Sam Blackledge, MBA / MIM / CSE

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Director of Sales, Channels, & Alliances at Li9 Technology Solutions

Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Overview

Sam is a high-performing technology sales leader with over 20 years of experience building channels and alliances. He specializes in hybrid cloud solutions, automation, and AI enablement, leveraging his background from Arizona State Universitys W. P. Carey School of Business to foster executive sponsorship and build compelling business cases.

Outside of his technology career, Sam is deeply committed to philanthropy. He is an active board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, dedicating his time to supporting youth development programs and community initiatives in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

He uniquely blends his corporate leadership with a passion for community service and youth mentorship.

Personality Overview

Amiable & Agreeable

Consensus Focused

Non-Confrontational

They prefer to build relationships rather than staying totally transactional.  They agree with others often, so exercise caution when relying on their word. Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.

Topics They Care About

Hybrid Cloud Solutions
His current role at Li9 Technology Solutions is focused on helping organizations with IT transformation through Red Hat and IBM hybrid cloud technologies.
Channel Partner Success
A consistent theme in his career is developing partner sales teams and enabling them to effectively articulate value to clients.
Youth Development
He serves on the "Connect" board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, showing a strong personal commitment to supporting youth in his community.

Media Appearances

Sam has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2025
Director of Sales, Channels, & Alliances at Li9 Technology Solutions
3-2019 - 3-2025
Regional Sales Manager - Western N.A. & Canada at Franklin Electric Grid Solutions
11-2011 - 3-2019
Director of Sales, Channels, & Alliances at Li9 Technology Solutions
11-2010 - 11-2011
Regional Channel Sales Manager - Southwest at Veeam Software
6-2008 - 10-2010
Regional Data Storage Specialist - Southwest at Dell Technologies

Education

Master of Business Administration - MBA from W. P. Carey School of Business – Arizona State University
Graduate Program - Certificate of Completion from TBS Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : Scottsdale, Arizona, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Sales, Channels, & Alliances at Li9 Technology Solutions
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Insights For Selling To Sam

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible
  • Speak from experience about success that the product has seen with other customers
  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee

DONT's

  • Don’t push them for a direct ‘no’, take lack of ‘yes’ as ‘no’ after some time
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them
  • Avoid overloading them with too much information

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Sam is

  • Relationship and rapport are valuable for them, but so is proven product value.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Sam

  • They probably won't say no directly.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Sam move?

  • They are not the ones to make fast decisions, even while they stay committed.
  • Can Sam take some risk or not?

  • They can take some low-probability risks if needed.

You And Sam

Personality Compatibility


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