LAGUNA BEACH, CA (BRAIN)—Sparc Retail has hired John Telfer, founder and former chief executive officer of BroForm.com and Influence Technologies, to be vice president of business development.
Telfer brings more than 20 years of experience in technology and consumer products, from designing and building enterprise and online software applications to launching new products, brands and companies.
“We are stoked,” said Ed Applebaum, Sparc's president. “John has always been at the forefront of using technology to influence sales and we look forward to harnessing that passion, experience and vision.”
Telfer launched the pioneering pro sales community BroForm.com in 2000 followed by software-as-service firm Influence Technologies in 2003, serving as president and chief executive officer until selling the properties in 2007. Prior to this, Telfer was a senior systems analyst at Shimano, ultimately transitioning to the product side to spearhead and launch Shimano’s new snowboard division. Telfer began his career in 1989 at Anderson Consulting (now Accenture).
Telfer's primary role will be to develop and nurture new business in the cycling, outdoor and action sports markets, as well as direct new product development and strategy.
“Over my career I’ve been exposed to plenty of industrial strength software platforms that are hammered into place as “solutions,” Telfer said. “Today, brands are clearly looking for organic and flexible solutions that build brand equity, nurture enterprise growth, and are portable for integration into their go-to-market strategies. Sparc does all that and more.”
Headquartered in Laguna Beach, California, Sparc creates and hosts online clinics that keeps a sales force plugged into their manufacturers, allowing for clear transmission of brand and product information. Sparc and its creative team Planet Propaganda are the force behind Burton Snowboard’s Burtonology and Trek Bicycles’ award-winning Trek University program. Sparc creates immersive environments designed to deliver a brand’s truth and passion to create loyal crusaders on the front lines of retail. Brand crusades include: Burton, RED, Anon, Trek, Gary Fisher, Bontrager, Felt Bicycles, ACR Electronics, Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, and Theramador.
