Dave Gerhardt

Hey I'm Dave Gerhardt. I created Exit Five, which has turned into the top community for B2B marketing professionals. Before starting Exit Five I had a 10 year career in marketing and grew from PR intern to CMO. I even once had hair! My wife says I'm more handsome now though, and she's quite pretty so that means a lot -- but the internet just boxes me in as the typical bald guy tech bro. So oh look, another bald tech guy writing on LinkedIn! whoopty freaking do.

Anyway. Where was I... OH. Receipts! I wanted to talk about receipts, because in a world of fluff and online influencers, I actually have some receipts and I want to tell you about them here because it signals power, credibility, and makes it seem like I'm super rich, so: I used to be pretty good at marketing, and my work as a marketer played a key role (at least I think so) in helping two software companies to successful exits: Drift for $1B+ and Privy for $100M+. I certainly helped the founders make a bunch of money, and I was able to comfortably purchase a brand new Toyota Sienna minivan for my family in 2021.

Today I spend my time working on Exit Five, and it's actually been super fun and given me a bunch of purpose. We're a team of six full-time team members now, and we have a private online community and host in-person events around the world. Plus there's a popular podcast and newsletter for marketers. We reach something like 20 MILLION marketers with our content every year, and we've got a pretty special thing going on. I hope to keep it going. You can learn more about it all at exitfive.com.

I spent most of my life in the Boston area but now live in the woods in Vermont with my wife, two kids, two cats, and one dog.

You can reach me at dave@exitfive.com if you want, but TBD if I reply. Depends on the message. But please don't send me any more swag or books. But if for whatever reason you do want to send me something, I play the ProV1x golf ball and like the low numbers.

PS. Find my podcast “The Dave Gerhardt Show” on Spotify

Founder & CEO

Exit Five is a media company focused on B2B marketing. We help B2B marketers build successful careers through our content and community. Learn more at exitfive.com

Content marketers run modern marketing.

Because almost all marketing today is shaped online.

And online marketing shows up as:

- Ads
- Videos
- Articles
- Podcasts and clips like this with Jess Cook
- Social posts
- Newsletters
- Communities
- Influencers

Different formats. But none of it works without a clear content strategy and strong content marketing.

Jess is a great example of this: she started her career as a copywriter for big CPG brands. She cut her teeth writing 200+ variations of a recipe for Rice Krispie Treats.

Then built a career in content marketing: content market manager, director, VP brand and content.

Then turned that into a Head of Marketing role at a startup and was recently promoted to VP on the heels of her success using - wait for it - content to drive revenue.

Not because Vector's content gets a lot of impressions and their podcast is unique or because their little mascot is cute.

But because it's working! Those things are driving revenue. 

I had a conversation with Jess last week (now out on my podcast) and she shared three key marketing plays that she's run over the past year:

1. Influencer Marketing - how does it work in B2B, how did she find influencers, what did it cost, how much pipeline was generated, how did they measure it

2. Podcasting - why they started a podcast, how their podcast stands out, how they record, when/where, how they prep, how they know it's working

3. LinkedIn - we talk a bit about what content types (and strategy) is working well here today

4. Career Path - her path from content to VP Marketing

Erin on my team messaged me last night and said this was the best interview we've done recently - please go listen if you need some tactical inspiration.

Founder: Exit Five | Community Builder | Former CMO

What events are you going to in Q1? We're hosting the first annual Exit Five Marketing Leadership Retreat in Arizona March 18-20.

This event is exclusively for in-house B2B marketing leaders.

It's all about who's in the room and we've pulled together a great group for this event. 

Here are the sessions we have planned:

1. How to Become the CMO Everyone Wants to Work With (with Dave Kellogg, EIR at Balderton Capital)

2. Building and Leading a High-Performing Marketing Team (led by Hillary Carpio, VP Growth at Snowflake)

3. Managing Your CFO and Board Relationship (led by Pranav Piyush, Founder at Paramark)

4. Personal Branding for B2B Marketing Leaders (led by Jane Serra, Head of Marketing at MemoryBlue)

5. Ecosystem Marketing as the Next Big Growth Lever (led by Emily Kramer, Founder of MKT1)

6. How Are You Really Using AI? At Work and Personally (led by Katie Miserany, CCO and Head of Marketing at SurveyMonkey) 

And I'm interviewing Kim Storin (CMO at Zoom) about how she does things and what's changing this year.
 
PLUS since it's a "retreat" - we have time for activities like golf, a workout, pool hang, or in-room massage; get lunch, dinner, drinks.
 
Will you join us?

Pass this on to your VP / CMO friends in B2B.

Full details here:

bit.ly/3Lxj75e

Open article: Marketing Leadership Retreat | March 18-20, 2026 by exitfive.com

Marketing Leadership Retreat | March 18-20, 2026

Vedeni Energy, LLC

I lead the strategic growth and direction of Vedeni Energy, ensuring our services align with the evolving needs of the electric power industry. Through informed decision-making and a commitment to innovation, I position the company as a trusted partner for organizations navigating complex energy markets.

I foster a culture of collaboration and transparency within my team, leveraging our unique value proposition and advanced tools such as Vedeni.IQ+ and Vedeni.Spark+ to provide actionable insights and sustainable solutions.

I advise clients on U.S. electric power market constructs, offering expertise in wholesale power markets, renewable resource integration, and emerging industry trends. My work includes assisting power market participants with technology implementation and business development strategies that align with their organizational goals.

I maintain and expand a high-value client portfolio that includes Fortune 500 companies and foreign investment firms, collectively representing over $1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). This is achieved through a robust network of consultants, strategic referrals, and a results-driven approach to client partnerships.

market strategy | wholesale power markets | market trends | renewable resource integration | technology implementation | business development

Managing Director

MWResource, Inc.

I lead the recruitment efforts and drive the organizational mission of connecting exceptional technical talent with premier opportunities. My role involves developing and implementing strategic recruiting plans, mentoring a team of managers and their recruiters, and building strong relationships with clients to deliver tailored recruitment solutions.

business development | recruiting | team leadership | team development | customer relations | strategic planning

Director of Recruiting

Big Analytixs

Reporting directly to the CEO, I led the development and execution of the business development vision, strategy, plans, and processes that drove sales, expanded markets, and accomplished financial objectives.

I identified and evaluated new markets, partners, channels, and customers while working with existing customers to identify current and future business needs where Big Analytixs could provide additional value.

business development | market analysis | customer relations | marketing | strategic planning

Executive Director, Business Development

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

I was selected for a newly created IT operations leadership position to drive the strategic and collaborative IT business, coupled with oversight of financial planning and budget of the Security and IT Operations divisions. 

I directed the Shared Services Group, providing executive oversight of facility operations and functions, contract negotiations, contracts, and supplier/contractor management for all buildings, employees, and customers. 

I also assumed the duties of the IT Project Portfolio Director, coordinating and driving the development and prioritization of all IT & Shared Services projects as part of the corporate 5-year planning process, aligning with the portfolio leads of the other divisions within the company to plan and provide a prioritized corporate portfolio that fit within the defined budget.

IT business operations | facilities management | contractor management | digital transformation | portfolio management

Executive Director, IT Business Operations & Shared Services

I steered organizational Human Resource functions, including talent acquisition, internship program, performance and succession management, employee relations, workforce strategy, and organizational design.

I completed the successful evolution of critical HR functions to genuinely support both the short and long-term needs of employees in service to the organizational Mission and Vision. I defined the employee lifecycle and improved every touchpoint, from sourcing through separation, while resolving key performance gaps.

I leveraged my business operations expertise to plan and prepare for current and future talent needs; I supported organizational strategic goals and initiatives outlined in the organizaton's 5-year strategic plan.

talent development | recruiting | performance management | workforce strategy | internship program management | leadership development | organizational design

Executive Director, Human Resources

In this position, I served in a unique role involving high-level strategic planning, in-depth engineering analysis management, and continuous process improvement. I controlled resource adequacy coordination and interconnection functions for the MISO system, bringing a new level of operational oversight and customer focus into play.

I led critical interconnection queue reform efforts and customer-focused discussions on resource adequacy requirements & capacity market construct.

resource adequacy | interconnection process | resource lifecycle management | renewable energy

Executive Director, Resource Planning

In this role, I piloted the implementation of transmission and resource planning strategies for the MISO South footprint, with executive leadership over the New Orleans office and System Planning business operations across the enterprise. 

I led efforts to integrate new MISO South members into the firm’s transmission and resource planning processes on an aggressive timeline, with minimal disruptions or impact on customer relations. 

I also developed strategic relationships with the senior leadership teams within new member companies and within the State Regulatory Commissions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

stakeholder relations | business operations | power system planning | executive leadership

Executive Director, System Planning (South)

Cogentrix Energy, LLC

I developed and led the organization's Ethics & Compliance Programs, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, & local regulations, with a primary focus on FERC tariff and power market rules, NERC & Regional Reliability Standards, CFTC Dodd-Frank Act, environmental regulations, health, safety, and business conduct & ethics. 

NERC | FERC | CFTC | Dodd-Frank | compliance | ethics | business practices

Director of Compliance

PJM Interconnection

I formed and led the NERC & Regional Coordination Department for a bulk electric power system organization serving 51 million people in a 13-state territory. I ensured and monitored adherence to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Regional Reliability Organization (RFC, SERC) standards as well as the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) Business Practices.

NERC | FERC | RFC | SERC | NAESB | compliance

Manager, NERC & Regional Coordination

I served in all control room functions. I supervised analysis, control, and monitoring of transmission facility power flows and generation output, implementing corrective action to ensure reliable operations. I also determined and directed requisite system emergency response activities as needed.

Shift Supervisor | Transmission Dispatcher | Generation Dispatcher | Generation Scheduler | Transaction Coordinator

Bulk Electric System Operations

US Army

Served in multiple capacities, including conducting combat operations, developing and executing training programs, and peacekeeping missions in multiple countries.

Acting First Sergeant | Operations Sergeant | Platoon Sergeant | Section Sergeant
Operation Golden Pheasant | Operation Just Cause | Operation Restore Democracy

Sergeant First Class

As an accomplished executive and trusted advisor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from diverse roles in financial management, strategic partnership development, operations oversight, leadership in human resources, technology integration, and business growth. I excel in transforming complex challenges into strategic opportunities, combining innovative ideas with proven business frameworks to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.

As the Managing Director of Vedeni Energy, I lead organizations in navigating the complexities of regional power markets. Through tailored services such as 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐈𝐐+ and 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤+, I deliver actionable insights and practical solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs. My approach emphasizes the use of established technologies, data-driven methodologies, and transparent communication to optimize operations and unlock untapped potential.

I specialize in fostering business growth through:

✅ 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇: Reinvigorating traditional business models and implementing transformative strategies that drive measurable improvements in operations, analytics, and services.

✅ 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒: Offering actionable guidance to move beyond challenges while aligning with the core needs of the organization. My work includes integrating new technologies, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results.

✅ 𝐁𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇-𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑: Building strong, cross-functional teams that thrive in fast-paced and complex environments. I focus on creating a culture of trust, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

✅ 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: Using insights from 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐈𝐐+ and 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤+, I provide organizations with the tools and strategies they need to adapt, innovate, and grow in dynamic markets.

Currently, I am open to collaborating on new client engagements and short- or long-term projects. Let’s explore how I can help your organization navigate today’s energy challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. You can connect with me here on LinkedIn or by email at 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤@𝐯𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢.𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲.

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Dave Gerhardt's LinkedIn Performance

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