Mike Cruz
+1 940-276-5486 | cruzino@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/cruzino/ | www.MikeCruz.me
US Citizen | US Tax Resident | USD Payroll Deposits into US Bank Account | Based on Mexico’s East Coast
Career Summary
Dynamic sales and success executive with a proven track record in spearheading revenue acceleration, cultivating strategic partnerships, and navigating the complex landscapes of consumer, SaaS, blockchain and financial technologies (Fintech). Adept strategist, leveraging a blend of entrepreneurial zeal and market insight to drive transformation and capture new growth opportunities. Known for pioneering innovative solutions, leading high-performing global teams, and delivering unparalleled value to stakeholders. Synthesizes visionary leadership and hands-on expertise to deliver exceptional outcomes in challenging environments.
Previous Roles: Account Executive | Account Manager | Director of Sales | Head of Sales | Small Business Owner
Areas of Expertise
Revenue Growth – Client Relationship Building – Strategic Planning & Business Development - Product Demonstration Skills
Training Program Development – International Sales - Global Team Management Compliance & Regulatory Understanding – Entrepreneurial Leadership – Technology Integration – CRM Implementation - Cryptocurrency, Blockchain & Web 3
Professional Experiences
VAULTLINK (100% Remote) - Digital Asset Services Provider
4/2024 - 8/2024
Head of Sales and Business Development - Pre Product Launch
(Company closed down with a 100% staff layoff)
Spearheaded promotional campaigns for our digital asset platform targeting financial institutions and securing interest prior to regulatory approval for banks to provide such services.
Established and oversaw cold call campaigns utilizing email and direct calling strategies, resulting in increased client engagement and lead generation. Campaigns led to the scheduling of one-on-one meetings and calls with our CEO, facilitating direct communication channels and fostering strategic alignment with key stakeholders.
Acted as the exclusive company representative at industry conferences, engaging with C-Level executives to introduce our platform and advocate for proactive positioning of their banks to capitalize on eventual approval for offering such services.
Created engaging sales and training presentation videos, effectively communicating complex concepts and enhancing team proficiency, resulting in heightened sales effectiveness and an 80% increase in meetings scheduled.
TRM LABS (100% Remote) - Blockchain Analytics and Forensics, Regulatory Compliance Services
9/2021 - 11/2023
Senior Account Executive, Cryptocurrency Vertical
Excelled in a Senior Account Executive role, driving business growth and client retention through strategic prowess and fostering valuable partnerships within the crypto industry.
Spearheaded the selection of TRM by a prominent crypto custodian as the exclusive blockchain analytics solution, resulting in an anticipated $1.2M ARR in H1 2023, projected to reach $2M by year-end.
Secured over $95k in ARR, standing out as a top-performing contributor during the challenging crypto-winter period.
Instrumental in shaping product direction and enhancing customer experiences through active participation in feedback-sharing sessions with C Level and product teams, incorporating insights from potential clients.
Utilized expert blockchain analytics, threat detection, risk management, and regulatory compliance skills to drive comprehensive solutions in the cryptocurrency domain.
PROTEGO TRUST (100% Remote) - Digital Bank, Cryptocurrency Custodian
9/2020 – 9/2021
Business Development Consultant - 1 Year Contract
Pioneered client identification and engagement for Protego's pre-launch phase, targeting key segments like crypto exchanges, investment managers, lenders, and tax service providers, thus aligning offerings with market needs.
Enhanced customer acquisition through tailored strategies, including crafting compelling email campaigns and creating persuasive scripts to present platform mockups to potential clients and investors, leading to a solid footing in the cryptocurrency and traditional finance industries.
Developed comprehensive training materials to democratize finance, compiling data from diverse sources to create master documents and classes focusing on crypto, finance, and custodial technologies, fostering education and awareness.
Collaborated with C-Level executives to shape Protego's strategic direction, defining the product roadmap and at-launch features, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market opportunities.
Selected key software platforms, including outlining CRM system requirements, leading evaluation, and driving final decisions, thus establishing a robust technological infrastructure for the company's launch and long-term success.
NETKI (100% Remote) - Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Know Your Customer (KYC), Travel Rule Solutions
7/2019 - 9/2020
Sales and Business Development Consultant - 1 Year Contract
Boosted Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) by over 50% within the first 3 months, growing from $450k to $700k, including securing the largest single deal in company history at $200k, demonstrating an adept understanding of AML/KYC and Travel Rule SaaS solutions.
Delivered impactful presentations to diverse stakeholders, ranging from C-level executives to developers and compliance officers, allowing for the adoption of Netki's solutions in the cryptocurrency and financial services industries.
Instituted standardized procedures that facilitated future scaling, meticulously documenting processes, and creating a framework for employee training, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in operations.
Revolutionized the company's quoting system, developing innovative tools such as pricing calculators, quotation templates, and campaign frameworks, optimizing the sales process, and aligning with the company's strategic goals.
Partnered with the CEO/Founder at industry conferences, providing vital support in customer interactions to grow brand awareness and forge valuable relationships in the cryptocurrency and financial services sectors.
BITGO (Hybrid) - Cryptocurrency Wallet Provider, Digital Bank, Digital Asset Custodian 12/2016 –7/2019
Senior Account Executive
Tripled Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) within 3 years, signing up 200+ international clients and generating $1M in the first year, $1.5M in the second, and an impressive $3.5M in the third year, illustrating significant growth and market penetration.
Forged a landmark partnership with Dash, leading to the integration of their wallets onto the BitGo wallet platform and generating a non-recurring revenue of $525k, further strengthening the company's product offerings and market presence.
Recognized consistently as the top-performing salesperson worldwide, outperforming a competitive team of up to 8 members every quarter, exemplifying dedication, skill, and unparalleled success in driving sales.
Cultivated relationships with prestigious financial institutions and digital currency companies, including Wall Street giants, cryptocurrency exchanges, ICOs, hedge funds, and hundreds more, contributing to a robust and diverse client portfolio.
Created and implemented comprehensive sales training programs, conducting hands-on sessions for all new sales employees, ensuring a consistent level of expertise and alignment with the company’s strategies and values, thereby fostering a culture of excellence.
Prior Experiences – Provided Upon Request
Entrepreneurial Experiences
THE K9 MENTOR - Dog Training Company
10/2011 – 12/2021
Small Business Owner and Trainer
Ranked among the top 5% of trainers across the entire United States, an achievement that underscores a reputation for excellence, creativity, and reliability.
Pioneered a unique, customized in-home training program, formulating distinct techniques and creating an extensive suite of materials, including written collateral, online and print advertising, leading to a cohesive and market-aligned strategy.
Achieved the honor of being Orange County, California’s top training program, reflecting commitment to quality and effectiveness in delivering results tailored to each dog’s specific needs and owners' expectations.
Secured a remarkable 98% overall customer satisfaction rating on Yelp, a testament to the effectiveness and popularity of the program, reflecting the trust and satisfaction among a wide clientele.
MINUTEMAN PRESS - B2B and B2C Printing Services
4/2007 – 1/2010
Small Business Owner / Franchisee
Set an unprecedented record for sales and quality evaluations in the Western US within the first year, manifesting exceptional performance, innovation, and client satisfaction in the highly competitive print and marketing landscape during the great recession period.
Earned the prestigious title of the Top Marketing Store among over 900 international locations, a testament to the unique strategies, commitment to quality, and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction employed at the store.
Education and Skills
University Education
BS, Electronic Engineering Technology, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) – San Luis Obispo, California
Formal Sales Training
Student and 2x Graduate Assistant, Dale Carnegie Sales Training | Dale Carnegie Human Relations Training
Karrass Effective Negotiating | Jeff Thule, Mastering the Complex Sale | Sandler Sales Training
Software Platforms
Microsoft Office Suite | Google Docs / Sheets / Slides / Workspace | Pipedrive CRM | Salesforce CRM | Zoho | Zoom | Slack