Paul A. Meares is an accomplished sales and management professional with over 40 years of experience driving business growth, developing high-impact relationships, and leading successful teams across industries. Throughout his career, Paul has proven himself to be a decisive leader and a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike. His extensive expertise spans manufacturing, construction, and real estate, while his commitment to excellence is evident in his numerous sales achievements and leadership roles.

Paul began his professional journey at A.E. Finley & Associates, where he quickly demonstrated his talent for sales and relationship management. Over the course of his 31-year tenure, Paul rose through the ranks to become Vice President and Branch Manager, overseeing multiple territories and leading the Raleigh office. His success as a top salesman—earning recognition as the best or second-best company-wide for 15 of his 25 years—is a testament to his dedication and strategic approach to client satisfaction. His leadership helped the company grow year after year, even during tough economic times.

In addition to his achievements at A.E. Finley, Paul played a significant role at MHC Kenworth, where he excelled in new truck sales. During his time with MHC Kenworth, Paul’s commitment to customer service, his deep understanding of the market, and his ability to identify and meet the needs of clients helped him secure a top position in sales until his retirement in 2018. Paul consistently built strong relationships with clients, many of whom followed him through different roles and organizations, further highlighting his trustworthiness and customer focus.

Paul’s breadth of experience extends beyond sales. As Branch Manager at Company Wrench, he increased parts, service, and sales revenue, managing operations and covering a sales territory in Smithfield, NC. His ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results in a competitive marketplace underscored his leadership acumen and ability to drive business success. He also spent time at Curtis Media Group, where he was responsible for identifying new clients and establishing repeat business in the radio advertising market.

One of Paul’s most rewarding roles was his work with The Healing Place of Wake County, where he developed a business plan for an outpatient treatment facility designed to generate income for the non-profit. His commitment to helping others is further demonstrated through his active involvement in volunteering in the addiction recovery field, where he has dedicated significant time and effort to helping individuals and families.

Paul’s academic foundation is rooted in engineering operations, having graduated with honors from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. His analytical mindset and technical background have enabled him to bring a problem-solving approach to every role, allowing him to identify client needs and deliver innovative solutions. He combines his technical expertise with a passion for customer service, ensuring that every solution he presents meets both the client’s needs and the company’s goals.

His personal motto, “Building Relationships, Delivering Results,” perfectly captures his professional philosophy. Paul has always believed that strong, genuine relationships are at the core of business success, and he works tirelessly to ensure his clients and colleagues feel valued and supported. His exceptional communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams have allowed him to lead with empathy while achieving outstanding results.

Paul continues to stay active in his community, leveraging his skills in business, leadership, and communication to contribute to causes that matter to him. He has served on the board of the North Carolina Utility Contractors Association and remains committed to mentoring and helping others both personally and professionally. He serves as a Trustee at his church, leads a Divorce Care group and
volunteers his time regularly in the local Recovery community.

Character:

Paul Meares is a dedicated and empathetic leader who prioritizes building strong relationships and supporting others. His integrity and commitment to helping those around him define his leadership style, both in business and in his volunteer work.

Knowledge:

With over 40 years of experience in sales and management, Paul possesses extensive expertise in manufacturing, construction, and real estate. His deep industry knowledge and strategic mindset enable him to consistently deliver innovative solutions and drive growth.

Strategic:

Paul excels in identifying client needs and crafting solutions that benefit all stakeholders. His ability to anticipate challenges, combined with his strong business acumen, has helped him build lasting relationships and achieve long-term success across industries.

Communication:

Paul is an exceptional communicator who values collaboration and transparency. His ability to articulate complex solutions in simple terms has earned him the trust of his clients and colleagues, enabling him to lead teams and drive results effectively.