Laird Comber is at the center of landmark deals which drive success for companies. Skilled in strategic planning, negotiations and account management, he has been steadily promoted and honored for his achievements throughout his career.
He has been trusted to lead multimillion-dollar sales initiatives with such industry giants as Grainger, Tenaquip, Vallen, Fastenal, SPI, Whitecap, Source Atlantic, Wesco/Hazmasters, MSC, Cintas, Motion, Bunzl and Linde, as well as an array of independent distributors who belong to buying groups AD and INDICA.
These successes, built on carefully cultivated relationships, have been recognized with a series of awards over the years, including:
• The AD Canada’s Supplier of the year, a Tier 2 Award
• Number 36 ranking in PROFIT Magazine's 23rd Annual PROFIT 200 ranking for a leading technology company. Laird Comber was instrumental in boosting profitability by 1,341% over a five-year period, as per the parameters of the PROFIT 200 ranking.
• Recognition by Rogers and PROFIT magazine with the 4th Annual Innovations@Work Award
• U.S. Home Safety Council Award for Consumer Safety
Laird Comber sets high goals, and consistently meets them. The key to his sales success is his focus on people, product, process and customers. He has an extensive track record of surpassing aggressive sales targets.
Based in Toronto, Laird Comber accelerates revenue flow and growth by elevating the development of long-term relationships and finding innovative solutions to complex, challenging problems. Collaborating closely with clients, he identifies each prospective customer’s unique pain points and tailors solutions that optimize results and create bottom-line success for any organization.
Laird Comber is widely described as a strategic thinker who is loyal, fun and demonstrates a strong work ethic. He thrives in an environment where he can build and influence a high-caliber team that exceeds expectations and delivers profitability.
In 1997 he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University.
Laird Comber’s career includes a recent Vice President of Sales position at PIP Canada; a role as National Account Manager in Canada for HD Supply; and Business Development Manager for Johnston Equipment.
At PIP Canada, Laird Comber led the company’s sales team, with full responsibility for corporate sales objectives. He directed and mentored high-performing sales professionals and aligned business processes with expectations, driving process improvement measures and incorporating change management for future growth.
Laird Comber successfully negotiated high-value contracts, expanded key accounts and launched strategic programs to deliver strong results.
At HD Supply Canada he managed a multimillion-dollar portfolio for large national accounts within the industrial sector. Laird Comber fostered client relationships and implemented data-driven sales strategies to ensure growth. He led contract negotiations and pricing discussions, achieving mutually beneficial agreements. He also oversaw cross functional teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment and customer support. The result was exceptional sales performance – 110% to plan.
As Business Development Manager for Johnston Equipment Co. Ltd., Laird Comber drove sales in engineered warehouse systems, optimizing efficiencies to deliver a positive ROI. This success was based on his skill in building strong customer relations in key accounts and target markets.
When not working, Laird is an avid hockey card collector who also coaches the Etobicoke Dolphins Girls Hockey team. He has traveled the world across five continents (ask him about skydiving in Namibia!), completed a 42-kilometer marathon, and is devoted to physical fitness, which keeps him strong mentally and physically.