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Our dedicated team brings industry expertise, top notch account management, planogram design, actionable and measurable monthly reporting, superior customer service, and most importantly, increased sales and profits. Contact us today to learn how we can propel your business to a higher level.

Our senior managers lend their collective expertise to tailor solutions to each account’s needs. This team includes (click names to read more):

• Terry Sutphin, Managing Partner
• John Conner, Managing Partner
• Don Sutphin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
• Tim Brady
• Mike Newman

At United Sales Force, the quality of our people, the amount of knowledge we have gained through years of experience, and our high degree of accountability makes us a superior partner in the hardware home improvement industry , automotive aftermarket and industrial supply market.

Terry Sutphin, Managing Partner

As a Managing Partner, Terry Sutphin works closely with senior management to set the vision, strategic direction, and goals for United Sales Force. Prior to running United Sales Force, Terry was a Managing Partner at United Retail Service. Marketing Group South and Systematic Sales and Service merged and became United Retail Service, LLC in October 2006. Terry was President of Marketing Group South prior to the merger with Systematic Sales and Service. In 1985 Terry was one of the founding partners of Marketing Group South Inc., a sales and service organization aimed at gaining market share for manufacturers in the Southeast and Southwest United States, while providing hands-on in store service for retailers. During his tenure as President of Marketing Group South, Terry lead all operating units including sales, service, projects, marketing, human resources, finance and technology.

Under Terry's leadership Marketing Group South received numerous "Rep of the Year" awards and was chosen as one of eight service organizations to launch The Home Depot's In-Store Service Program in 2003. The company grew from five associates in 1985 to over 350 during Terry's 20 year tenure and grew the annual revenue to over 20 million dollars annually. Terry successfully engineered In- Store Service expansion into the Southwestern and Southeastern United States and the Caribbean.

Terry attended Jacksonville State University and began his career in the Hardware-Homecenter Industry as a sales representative for The Gafford Lee Group, managing key accounts throughout the Southeast over a five year period.

John Conner, Managing Partner

United Sales Force, LLC. John oversees all aspects of our sales and marketing. John brings a wealth of knowledge to the manufacturing rep side of USF. As president of Conner Sales Inc, John represented some of the top brand names in the industry. Some of the companies John has been associated with include American Tool Companies (Irwin, Vise Grip® Locking Pliers, Rubbermaid®, Channellock®, Conair® and Cooper Lighting®. John has over 30 years of leadership and management experience.

John’s father founded Conner Sales, Inc in 1978. John joined his father company in 1981. CSI has received many awards from distributors and manufacturers, both national and international for their contribution to sales and marketing. John has headed CSI as President after his father’s retirement in 2000. Under John’s leadership CSI grew to 10 sales associates throughout the southeast. CSI also, under John’s leadership, ran a separate service organization handling service for both Lowes and The Home Depot.

John graduated from University of Alabama Birmingham. John was also a member the Young Executive Club of the AHMA. John also served on the AHMA Rep Council Advisory Board. Some of John’s community activities in the past have included coaching little league baseball, and volunteer Fire Medic. Prior to joining Conner Sales Inc, John worked as a Paramedic while attending college and received the Paramedic of the Year award for a 6 county region.

As the Vice President of Sales, Don Sutphin heads the external sales team for United Sales Force with a focus on providing sales and marketing services for the DIY Chains, DIY Coops, Non-Home Improvement Retailers, and Electrical Retailers. This division of United Sales Force provides product sales as a manufacturer’s rep, as well as retail services for various accounts. Prior to his time at USF, Don was VP of Sales at United Retail Service, formed on September 25, 2006 when Marketing Group South and Systematic Sales and Service merged. Prior to the merger, Don was Vice President of Operations and Managing Partner of Marketing Group South.

As part of Marketing Group South, Don opened the Southwest office in Dallas, TX to support the Southwestern division of The Home Depot. Don was named the Vice President of Operations and Managing Partner for the SW division of Marketing Group South, where he organized sales, new store openings, and resets/remodels for all stores within The Home Depot. He was responsible for supplying a support team of 110 service personnel and the systems necessary to assist in The Home Depot's market expansion opening over 250 plus stores in nine years.

Prior to Marketing Group South, Don worked as a Territory Sales Manager for Downey Automotive. Don is recognized as a sales professional with over 20 plus years in the Hardware Wholesale and Home Improvement Industries. He has been awarded numerous merchandising and sales awards for his efforts with various manufacturers including: Southwire, Woods Wire, American Brush Company and Bussman Fuses. Don also has extensive experience in POP design and product merchandising.

Don attended Chattanooga State University. He is a member of the Young Executive Council. Don continues to improve his knowledge and business practices through continuing attendance at industry events and seminars.

Tim Brady

Tim originally started his own rep agency in 1982 after working on the van Program with the Vermont American Corporation. He represented key manufacturers such as American Tool, Eklind Tool, Channellock Tools and the L.S. Starrett Co.

Tim's business focus was on covering the Carolina's. He later joined with John Conner at Conner Sales and grew the business tremendously with Lowe's, Odell Hardware and many large industrial supply companies. They employed 4 full time employees and received many awards including the prestigious Richard Peterson award from American Tool Co.

Tim's current position includes handling all sales and marketing activities in the Carolinas and southern Virginia. He covers all markets and has an in-depth knowledge of and enjoys great relationships with all viable customers.

Mike Newman

Mike covers Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee calling on industrial, two-step, and retail accounts. On the two-step side, Mike calls on Wallace Hardware, based in Morristown, TN, Long Lewis Hardware, based in Birmingham, AL, and Southern Hardware, based in West Helena, AR. A few of the Industrial accounts Mike currently calls on Dixie Construction Products, Heavy Maintenance, and Southern Pipe and Supply. Mike also works with John Conner and Don Sutphin as back up the House Hasson and Orgill accounts, making dealer calls, trade show preparation and execution, and general customer service.

Mike brings to USF 8 years of retail and wholesale sales experience. Mike started his career at Newell Rubbermaid in the Phoenix Program calling on 8 Lowe’s Home Improvement stores in northern Florida. His responsibilities included new store grand openings, product trainings, and promotion implementation. He was promoted within Newell to Irwin Industrial Tool Company and held several positions including Mobile Blitz Team, Retail Sales Representative, and Territory Sales Representative. These roles included sales presentations, trade show preparation and execution, and relationship building with key dealers and sales representatives. While at Irwin he represented lines such as Amerock, Bernzomatic, Irwin, Lenox, Rubbermaid, Sharpie, and Shurline. Mike left Irwin and accepted an opportunity in the Virgin Islands working for Gallows Bay Hardware in St Croix, working as a store manager and buyer.

Mike attended Appalachian State University majoring in Business Management. Mike was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon Business Fraternity and the Club Swim Team. During college Mike coached a community swim team for three years.