NORTHVALE, N.J. (BRAIN) — G. Joannou Cycles has hired industry veteran Chris Budich to manage its U.S. business development for its Jamis and Nirve Bicycles brands. In his new role, Budich will be responsible for managing the company's IBD network with an emphasis on developing and servicing U.S. territories where the greatest opportunities exist. He will work from the company's New Jersey headquarters and with both the inside and outside sales staff.
Budich has been at Raleigh the past nine years as a Northeastern regional sales manager. His duties included sales, product demos, dealer seminars and tech clinics. Prior to that, Budich and his brother managed and operated a New Jersey retail store from 1990 to 2007.
"I am thrilled to join Jamis and Nirve," said Budich, who started the position last week. "I have always been a big fan of both brands and I know how much opportunity there is for the IBD with each. In both cases the product is amazing, and in both cases there is room to be better. I look forward to speaking with our dealers directly and getting to know what they really need in order to be as successful as possible."
The company's president, Carine Joannou said, "Chris is a great fit with us, and in just one week we've already seen his impact. His intimate knowledge of the IBD, from both sides of counter, means he understands what our customers need in order to be successful shops, both now and in the future. Transparency between manufacturer and retailer is critical in this new ever-changing environment, and Chris brings a clear understanding of that."
Joannou and Budich are attending the CABDA show this Wednesday and Thursday along with the rest of the Jamis and Nirve staff. Budich can be reached at cbudich@jamisbikes.com or 210-768-9050, ext. 212.
