and clients at all levels of an organization. I have led coalitions that have improved sales and created more efficient processes.
Charles H. Keys, CEO of “Wave Water Works LLC”, Jan 2010 – May 2021
- Introduced a green energy conversion device/product from its inception, through its Start-up to manufacture in local, national, and global markets, media manufacturers, vendors, using my business, sales, and marketing plans.
- Developed and managed the working relationships between the company components and staff, as well as with local, regional, US Federal and Global vendors, agencies, representatives. Recruited, hired, and managed Staff in the U.S. and Brazil. Some staff were funded by grants that I procured, both in the US and Brazil.
- Managed all documentation, contracts, agreements, relationships, study and preparation and implementation. Built / managed the administrative structure of the business Wave Water Works LLC. Created, built, and managed legal relationships locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
- Primary Agent of record in all business contracts, arrangements, relationships, including major Universities and Schools of Engineering for R&D. Created relationships, funded by working with Local, State, Regional, National and Global Agencies. Managed/ administered grant funding.
- Built relationships with a major company in Brazil, working with the local, National and Federal Government Offices, and with a major University in an R & D partnership focused on green energy.
- Trade Show Agent of Record and Manager at the Action on Disaster Recovery (ADR) “Global Disaster Relief Conference” in both years 2020 and 2021 in Panama City, Panama, Central America. ALLSTATE Insurance – Licensed Life & Health Insurance Agent/Specialist, 1992 –1997
ALLSTATE Insurance – Licensed Life & Health Insurance Agent/Specialist, 1992 – 1997
- Awarded No. 1 U.S. Insurance Agent (Life, Health, Disability, Long Term Care)— recognition for my sales ability.
- Organized the Metro Detroit, MI area Allstate Insurance Agencies in all out front sales campaign action on converting/extending P&C Customers to Life and Health Clients. This increase of business was so significant that my position was elevated to Number 1# Producing Agent in Life & Health Insurance in the entire United States of America. This drive also significantly increased the Asset book value, Net book value Agency insured value of each Allstate Insurance Agency in the Region.
- Recipient of over 20 Alllstate Agency Recognitions (Plaques, Medals, Vacations, Key Note Speaking Engagements, Regional, State and National Recognitions
Keys Business Insurance Agency (KBIA) / KEYS2BENEFITS, 1990 – 2008
- CEO/Owner/Principal Agent, Licensed agents of life, health, disability, long-term care insurance. (Evolved into Key2Benefits LLC). 70% Sales; 30% Business Management & Administration.
- Wrote Life, Health, Annuities Insurance Policies on individuals and groups of all sizes in Michigan, Ohio and Florida.
- Housed up to 10 Agents to market, sell and service insurance clients.
- Advertised in local, regional and national publications for insurance business.
- Managed the full staff, administrative, marketing, sales and service staff.
- Managed and supported entire computer hardware and software for Agency Computer Network System for all Agency Staff/Desks.
Quidnunc Marketing Consultants LLC, 1988 – 1990
- Full service Business to Business marketing support and business consultancy. Clients included Northville Downs Racetrack and the Michigan Democratic Party. 60% Sales; 40% Marketing and Business Planning.
- Client base of small and medium size businesses, U.S. Dept of Transportation, All 3 major car companies and suppliers coordinated projects eliminating hold-ups and shortages.
BNI – Business Network Intelligence, 1998 - 2010Consultant & Mentor.
- Managed 10 Independent Business Chapters in weekly coaching and consulting in business techniques, sales & marketing strategies, referral treatments and strategies, increasing their business ROI and Gross Sales.
- Each Chapter, geographically separated by location/City/District with Regular scheduled weekly meetings (usually lunch meetings) with memberships in the area of 15-20 members as independent business owners.
- BNI is a global private network of independent business owners who meet to learn and teach each other successful business strategies, techniques and new methodologies for success in a changing business world. BNI is a continuously highly trained independent Corp of successful business consultants and coaches who have proven business success, leadership, and community involvement in their backgrounds.
Detroit Police Department – Police Officer, Community Relations Officer, Program Director – June 1968 – Sep 1984
- Focused on Crime Prevention & Patrol, crime investigations as a Licensed Trained Law Enforcement Police officer either in uniform or plain clothing in a marked or unmarked police vehicle.
- Assigned to the 6th Detroit Police Precinct, 4th Precinct, 2nd Precinct; then to Community Oriented Patrol, then to the Youth Criminal Investigation Bureau and then to Community Relations housed in the 2nd Precinct.
- Sponsored a Law Enforcement Explorer Post 202 of over 100 precinct boys and girls/youth aged 14 -19 yrs. old with weekly, monthly and seasonal activities to educate and support individuals “learn and churn their way through the aging process” with positive role modeling, community pride and action events and actions, involvements in learning the ins and outs of Police Officer work in their community.
- Worked on creating, building, and supporting relationships with State, County and Local and State and Federal Law Enforcement, Judicial Administrative, Appointed & elected Officials for support on both action programs for children and senior citizens.
- In Community Relations, created, managed, and procured program funding for Youth & Seniors to achieve a better standard of living, by building a citizen coalition. Managed and pursued funding for children’s activities & sports as well as for severe cases of need. Also, developed Crime Prevention Programs based on building relationships with precinct officers and social agencies through stakeholder involvement and a comprehensive communication plan. Involved City, County, State, and Federal Officials, elected and appointed, to maintain and nurture those helpful relationships. Had numerous speaker engagements on crime prevention and safety.
Corporate Express Air Freight, 1986 – 1988
- Managed private air freight charters and shipments and schedules. 50% Sales, 50% Business Management & Administration.
- Managed, supervised and trained and scheduled office staff and sales staff in all areas for compliance and processing transactions.
Precious Metals Broker & Refiner, 1975 – 1987
- National purchaser, refiner, and sales of platinum, silver and gold. 90% Sales, 10% Business Administration.
- Bought and sold Precious Metals in North America.
- Managed, Supervised, Trained 12 Agents for travels weekly regularly.
- Purchase scrap metals and return payments of refined metals, in various forms, weights, and consistency, and in certified payments of local currency/check.
EDUCATION
- Wayne State University, Detroit MI. Associates | Business Admin, 1965 – 1975
ADDITIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- In February 2020 and 2021, I was featured as a keynote speaker at the ADR2020 World Conference – “Global Action on Disaster Recovery,” held in Panama, Central America speaking on the topic of: A Cooperative Model for Rapid Power Deployment and Pre-emptive Long-Term Intervention. My invitation stemmed from my repeated exposure and subsequent interest with new business efforts and sales/marketing campaigns in South & Central America, the Caribbean, in ocean port cities business, manufacturing and resort communities in all areas across the US in local, national and global media, and my support and cooperation with government, business and consumers groups, public, private and government.
Charles H Keys - Business Memberships & Recognition Awards:
- President, KBIA (Key Business Insurance Agency)
- President, MedElephant President, Global Energy & Telecommunications
- President, Quidnunc Corporation Management & Marketing Consulting
- Executive Partnership Leadership Publishing Worldwide over 500 Business Coaches in 4 Countries
- Allstate Life Insurance National Recognition Award – #1 Agent Life Specialist In the United States
- Detroit Police Officer (Meritorious and Awarded)
- Executive Board of Directors, Southwest Detroit YMCA
- Board of Directors Southwest Detroit Community Mental Health
- Northville City Elected Councilperson, Northville, Michigan USA
- Northville City Planning Commission
- Northville City Labor Negotiations Liaison
- President and Board Member of Northville Rotary Club
- Director/Consultant BNI-Michigan (Business Networking International) for 21 Michigan Chapters
- Michigan Business Accelerator Fund
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation MEDC
- Michigan Economic Growth Institute
- Michigan Israel Business Bridge MIBB
- Brazil’s Federal Institute of Pernambuco
- Long-time collaboration with Oakland University School of Engineering and Business
- Long-time member of State of Michigan Oakland County Business Incubator
- Member, Michigan Energy Services Coalition Committee
- Keynote Speaker at Disaster Relief Recovery Convention, 2020 & 2021
- Panel Discussion Moderator at Global Disaster Relief Recovery Convention in 2020 and 2021
- Founding Member/Board of Directors Southwest Detroit Hospital Community Mental Health
- Elected Member, Northville City Councilperson, Northville, Michigan USA
- Member, Northville City Planning Commission
- Member, Northville City Labor Negotiations Liaison
- President and Board Member of Northville Rotary Club.
- “A Walk through MY LIFE”, a book of poetry, published 2009.
- Recipient of several “Poetry Soup” Annual Awards.
MY PUBLICATIONS:
- “Cutting Edge Small Business Success Strategies: How your Business can Survive and Thrive in the 21st. Century”; Copyrighted in 2014, Published in 2015
Chuck Keys ~ Highly acclaimed Author, Public Speaker, Leader ….
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Let's start your business ...Let's run your business together!
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- “A Walk through MY LIFE”, a book of poetry, published 2009
- Recipient of several “Poetry Soup” Annual Awards