Steve Schmidt 🧲

Content Strategy and Revenue Architecture - Creator of SOS (Sales Operating System), for top of funnel

I’m all about direct, data-driven lead generation. By that, I mean I turn cold emails into serious revenue machines for my clients.

With access to our database of over 280 million verified leads, I mix Firmographic, Technographic, and Persona data to create highly focused playbooks that hit the right people at the right time. My goal? Equip sales teams with a clear view of their Total Addressable Market (TAM) and a blueprint for finding the companies that need their solution the most.

It’s all in the details: open job data, employee growth (or lack thereof), social media spikes, web traffic, product launches, and tech stack investments—these indicators reveal who’s ready for a solution and set you up with messaging that resonates. When sales teams embrace this approach, it changes the game. You’re not just emailing—you’re connecting with people already facing the pain points you can solve.

I train teams to work smarter with tech that multiplies output and turns potential into predictable results. Let's make those numbers work.

With over 25+ years of experience in B2B sales, I have worked with world-class organizations such as Outreach, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and successfully founded and exited TIDAL, the leading worldwide sales development company.

The mission - to empower B2B leaders to grow their revenue and influence through content strategy and outbound, together!

I look forward to seeing you become MAGNETIC!

CRO, Owner and Content Led Selling Evangelist

MAGNETIC is the global leader in Content Led Selling, guiding the B2B world into the new method of generating revenue.

Steve Schmidt

I got my start sales living under a friend‘s kitchen table.

Started from the bottom, literally, now we’re here.

Stay the course.

Steve Schmidt 

Magnetic - Content to Cashflow | Chief Revenue Officer @Magnetic and SpotLight (Sioux Falls)

Sales is less about being great at “selling”, and more about being resilient to handle the losses with grace in order to hang on for the wins.

i’m not always been great at that and I’ve taken the loss - at times -  pretty hard over the last 26 years.

But, over time, I’ve learned that 

- Follow Up Matters 

- Persistence can’t turn a no into yes. 

- Unqualifying is great and necessary for fast growth venture backed SaaS companies. In Service companies, you are literally there to serve.  No’s do become yes’s in time, but not if your are an asshole and disregard them quickly. 

- It is always an average. Refine, repeat. This loss doesn’t define you just like the next win doesn’t define you.

I used to put my weight in how many impressions a post would get, or how people would react to something I posted…., waiting for leads to pour in. 

About a year ago  I realized how silly that was and how damaging it can be.  

What goes up must come down and that goes for the ego as well.

Now, I rely on the quality of the work to do the talking.  

And it works, extremely well. 

Give it a shot.  Happy selling, and even happier living!

No pressure, no progress.

It’s hard to argue that pressure doesn’t motivate people in a positive way.

Balance is important.

Rest is imortant.

But pressure is the great motivator.

Developing and leading the marketing strategy for the longest-running executive search firm exclusively focused on the semiconductor industry, and supporting employer brand marketing for our partner clients.

I turn the conversations we have with founders, the insights from the conferences we attend, and our front-row view of deep-tech innovation into stories the market needs to hear—spotlighting the companies and technologies worth paying attention to.

Here are some of our content pillars:
➡️The C Suite Spotlight - Fireside chats with founders and executives of high-growth startups. We help them share their perspectives on tech, talent, and leadership lessons. 
➡️Top Startups to Bet On Series - Deeply researched, semi-annual lists featuring the top startups in specific sectors that are likely to be breakout successes.
➡️Talent Specific Marketing Content - Video and document packs that enable our recruiters to tell our clients' stories and get top candidates excited to join. 

For more details or to see if partnering with us makes sense for your company, reach out:
602.354.7518
trevor@sbtindustries.com

VP of Marketing and Partnerships

Recruiting Manager

I have helped deliver key technical talent and leadership to organizations ranging from venture-backed startups to Fortune 500 semiconductor design companies.

Senior Executive Recruiter

The Refine Group

The Refine Group is a boutique marketing agency owned and operated by a wife-and-husband team that specializes in creative storytelling and social media marketing for privately-owned businesses across industries.

We help our clients refine their brand vision, define goals, and execute skillfully crafted marketing strategies to not only stand out but thrive in a highly competitive marketplace. 

For more details about our services, you're welcome to reach me at -
720.635.7227
trevor@therefinegroup.com

Vice President and Head of Creative Strategy | Marketing 

Blue Signal Search

Blue Signal Search is a boutique executive search firm that recruits top, passive talent in technology-focused industries such as wireless telecommunications, med-tech and semiconductor. 

In my two years at Blue Signal I:
* Doubled billings from rookie year to second year ($140K, 2019; $280K, 2020) 
* Earned largest fee in company history $67K (record stood all of 2019)
* Became one of two rookie recruiters promoted to Senior Recruiter (from class of 12)
* Signed 2 new clients which created business pipeline worth $125K

I worked a full desk and led the semiconductor practice. I also supported our wireless practice. My efforts focused on sourcing and engaging top passive talent for highly technical roles and persuading  them explore exclusive opportunities. 

I guided candidates through the entire interview process through offer negotiation, acceptance and resignation. I also performed business development activities that included market research, prospecting, outbound calls and emails, content generation and social media marketing.

Executive Recruiter

First Choice Business Brokers

First Choice Business Brokers is a franchised company focused on small-cap, privately-owned business in the United States. First Choice offers B2B services to help business owners sell their assets.

As an agent licensed in Arizona, I conducted market research to identify buying trends and target private businesses. I led outbound sales and marketing campaigns that included cold-calling, emailing and letter writing and tracked all activities into a CRM. I built relationships with business owners, performed appraisals on their businesses and earned their trust to list their businesses for sale exclusively through myself and First Choice. I guided my clients through the process of selling and I vetted and performed due-diligence of any potential buyers. 

In my year with First Choice I accomplished:
* Getting $1.2M of business value (6 businesses) under Exclusive Right to Sell agreements.

Licensed Sales Agent

Boardriders

Boardriders Inc is one of the largest and and most successful collections of surf, skate and snow brands in the world. Their popular brands include Quiksilver, ROXY, DC Shoes and more.

I worked directly with the Sales, Marketing, Global Marketing, Product and Operations teams to create sales training materials and programs for Boardriders'  three flagship brands (Quik, ROXY, DC). I led a Field Marketing Team that visited retail locations in order to strengthen brand loyalty, drive product knowledge and increase sell through.  

In my year with Boarders I accomplished: 
* Built and led a 48-person team to provide sales support at over 1,000 brick-and-mortar locations
* Created an exclusive, online sales training and rewards program with a third party agency

Training Manager - Americas

GoPro

Led a field marketing program to drive sales of the GoPro HERO 4 Session camera and accessories. Managed a $2.2M budget for the program and created a cost-efficient team with positive ROI. Planned two major training kickoff events and provided ongoing, remote product education. Directed a 55 person field marketing team that made measurable impact at big-box consumer electronic and sporting goods accounts.

US Field Marketing Lead

Oakley

I led a nationally-recognized Field Marketing Team in the competitive premium eyewear category. Our goals included educating retail salespeople, earning consumer loyalty through branded events, and driving consumers to purchase product at various wholesale partners. 

My Responsibilities // 
Led and developed a team of 15 Field Marketing Reps, oversaw 40 Field Marketing Ambassadors
Managed a $2.0M budget for the program and optimized the strategy 
Responsible for leading team to drive sales increases at over 2,000 Key Accounts
Supported a national, touring consumer education program titled “The Rolling O Lab”
Worked with US Event Manager to create activations for over 50 consumer facing events

US Field Marketing Program Manager

I led a team of Field Marketing Representatives in the Pacific Region. Our focus was to establish consumer loyalty to the brand, promote product knowledge with retail salespeople, and increase same-store sales at wholesale partners

My Responsibilities // 
Managed and coached 5 Field Marketing Representatives throughout western US region
Trained and oversaw activities for 25 Field Marketing Ambassadors through the region
Created new marketing techniques and sales tools for Field Marketing and Sales Reps 
Worked with US Event Marketing Manager to plan and execute over 30 consumer-facing events

Regional Field Marketing Program Manager

I was honored to work for one of my favorite brands and drive loyalty among retail sales personnel at wholesale account. My broader marketplace goal was to drive consumer loyalty toward the brand through supporting and creating my own consumer-facing events. 

My Responsibilities // 
Drove increased sales at over 120 wholesale retail stores within my assigned territory
Planned and hosted over 50 training events for retail salespeople 
Helped the US Event Manager at over 20 branded events 
Established a model for the Field Marketing Representative program

Field Marketing Representative

Red Bull

I provided project management, human resources and equipment to support Red Bull Sales and Marketing Leaders across a nine state territory. Our mission was to enable Red Bull's strategy of consumer collecting through superior experiential marketing.

My Responsibilities // 
Led 15 Logistics Team Members and oversaw work of all third-party labor vendors
Managed a $500K program budget for labor and asset purchases
Oversaw and managed building leases, company assets, and product exceeding $5M in value
Executed 3 large consumer-facing events as part of national and regional event strategy

Highlight // 
I found over $150K of cost reductions within first year of the program

Logistics Coordinator

I led a team of brand ambassadors to have authentic, engaging interactions with consumers throughout the Colorado marketplace. Our goals included increasing first-time product trial, building consumer loyalty for the brand, and driving sales across retail channels. 

Key Responsibilities // 
Trained and developed 40+ Sampling Team Members over a three year period 
Worked cross-functionally with Sales and Marketing to strategically drive sampling quotas
Reached and exceeded sampling goals each year of holding the position
Managed the product, vehicle, and materials budgets for the team totaling $750K-$800K 
Communicated weekly and monthly metrics, adjusted goals to align with regional strategy

Sampling Team Manager

I get to develop and lead the marketing and partnership strategy for the longest-running recruiting firm focused exclusively on the semiconductor industry and let me tell you... it's like a rocket ride! 🚀

We get the privilege of working with inspiring founders and their amazing companies, many of which are featured in "Top 100 Startups to Watch [EE Times]. I leverage my storytelling, content creation, and marketing experience to help our partners showcase their tech and teams, which increases their visibility and reputation. The end goal? To help them attract the world's best talent 🤝

About SBT Industries
SBT is the longest-running search firm dedicated exclusively to the semiconductor industry. With 36 years of history and deep knowledge of the markets we serve, SBT provides high-service solutions for clients and candidates in verticals like: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), silicon photonics, chiplets, and other advanced semiconductor technologies ⚡

Footnote
I'm also the Head of Creative Strategy and Marketing at The Refine Group, a boutique marketing agency that I co-own and operate with my wife. We specialize in storytelling and social media marketing for private businesses across industries. We help our clients refine their brand vision and execute marketing strategies to stand out and capture more business in competitive, high-value markets 💎

If you're looking for a marketing partner to activate your brand and help tell your story, I'll be glad to talk with you. Feel free to contact me at:

➡️trevor@therefinegroup.com 
➡️720.635.7227.

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