Channel Expertise
- Distribution
- Resellers
- Retailers
- Dealer Networks
- Wholesalers
- Manufacturer Reps (IMR)
- Packagers
- Value Added Resellers (VAR)
Market Expertise
- Industrial Manufacturing & Services
- Medical Devices and Equipment
- Electronic Manufacturing
- Consumer Distribution
- Construction Materials
- Tooling & Assembly
- Scientific & Research Instruments
- Energy & Chemical
Find something you love and make it your career
Following successful sales careers in the corporate world, the fun ran out. As we progressed higher in the corporation, we lost touch of customers and the real value behind company mission statements.
We wanted to return to the fun in sales leadership – creating and executing strategy, coaching and mentoring sales professionals, listening and solving customer challenges. Out of this frustration Navigant Associates was launched in 2016 to do just that; serve clients who want to better solve their customer challenges in the most effective way possible.
Navigant Associates is a global training, consulting, and research company specializing in channel sales strategies utilizing 3rd party sales and service partners. We help sales teams design and transform sales channels resulting in higher earnings and customer value.
We help clients recognize their performance gaps, understand best-in-class practices and build strategies to improve their partner relationships, execution skills, ultimately satisfy more customers.
Our partners and advisors bring 100+ years of experience in channel selling. We built careers as sales reps, sales leaders, and business executives—both domestically and as expats in international locations. When we combine real-world experience with the Channel ACE methodology, you have a powerful partner to help you with your channel sales challenges and opportunities.
Lee Richards
Lee is the Founder and Managing Partner of Navigant Associates and a specialist in complex sales strategies and channel partner development.
His expertise comes from 25+ years leading sales teams around the world including Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, and Cameron Compression. His experience consulting the following 5+ years for global manufacturers in the energy, utility, and industrial markets brings a solid understanding of the culture and process required for a successful organization.
While his professional career was highlighted by leading a global sales organization, his career started as a machinist working nights through college. In addition to his professional experience, Lee’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology along with an MBA from University of Houston.
Rich Blakeman
Rich Blakeman joins Navigant Associates as a Consulting Partner to leverage 40 years of channel sales and direct sales leadership experience across industries.
He began his career with his father, a 40 year executive and CEO in the machine tool industry and Chairman of the AMT - moving on to lead sales and marketing organizations for companies from $15M to $8B. Rich was formerly the Managing Director of Channel Enablers, the largest global consultancy solely devoted to improving the profession of channel management - working at global firms like GE, Danaher, Crane, Halliburton, and others - and where he wrote the most definitive book in the field, The Hybrid Sales Channel published by McGraw Hill.
Rich recently built out a large global channel for an AI for sales firm, applying cutting edge automation technology to drive sales for the channel partners and their clients.
Theresa Steuerwald
Theresa is the Operating Partner of Navigant Associates and brings experience in the marine, boating, and ocean cargo industries.
Following 15 years in the marine industry, Theresa took her experience internationally with assignments throughout Asia including China and Singapore.
In addition to her global experience, Theresa brings and education from the University of Houston.
Proud to contribute and participate in leading industry organizations through industry events, research, training and networking.
