Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Olly Crabb

Brockenhurst,Hampshire

Summary

A results-driven Sales and Account Management professional with over 15 years of cycle industry experience, uniquely combining engineering skills with a proven track record in B2B revenue growth. Expert at managing high-volume portfolios, having successfully managed 300+ accounts and signed 198 new dealers for top-tier brands. With a background in engineering, combined with a 4-year advanced modern apprenticeship in airframe structures, I offer a deep technical knowledge that I believe would bring great benefit to Argon 18. I am a self-motivated professional proven in exceeding sales targets, optimizing workshop profitability by as much as 50%+, and building long-term dealer loyalty through expert product training and technical support.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work history

Interim Manager

Jon's Bike Repair
Holbury
2024.09 - 2026.02
  • Assisting Jon during his recovery from major surgery and during busy periods as and when needed.
  • Exceeded projected targets for sales during autumn/winter months by implementing new sales initiatives.
  • Welcomed new to the Business customers and delivered a quick turnaround and addressed their needs quickly and efficiently, resulting in multiple 5 star reviews for the business.

Assistant Manager

BOOST Bike Hub
Brockenhurst
2023.04 - 2024.04
  • Brought back in to help stabilise the business post Covid.
  • Increased turnover of workshop and shop during a difficult trading period.
  • Streamlined brands to increase profit margins.
  • Fostered relationships with new to the shop brands, such as Argon 18 and Mondraker.
  • Contract

Founder

Nova Foresta Bikes
Christchurch
2020.01 - 2023.01
  • Designed, and built custom steel bikes from scratch.
  • Setup strong social media to help with marketing of business.
  • Won “Bike of the Week” on Vital MTB.
  • Branched out into frame repairs to complement existing business.

Deputy Store and Workshop Manager

BOOST Bike Hub
Brockenhurst
2017.03 - 2019.12
  • Redeveloped workshop, and shop for a re-brand.
  • Increased workshop turnover by as much as 120% in peak season.
  • Implemented new social events which resulted in greatly increased repeat business.
  • Increased shops turnover and profit margins from previous YTD.

South East Account Manager

Muc Off
Poole
2019.01 - 2019.10
  • Successfully signed up 198 new cycle trade accounts during the switchover to a direct distribution model.
  • Met Targets set, with ARR of £130k.
  • Visited 7 Stores daily.
  • Setup product training program specifically targeted at Cycle-Surgery stores.
  • Attended Multiple events both instore, at shows, and at races.

Co Founder and Chief Marketeer

Chalk and Cheese Recruitment
Christchurch
2016.01 - 2017.02
  • Developed website and branding for new hospitality business.
  • Successfully setup meetings and won business with several 5 Star restaurants and hotels.
  • Helped guide the business to £60k turnover in first year of trading.

Head Mechanic

Cycle Paths (Now Giant Poole)
Poole
2015.05 - 2015.12
  • Redeveloped workshop to help with turnover and productivity.
  • Re merchandised store to help with customer flow.

Senior Mechanic

Hargroves Cycles (Now 99 Bikes)
Totton
2014.04 - 2015.05
  • Increased productivity based on previous years figures by improving methodologies and work rate.
  • Exceeded targets for bikes built for mail order business.
  • Implemented new training and checklists for mechanics to ensure continuity across business.

Engineering Training Officer

Superior Seals
Ferndown
2013.10 - 2014.03
  • Mentored 6 students at on-site training academy.
  • Regularly attended apprenticeship fair’s and award shows to represent the business.
  • Looked at demands from within the business and matched apprentices with them based on their skillsets.

Mechanic

Primera Sports
Poole
2010.04 - 2013.10
  • Helped develop workshop efficiency, resulting in turnover of between £10k-£15k per week in peak season.
  • Developed robust warranty procedures due to high demand from some brands.
  • Changed workshop procedures to strengthen efficiency due to extremely high demand.

Sabbatial

Global Travel
2008.10 - 2010.03
  • Took a year out to travel around Europe after redundancy from previous role.
  • Gap year

Sheet Metal Worker and Fitter

Beagle Aerospace
Christchurch
2001.08 - 2008.09
  • Completed 4 Year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) in assembling advanced airframe structures.
  • Manufactured and assembled components for aircraft, both military and commercial.
  • Helped with design of tooling, and manufacturing processes for components that were used in the Vulcan To The Sky Project.

Education

Foundation Degree in Science - Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) in Assembling Advanced Airframe Structures

ITE Education

Skills

  • Technical proficiency
  • Influential communication
  • Product knowledge and integration
  • Target achievement
  • Account management techniques
  • Sales techniques
  • Business development
  • Territory management
  • Product launches
  • Extensive product knowledge
  • Promotion development
  • Client Relationship Management
  • New development bids
  • Brand development
  • Persuasive selling
  • Technical sales
  • B2C account management
  • Complex problem resolution
  • Negotiation
  • Market segmentation
  • Upselling and cross-selling techniques
  • B2B account management
  • Pipeline Management
  • Product knowledge proficiency
  • Sales promotion implementation
  • Market trend awareness
  • Resilience under pressure
  • Brand loyalty development
  • Multi-Channel retailing
  • Communication effectiveness
  • Interpersonal savvy
  • Cultural awareness
  • Customer Service

Affiliations

  • Bespoke Engineering & Frame Building: I apply my Level 3 AMA engineering background to the design and construction of custom steel bicycle frames from scratch under my brand, Nova Foresta Bikes. My commitment to precision and craftsmanship resulted in being awarded “Bike of the Week” on Vital MTB. Industry Networking & Thought Leadership: I am an active participant in the UK cycling community, regularly attending trade-only exhibitions such as COREbike to network with distributors and brands. I make a point of attending seminars by industry figureheads, such as Greg Maynard, to gain insights into career longevity and the evolving passion that drives the bike industry. Trends & Innovation: I maintain a cutting-edge knowledge of the latest industry trends, from the integration of e-bike tech and SmartSense systems to the "growing up" of the gravel bike segment. I enjoy analyzing how these technical shifts impact consumer behavior and B2B account management. Aerospace Heritage: I retain a strong passion for heritage engineering, having contributed to the Vulcan To The Sky Project by designing specialized tooling and manufacturing components for high-profile aircraft restoration. Family & The New Forest: As a father of two daughters living in the New Forest, I am dedicated to an active, outdoor lifestyle. I enjoy introducing my children to the forest’s unique trails, fostering a deep connection to the local cycling culture and the environment we call home.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Interim Manager

Jon's Bike Repair
2024.09 - 2026.02

Assistant Manager

BOOST Bike Hub
2023.04 - 2024.04

Founder

Nova Foresta Bikes
2020.01 - 2023.01

South East Account Manager

Muc Off
2019.01 - 2019.10

Deputy Store and Workshop Manager

BOOST Bike Hub
2017.03 - 2019.12

Co Founder and Chief Marketeer

Chalk and Cheese Recruitment
2016.01 - 2017.02

Head Mechanic

Cycle Paths (Now Giant Poole)
2015.05 - 2015.12

Senior Mechanic

Hargroves Cycles (Now 99 Bikes)
2014.04 - 2015.05

Engineering Training Officer

Superior Seals
2013.10 - 2014.03

Mechanic

Primera Sports
2010.04 - 2013.10

Sabbatial

Global Travel
2008.10 - 2010.03

Sheet Metal Worker and Fitter

Beagle Aerospace
2001.08 - 2008.09

Foundation Degree in Science - Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) in Assembling Advanced Airframe Structures

ITE Education
Olly Crabb