Lawrence Tolbert
Weldon Spring
Summary
Senior business development and sales executive with a proven track record of scaling revenue from startup to multi-million-dollar operations across telecom, wireless, and B2B channels. Experienced in leading distributed teams, building strategic partnerships, and driving growth across national and global markets. Recognized for turning around underperforming operations, launching new revenue streams, and executing go-to-market strategies that deliver measurable results. Skilled in remote leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and managing complex partner ecosystems across carriers, OEMs, and enterprise clients.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Tolbert Consulting Services LLC
10.2023 - Current
- - Advise telecom and wireless organizations on device protection and distribution strategy
- - Build partnerships with OEMs, telecom providers, and system integrators
- - Support clients in developing go-to-market strategies and scaling partner ecosystems across U.S. and global markets
Vice President, Business Development
Cell Brokerage
02.2016 - 10.2023
- - Built and expanded partnerships with carriers, MVNOs, retailers, and enterprise clients to grow mobile device insurance and warranty programs
- - Collaborated with executive leadership to design strategic direction and execute national growth initiatives
- - Drove onboarding of new business customers, increasing revenue streams and partner engagement
- - Managed relationships across distributed teams and national partner networks
Vice President, Partner Development
Phobio
05.2014 - 01.2016
- - Developed and scaled retail trade-in and buy-back partner programs across carrier and retail channels
- - Established strategic partnerships with major telecom providers and MVNOs
- - Led cross-functional teams including account management and sales support in a distributed environment
Vice President, Business Dev
CPR Cell Phone Repair
09.2012 - 04.2014
- - Launched new retail programs and B2B training
- - Negotiated partnerships with OEMs and carriers
- - Launched new retail programs driving incremental revenue for franchisees across multiple markets
- - Designed and delivered B2B sales training programs for franchise network
- - Negotiated and implemented partnerships with OEMs, retailers, and regional carriers
- - Developed pricing strategies and marketing collateral to support nationwide rollout
Senior Vice President
Freedom Wireless
04.2011 - 01.2012
- - Oversaw operations for 35 retail locations and 150 employees across multiple states
- - Increased smartphone adoption and reduced churn
- - Increased smartphone adoption from 40% to 50% through targeted sales initiatives
- - Reduced churn to 0.88%, achieving one of the lowest rates in the region
- - Expanded SMB sales contribution from 1.59% to 5.42% through training and strategy execution
Vice President, Business Development
Brightstar
10.2009 - 01.2011
- - Led emerging solutions strategy, partnered with major carriers to expand distribution channels and enhance market reach
- - Launched SMB/B2B programs projected to generate $35M+ in incremental revenue
- - Secured new distribution partnership with Cox Communications, driving multi-million dollar growth
- - Delivered $3.7M in new business revenue through strategic team execution and targeted initiatives
Director, Business Sales
Verizon Wireless
11.2004 - 09.2009
- - Led 100-person business sales organization across Kansas and Missouri
- - Increased sales 30% YoY, followed by sustained growth of 19% and 10%
- - Launched government sales segment, achieving 87% growth and #1 national ranking
- Served as Acting Region President and drove double-digit growth during interim leadership period.
Senior Manager, Business Sales
Sprint
11.1999 - 11.2004
- - Turned around underperforming multi-state sales channel, achieving #1 national ranking within one year
- - Grew revenue from <$8K to $275K+ monthly through strategic account development
- - Increased business volume from 150 to 5,000 monthly adds
- - Led and developed high-performing sales teams across an 8-state region
Education
Bachelor of Science - Music, Business Minor
Ball State University
Skills
- B2B Sales Strategy
- Enterprise Sales Strategy
- Revenue Growth
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Channel Development
- Strategic Partnerships
- Pipeline Development
- Sales Training
- Sales Enablement
- Contract Negotiation
- Partner Development
- Forecasting
- Remote Team Leadership
- Distributed Workforce Management
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- Slack
- Microsoft Excel
- PowerPoint
- Siebel SFA
- AS/400
- AS/400
Professional Development
- Carew - Dimensions of Professional Selling
- Miller Heiman - Strategic Selling
- Executive Leadership Coaching
- Masterful Coaching
Timeline
Founder
Tolbert Consulting Services LLC
10.2023 - Current
Vice President, Business Development
Cell Brokerage
02.2016 - 10.2023
Vice President, Partner Development
Phobio
05.2014 - 01.2016
Vice President, Business Dev
CPR Cell Phone Repair
09.2012 - 04.2014
Senior Vice President
Freedom Wireless
04.2011 - 01.2012
Vice President, Business Development
Brightstar
10.2009 - 01.2011
Director, Business Sales
Verizon Wireless
11.2004 - 09.2009
Senior Manager, Business Sales
Sprint
11.1999 - 11.2004
Bachelor of Science - Music, Business Minor
Ball State University