Dave Gerhardt

Hey I'm Dave Gerhardt. I created Exit Five, which has turned into the top community for B2B marketing professionals. Before starting Exit Five I had a 10 year career in marketing and grew from PR intern to CMO. I even once had hair! My wife says I'm more handsome now though, and she's quite pretty so that means a lot -- but the internet just boxes me in as the typical bald guy tech bro. So oh look, another bald tech guy writing on LinkedIn! whoopty freaking do.

Anyway. Where was I... OH. Receipts! I wanted to talk about receipts, because in a world of fluff and online influencers, I actually have some receipts and I want to tell you about them here because it signals power, credibility, and makes it seem like I'm super rich, so: I used to be pretty good at marketing, and my work as a marketer played a key role (at least I think so) in helping two software companies to successful exits: Drift for $1B+ and Privy for $100M+. I certainly helped the founders make a bunch of money, and I was able to comfortably purchase a brand new Toyota Sienna minivan for my family in 2021.

Today I spend my time working on Exit Five, and it's actually been super fun and given me a bunch of purpose. We're a team of six full-time team members now, and we have a private online community and host in-person events around the world. Plus there's a popular podcast and newsletter for marketers. We reach something like 20 MILLION marketers with our content every year, and we've got a pretty special thing going on. I hope to keep it going. You can learn more about it all at exitfive.com.

I spent most of my life in the Boston area but now live in the woods in Vermont with my wife, two kids, two cats, and one dog.

You can reach me at dave@exitfive.com if you want, but TBD if I reply. Depends on the message. But please don't send me any more swag or books. But if for whatever reason you do want to send me something, I play the ProV1x golf ball and like the low numbers.

PS. Find my podcast “The Dave Gerhardt Show” on Spotify

Founder & CEO

Exit Five is a media company focused on B2B marketing. We help B2B marketers build successful careers through our content and community. Learn more at exitfive.com

We polled ~100 CMOs at companies $50M - $500M+ ARR on what their top marketing challenges are right now. Here are the top takeaways.

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1. AI. No surprise. 85% said AI adoption is # 1 priority for 2026.

But this goes beyond the cute use cases you see on LinkedIn and from the AI creators showing you all the new things to do with the new tools.

"I need practical use cases and quick wins to show” - VPM $25M ARR

“We are expected to be using AI to scale marketing  efficiently” - VPM $30M ARR

“We are under pressure to demonstrate hard savings and additional value created via AI adoption.” - CMO $450M ARR

“Wondering am I moving fast enough on AI transformation — not just adopting tools, but truly rethinking how marketing works from the ground up.” - CMO $600M ARR

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2. Everyone said some version of this: "We need to grow more, spend less, & prove marketing did it.”

Grow more. Spend less. And PROVE that marketing did it. That is the key word there.

They all talked about revenue growth, but the framing has evolved beyond "drive more MQLs."

The dominant language was:

• Marketing-sourced and marketing-influenced pipeline (not just leads)
• Pipeline quality over volume
• Tying marketing to ACV expansion and retention, not just new logos

“We ned to tie marketing more directly to revenue outcomes — not just MQLs, but marketing-sourced and marketing-influenced pipeline, ACV growth, and expansion revenue” - VPM $85M ARR

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3. The other repeat topics we heard included:

• Team too small for scope of work
• Feeling  caught between strategic work (positioning, GTM, C-suite influence) and heavy day-to-day execution
• Structural misalignment after acquisition or reorg
• AI search disruption
• Moving upmarket
• Moving from single product to multi-product

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PS. We run a private group for in-house B2B marketing leaders. If you're running the marketing team at a company doing $50M+ ARR you should check this group out. Apply here:

exitfive.com/cmo-council

LinkedIn is the number one channel for B2B marketers (for content, social, ads, you know we love it here) so I had LinkedIn VP Marketing Davang Shah on the podcast this week to go right to the source about what's working, what's not, and trends across the platform.

We covered: 

- What actually works with LinkedIn ads right now
- Brand vs performance marketing strategies and how they differ
- How to think about measurement beyond last-click attribution on ads
- Why 95% of your buyers aren't in market at any given time and what to do about it

Davang also shares the data behind thought leader ads, what most marketers get wrong about the buyer journey, and how he's leading his own team through the AI shift at LinkedIn.

Listen here:

https://lnkd.in/erc8w2vM

PS. Did you know the average B2B deal takes 211 days and involves 22 people?

Vedeni Energy, LLC

I lead the strategic growth and direction of Vedeni Energy, ensuring our services align with the evolving needs of the electric power industry. Through informed decision-making and a commitment to innovation, I position the company as a trusted partner for organizations navigating complex energy markets.

I foster a culture of collaboration and transparency within my team, leveraging our unique value proposition and advanced tools such as Vedeni.IQ+ and Vedeni.Spark+ to provide actionable insights and sustainable solutions.

I advise clients on U.S. electric power market constructs, offering expertise in wholesale power markets, renewable resource integration, and emerging industry trends. My work includes assisting power market participants with technology implementation and business development strategies that align with their organizational goals.

I maintain and expand a high-value client portfolio that includes Fortune 500 companies and foreign investment firms, collectively representing over $1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). This is achieved through a robust network of consultants, strategic referrals, and a results-driven approach to client partnerships.

market strategy | wholesale power markets | market trends | renewable resource integration | technology implementation | business development

Managing Director

MWResource, Inc.

I lead the recruitment efforts and drive the organizational mission of connecting exceptional technical talent with premier opportunities. My role involves developing and implementing strategic recruiting plans, mentoring a team of managers and their recruiters, and building strong relationships with clients to deliver tailored recruitment solutions.

business development | recruiting | team leadership | team development | customer relations | strategic planning

Director of Recruiting

Big Analytixs

Reporting directly to the CEO, I led the development and execution of the business development vision, strategy, plans, and processes that drove sales, expanded markets, and accomplished financial objectives.

I identified and evaluated new markets, partners, channels, and customers while working with existing customers to identify current and future business needs where Big Analytixs could provide additional value.

business development | market analysis | customer relations | marketing | strategic planning

Executive Director, Business Development

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

I was selected for a newly created IT operations leadership position to drive the strategic and collaborative IT business, coupled with oversight of financial planning and budget of the Security and IT Operations divisions. 

I directed the Shared Services Group, providing executive oversight of facility operations and functions, contract negotiations, contracts, and supplier/contractor management for all buildings, employees, and customers. 

I also assumed the duties of the IT Project Portfolio Director, coordinating and driving the development and prioritization of all IT & Shared Services projects as part of the corporate 5-year planning process, aligning with the portfolio leads of the other divisions within the company to plan and provide a prioritized corporate portfolio that fit within the defined budget.

IT business operations | facilities management | contractor management | digital transformation | portfolio management

Executive Director, IT Business Operations & Shared Services

I steered organizational Human Resource functions, including talent acquisition, internship program, performance and succession management, employee relations, workforce strategy, and organizational design.

I completed the successful evolution of critical HR functions to genuinely support both the short and long-term needs of employees in service to the organizational Mission and Vision. I defined the employee lifecycle and improved every touchpoint, from sourcing through separation, while resolving key performance gaps.

I leveraged my business operations expertise to plan and prepare for current and future talent needs; I supported organizational strategic goals and initiatives outlined in the organizaton's 5-year strategic plan.

talent development | recruiting | performance management | workforce strategy | internship program management | leadership development | organizational design

Executive Director, Human Resources

In this position, I served in a unique role involving high-level strategic planning, in-depth engineering analysis management, and continuous process improvement. I controlled resource adequacy coordination and interconnection functions for the MISO system, bringing a new level of operational oversight and customer focus into play.

I led critical interconnection queue reform efforts and customer-focused discussions on resource adequacy requirements & capacity market construct.

resource adequacy | interconnection process | resource lifecycle management | renewable energy

Executive Director, Resource Planning

In this role, I piloted the implementation of transmission and resource planning strategies for the MISO South footprint, with executive leadership over the New Orleans office and System Planning business operations across the enterprise. 

I led efforts to integrate new MISO South members into the firm’s transmission and resource planning processes on an aggressive timeline, with minimal disruptions or impact on customer relations. 

I also developed strategic relationships with the senior leadership teams within new member companies and within the State Regulatory Commissions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

stakeholder relations | business operations | power system planning | executive leadership

Executive Director, System Planning (South)

Cogentrix Energy, LLC

I developed and led the organization's Ethics & Compliance Programs, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, & local regulations, with a primary focus on FERC tariff and power market rules, NERC & Regional Reliability Standards, CFTC Dodd-Frank Act, environmental regulations, health, safety, and business conduct & ethics. 

NERC | FERC | CFTC | Dodd-Frank | compliance | ethics | business practices

Director of Compliance

PJM Interconnection

I formed and led the NERC & Regional Coordination Department for a bulk electric power system organization serving 51 million people in a 13-state territory. I ensured and monitored adherence to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Regional Reliability Organization (RFC, SERC) standards as well as the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) Business Practices.

NERC | FERC | RFC | SERC | NAESB | compliance

Manager, NERC & Regional Coordination

I served in all control room functions. I supervised analysis, control, and monitoring of transmission facility power flows and generation output, implementing corrective action to ensure reliable operations. I also determined and directed requisite system emergency response activities as needed.

Shift Supervisor | Transmission Dispatcher | Generation Dispatcher | Generation Scheduler | Transaction Coordinator

Bulk Electric System Operations

US Army

Served in multiple capacities, including conducting combat operations, developing and executing training programs, and peacekeeping missions in multiple countries.

Acting First Sergeant | Operations Sergeant | Platoon Sergeant | Section Sergeant
Operation Golden Pheasant | Operation Just Cause | Operation Restore Democracy

Sergeant First Class

As an accomplished executive and trusted advisor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from diverse roles in financial management, strategic partnership development, operations oversight, leadership in human resources, technology integration, and business growth. I excel in transforming complex challenges into strategic opportunities, combining innovative ideas with proven business frameworks to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.

As the Managing Director of Vedeni Energy, I lead organizations in navigating the complexities of regional power markets. Through tailored services such as 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐈𝐐+ and 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤+, I deliver actionable insights and practical solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs. My approach emphasizes the use of established technologies, data-driven methodologies, and transparent communication to optimize operations and unlock untapped potential.

I specialize in fostering business growth through:

✅ 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇: Reinvigorating traditional business models and implementing transformative strategies that drive measurable improvements in operations, analytics, and services.

✅ 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒: Offering actionable guidance to move beyond challenges while aligning with the core needs of the organization. My work includes integrating new technologies, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results.

✅ 𝐁𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇-𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑: Building strong, cross-functional teams that thrive in fast-paced and complex environments. I focus on creating a culture of trust, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

✅ 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: Using insights from 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐈𝐐+ and 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤+, I provide organizations with the tools and strategies they need to adapt, innovate, and grow in dynamic markets.

Currently, I am open to collaborating on new client engagements and short- or long-term projects. Let’s explore how I can help your organization navigate today’s energy challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. You can connect with me here on LinkedIn or by email at 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤@𝐯𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲.

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The Battle

Dave Gerhardt

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Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Dave Gerhardt's LinkedIn Performance

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