Robert Stern

**** ********* ****

Glenview, IL **026

Cell: 773-***-****

ac4ps6@r.postjobfree.com

Work Experience

**** - ******* **** ******** **** Art - Midwest Sales Representative Chicago, IL • Manage Midwest sales territory including IL, IN, WI, MI, OH, MN. and IA

• Sell over 300 accounts for line of original oil paintings that represents over 75 artists

• Increased sales 25 percent in the first year

• Opened 30 new accounts and penetrated previously untapped markets

• Developed and executed a targeted relationship and account management strategy 2012 -2015 Stribbons Inc. – Midwest Sales Representative Chicago, IL • Managed Midwest sales territory including IL, IN, WI, MI, and OH, for a ribbon and packaging company

• Doubled sales in 2 years to $1.4 million dollars, opening 25 new accounts

• Worked with Chocolate, Food and Cosmetic companies to assess and develop their packaging needs

• Develop and launched boxes for Kathy Ireland Chocolates new line for $200,000

• Transformed minimally producing territory into one of the companies leading revenue generators 2011 - 2012 Winmark Group - Sales & Marketing Manager Chicago, IL • Managed, trained, and hired sales staff of 10 in Illinois

• Implemented marketing plan to target clients in the sale of commercial electricity

• Brokered sale of commercial electricity to corporate accounts

• Developed and opened new market in Illinois

2010 - 2011 Rabjohns Financial Group, New England Financial - Financial Representative Chicago, IL • Financial Representative working with Individuals and Small Business Owners

• Sold MetLife products including Life, Disability, Annuity and other Financial Services

• Worked with Individuals to facilitate short and long range financial goals

• Worked with Small Business Owners on long range exit strategies and maximizing their financial goals 2003 - 2010 Farmers Insurance Group - Owner of Independent Farmers Agency Chicago, IL Licenses: Series 6,63; P&C, Life, Health, and LTC

• Licensed to sell Mutual Funds, Annuities, IRA's, 401K plans, and 529 plans

• Sold Farmers products including Auto, Home, Life, and Business Insurance

• Offered independent brokerage for Commercial Business, not written through Farmers

• Worked with clients on individual needs, giving each client a comprehensive insurance review

• Increased Client Base from “0” to over 1500 new clients 1999 - 2003 George Zoltan Lefton Company - Vice President of Sales Chicago, IL • Responsible for day to-day operations of giftware industry leader with annual sales of $20 million

• Designed and implemented sales programs and incentives increasing sales substantially in key categories

• Launched incentive program that increased sales by $2 million

• Established and monitored budgets, forecasts, and sales goals. Negotiated with clients, manufacturers, and shippers to set prices. Conducted cost analysis, leading to large reduction in product line and improved inventory control

• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and managing of field staff (130 employees)

• Key contributor in effort to revitalize the 60 year old company which had gone flat in revenue

• Organized and led national sales meetings and regional meetings throughout the United States, Canada and South America

• Managed direct import program for key accounts worldwide

• Worked directly with factories in Asia

• Doubled sales of major accounts

• Company sold in 2001

1994 - 1999 RCS Sales Company - President & Chief Buyer NY, NY • Conceived, developed and directed a start up business that bought finished gold jewelry from direct importers and sold it to retail outlets. Raised initial capital, negotiated loans, and developed a successful business plan

• Recruited, managed sales team and staff. Worked in high level problem solving tasks, ranging from customer service to collections

• Achieved sales volume in excess of $3 million

• Represented major brands, including Royal Chain, Inc. (gold chains, bracelets, and earrings), Benkay Jewelry Company (precious / semi-precious gemstone jewelry), Stephen Mercer Company (diamond engagement ring settings)

• Negotiated all pricing and sales

• Recruited and hired sales staff of 12

1988 - 1994 MBR Company (a division of Raphael, Inc. - Vice President of Operations NY, NY • Directed operations for manufacturers of gold jewelry with annual sales exceeding

$10 million

• Managed 12 person sales team and staff of 70, including designers, jewelers, and production staff

• Supervised production of gold jewelry line, and coordinated purchase of raw materials

• Scheduled production and controlled inventory

• Set pricing for product line and approved discounts

• Responsible for production of catalog, including marketing, design, and layout

• Increased productivity 50% in a three year period EDUCATION

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT ALBANY

B.A., Economics

Minor: Business Administration

COMPUTER SKILLS

Fully proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes Professional references available upon request

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