Moncton-based accelerator Propel, which has a focus on customer acquisition and sales for Atlantic Canada companies, has created a sales award in recognition of Gerry Pond and his contribution to the Atlantic Canadian innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Sales execution is often the difference between being a successful venture and one that does not realize its full potential.”
The Gerry Pond Sales Award will be awarded each year to a company in the accelerator’s Incite Phase 2. Phase 2 focuses on building a sales engine while Phase 1 of Incite focuses on validating the problem/solution fit. In addition to the award itself, the winner will be given a $25,000 cash prize and the option of a combined investment from Innovacorp and NBIF totalling $30,000.
“Everyone who knows Gerry is well aware of his passion for three things: entrepreneurship, sales and Atlantic Canada,” said Barry Bisson, CEO of Propel. “We could not think of a better way to recognize him than with an award to further encourage entrepreneurship and excellence in sales execution in the Atlantic provinces.”
Pond co-founded Propel in 2003, and since then has played a vital role in the organization. Pond was also a strong supporter in the establishment of a sales stream in the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Saint John MBA program.
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The establishment of the award is sponsored by the UNB Saint John MBA program, Innovatia, Mariner Partners, and Ernst & Young, among others. Award criteria looks at monthly sales growth, growth in the number of customers, and the ability to push leads through the funnel in a structured way.
“Sales execution is often the difference between being a successful venture and one that does not realize its full potential,” said Pond. “My goal has always been to help entrepreneurs and startups prosper in our region. It is with honour and humility that I accept this recognition as I believe it will further help to achieve and bring awareness to the need for sales professionalism in successful Atlantic Canadian ventures.”
Propel recently announced the 30 companies accepted to participate in its spring cohort of Phase 1 for Incite. In February, the accelerator announced the addition of six new members to its board of directors.
Halifax-based Side Door was announced to be the first winner of the Gerry Pond Sales Award.
Image courtesy Propel