Watchfire has named Chris Kelm as vice president of on premise sales. The Danville, Illinois-based, manufacturer of LED signs, digital billboards and video displays brings Kelm on to lead the division that supplies sign companies serving local businesses and communities.
Key Takeaways
- Watchfire named Chris Kelm vice president of on premise sales.
- Kelm most recently served as vice president of foodservice sales at The Vollrath Company, where he led a 60-person sales organization.
- He previously spent more than 15 years at Johnson Controls in finance, corporate strategy, commercial operations and sales roles.
- Kelm succeeds Dave Warns, who is stepping back after 14 years with Watchfire.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Who Is Chris Kelm?
Chris Kelm is the new vice president of on premise sales at Watchfire, a role focused on leading the division that serves the company’s sign company customers. For nearly a century, Watchfire has built its business on trusted relationships with the sign companies that bring its products to local businesses and communities. Kelm brings a background in supporting distribution premises, developing on premise and aligning commercial operations around partner success.
What Does Kelm’s Role Involve?
Kelm’s role involves leading Watchfire’s on premise division, which carries a responsibility to uphold the trust the company has built with its dealer partners while helping them pursue new opportunities. He brings deep expertise in dealer channel strategy along with a foundation in leadership and sales operations.
“Chris brings deep expertise in dealer channel strategy, with a strong foundation in leadership and sales operations,” says Steve Harriott, president and CEO of Watchfire. “His background aligns well with Watchfire’s values, and he will further strengthen our relationships with our sign company customers.”
What Is Kelm’s Professional Background?
Kelm most recently served as vice president of foodservice sales at The Vollrath Company, where he led a 60-person sales organization and oversaw distribution strategy across multiple markets. Before that, he spent more than 15 years at Johnson Controls in roles spanning finance, corporate strategy, commercial operations and sales management. His responsibilities there included directing the commercial functions and business transformation efforts for a $1.6 billion product business and leading the global channel strategy and commercial operations supporting roughly 2,000 sellers across 10 business units.
Why Did Kelm Join Watchfire?
Kelm joined Watchfire because of the company’s reputation, its products and its culture. He points to the dealer partnerships and the mission-driven team as key reasons for the move.
“Joining Watchfire is an incredible opportunity,” Kelm says. “The company has built a remarkable reputation as an industry leader with premier products that set the standard, and we’re backed by the best dealer partners in the business. But what really drew me in is the culture. It’s focused, mission-driven, and powered by people who are eager to win. I’m excited to be part of this winning team.”
Who Does Kelm Succeed?
Kelm succeeds Dave Warns, who is stepping back after 14 years with Watchfire. Warns helped build the company’s on premise sales organization and has been a tireless advocate for its dealers and customers. Watchfire recognizes his leadership, dedication and the strong foundation he leaves for the team’s continued success.
What Is Kelm’s Educational Background?
Kelm holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and information technology from Northern Michigan University. He also earned an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
