David Ristau

Problem Solver || DADx2 || Runner || Pipeline + SDR + GTME || Sales Leader 10+ years

Chicago2.6k followers

Asana

ex-Cision

ex-Fohlio, Inc.

Obsessed with partnering, selling with purpose, coaching, and transforming the best + brightest sales talent. I have led and continue to lead amazing teams that are finding ways to scale sales + marketing strategies, grow in their careers, and solve problems.
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I also love to roll up my sleeves - prospect + close! Coach, Modern Seller, Father, Baseball Fan, Triathlete, and Outdoors Enthusiast.

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GTM Index

ASANAJOB
1. SDR Mgr, PQL
  5M
CISIONJOB
1. VP, Sales Development + GT…
  7M
2. Dir, Inside Sales + GTM En…
  1Y 4M
FOHLIO,JOB
1. VP of Sales + Mktg
  1Y 3M
BUILT INJOB
1. Senior Mgr, BD
  8M
2. SDR Mgr
  9M
LINKEDINJOB
1. Mid-Market Account Executive
  1Y 7M
HIDDENLEVERS (ACQUIRED BY ORION)JOB
1. Head of Sales & BD
  1Y 11M
2. Product Mgr
  1Y 4M
3. Account Executive
  1Y 5M
BRIDGE FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGYJOB
1. President/CEO + Founder
  1Y 11M
LAKE FOREST COLLEGESCHOOL
1. B.A., Major: Philosophy, M…
  4Y 11M
AMERICAN UNIVERSITYSCHOOL
1. Peace and Conflict Resolut…
  11M

Job: Asana — SDR Manager, PQL · 2026-05 – present · 3 mo — Leading an exciting new team to build out a brand new PLG-led sales development motion to better optimize workflows to convert PQLs from in-product forms to trials!
Job: Cision — VP, Sales Development + GTM Engineering, OneAmericas · 2025-10 – 2026-05 · 7 mo — Promoted to lead the OneAmericas Sales Development and Pipeline motion. Overseeing team of 40+ SDRs, managers, Directors, and program managers. Additionally, oversee GTM Engineering to bring AI-enabled sales motion to teams.
Job: Cision — Director, Inside Sales + GTM Engineering, Brandwatch · 2024-06 – 2025-10 · 1y 4mo — Led team of 40+ SDRs and managers for the Brandwatch division of Cision. Was tasked with rebuilding an org that had not produced profitability in multiple FY. Was tasked with hiring leadership, overhauling entire SDR org from path to promotion, compensation, recruiting, training/development, and playbook for success. Installed a significant efficiency plan to increase revenue per opportunity to help offset decreased volumes / headcount. 2025 Results: 43% increase in revenue per headcount year/year 33% increase in revenue sourced year/year $2M increase in revenue sourced despite 30% drop in headcount and 40% drop in lead volume Revenue per opportunity increased ~100% Revenue per MQL increa…
Job: Fohlio, Inc. — VP of Sales + Marketing · 2022-09 – 2023-12 · 1y 3mo — Led sales + marketing efforts for seed round prop-tech startup. Grew pipeline 200% year/year and new logo sales 40%+ Increased inbound leads over 100%+ in 12 months while reducing CAQ 40% All sales reps had largest attainment quarter during tenure. Built new sales processes, pipeline metrics, sales methodology focusing on quality over quantity. Helped pivot company from SMB to Enterprise strategy. Oversaw team of ~8 folks
Job: Built In — Senior Manager, Business Development · 2022-01 – 2022-09 · 8 mo — - Oversee entire SDR + BDR organization from pipeline development to training/education to management - Develop and oversee pipeline activities for entire new business team - Manage new markets and emerging tech hubs new business team - Develop playbook and strategy for new and emerging tech hub markets - Cross-functionally partner with Marketing, Sales Ops, AE leaders, and Data teams to build and develop pipeline plays - Research and development of new and efficient pipeline strategies FY2022: Team went 110% to plan on pipeline + bumps
Job: Built In — SDR Manager · 2021-04 – 2022-01 · 9 mo — - President's Club 2021 - Led growing SDR/BDR organization - Coaching and training next gen sellers how to inspire, tackle objections, and think strategically - Huge proponent of gap selling + challenger methodology - FY2021: Pipeline built 175% to plan / Bookings 425% to plan / Team Bumps: 170% to Plan
Job: LinkedIn — Mid-Market Account Executive · 2019-09 – 2021-04 · 1y 7mo — - Partnered with companies 1K - 10K to help them adopt modern selling techniques - Led MM segment in meetings booked and pipeline generated 3 of 4 quarters - Helped develop and implement pilot program for LinkedIn Sales Solutions - Q2 and Q3 2020 Quota Crusher - Generated over 1M ARR in 2020
Job: HiddenLevers (acquired by Orion) — Head of Sales & Business Development · 2017-10 – 2019-09 · 1y 11mo — Helped scale ARR from $2M to $7M, helping to position company for acquisition
Job: HiddenLevers (acquired by Orion) — Product Manager · 2016-12 – 2018-04 · 1y 4mo
Job: HiddenLevers (acquired by Orion) — Account Executive · 2016-05 – 2017-10 · 1y 5mo
Job: Bridge Financial Technology — President/CEO + Founder · 2014-05 – 2016-04 · 1y 11mo — Founded Bridge FT, reorg and acquirer of BridgePortfolio Oversaw Sales + Marketing
Job: Conscious Homestead — Product Manager · unknown – present
Job: Conscious Homestead — Account Executive · unknown – present
Job: Conscious Homestead — Head of Sales & Business Development · unknown – present
School: Lake Forest College — B.A., Major: Philosophy, Minor: Economics, International Relations · 2006 – 2010
School: American University — Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, Peace/Conflict Resolution · 2009 – 2009

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David Ristau

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