Customer Service Sales Management

John L. Rodgers

**** *. **** *****, *****, OK *4137 405-***-**** **************@*****.***

SALES MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE

Creative sales strategist and top producer with more than 20 years of experience exhibiting an exemplary record of revitalizing underperforming territories and leading top-tier sales teams. Highly skilled at devising and implementing innovative sales initiatives with demonstrated management and leadership abilities. Superb relationship builder with proven history of achieving long-term client retention, possessing advanced knowledge of a broad range of product lines and universal sales acumen.

Strategic Sales Management Consultative Sales Account Analysis Territory Management

Financial Management & Analysis Negotiations New Account Development Relationship Building Training Customer Service Prospecting Retail Operations Client Retention Staff Development Team Leadership Merchandising Communications Presentations Budgets

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Furniture Care Protection, Edmond, Oklahoma: 2014-Present

Privately held company specializing in extended warranties for furniture retailers across the US.

Director of Sales and Corporate Trainer

Traveling the US developing new business and calling on existing clients to sell their extended warranty programs. Furniture Care Protection sets up the retailer to become self-insured as a captive insurance business.

Major Contributions:

Opened up new business relationships with several of the Top 100 in the industry…Beck’s Furniture, Garnder- White, Darvin’s Furniture, Pruitt’s, Walker’s LV, and Mor Furniture.

COASTER FURNITURE, various locations: 2010-2015

Privately held, major furniture manufacturer and distributor in North America serving independent retailers with 7 distribution facilities.

Independent Sales Representative, 2013-2015

Driving sales across Oklahoma by growing existing business by performing complex sales analysis to market needs and indentifying viable opportunities. Cultivated new business with the Top 2 retailers in Oklahoma. I have consulted with the customer contacts to deliver consultative sales presentations, assessed client needs, and recommended solutions. Delivered comprehensive product education, and issued merchandising and advertising recommendations to retailers.

Major Contributions:

Currently have the territory operating at 528% increase over last year

Landed the 2 largest retailers statewide

Vice President of Sales, 2010 – 2013

Commanded strategic sales initiatives throughout the Western U.S. territory comprised of 13 states, and drove performance through leadership of 25 sales representatives. Cultivated new business along with identifying opportunities with the existing dealer base.

Major Contributions:

Launched new product lines in the motion category…Recliners and help spearhead the launch of a division of Coaster for exclusive distribution of product for major retailers

Realigned the territories to gain more market penetration and to better serve our clients

Led the Western Region in sales growth to rank #1 with a growth of 10%

Created innovative consumer promotions to stimulate short-term sales

Cultivated new policies and procedures to help strengthen customer relationships and boost the morale of the sales force

Worked indirectly with Ecommerce retailers developing strategic goals and product line-ups…Cymax, Wayfair, Wal-Mart, Overstock

UNITED UPHOLSTERY, Okolona, Mississippi: 2009 -2010

Privately held upholstery manufacture servicing all retailers across North America.

Vice President of Sales, Western U.S. Territory

Collaborated with senior management for advertising incentives and product development. Budgeted sales goals by analysis of reporting, strengthening customer relations and helping sales team reach their fullest potential. Administered sales training and helped team members look at their own business for opportunities.

Major Contributions:

Helped in opening their first warehouse on the West Coast

HEMISPHERES FURNITURE, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 2008 - 2009

High-end retail furniture chain with retail locations in 2 states and $30M+ in annual revenue. Subsidiary of Hobby Lobby, a $3B corporation.

Merchandise Manager

Engineered strategic product portfolios to optimize marketing potential and promote revenue growth. Traveled worldwide to research furniture manufacturing markets, assess product offerings, and negotiate contracts. Performed complex analysis, tracked inventory, and allocated advertising budgets to ensure maximum ROL. Created innovative consumer promotions to stimulate short-term sales. Oversaw staff of 3 buyers and collaborated with senior management.

Major Contributions:

Optimized product offerings through by assessing international markets ranging from High Point, Las Vegas, China, and Costa Rica.

Drove sales up 5% in 6 months by generating new business and winning back former accounts.

Improved buying processes by streamlining established procedures governing decision-making.

Strengthened market positioning by building viable business relationships throughout the industry.

ASHLEY FURNITURE, various locations: 2002 – 2008

Largest furniture manufacturer worldwide and leading furniture retailer in the United States with annual sales exceeding $3B+.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing, 2003 – 2008

Commanded strategic sales initiatives throughout key Western U.S. territory comprised of 13 states, and drove performance through effective leadership of 22 sales representatives. Performed analysis to identify opportunities for sales growth, cultivated new business, and ensured adherence to high customer service standards. Set team sales targets and administered training.

Major Contributions:

Catapulted $100M by 300%, driving sales to $300M and expanding sales teams from 10 to 22 representatives.

Spearheaded launch of new product lines that achieved Top 5 ranking in nationwide sales for the bedroom furniture category, and Top 10 ranking in leather sofa category.

Cultivated 2 sales representatives to earn Salesman of the Year awards.

Led region to rank #1 nationwide for achieving largest sales increase.

Revitalized region by strategically revamping territories while maintaining team morale.

Selected to revitalize Southeast U.S. territory, driving sales from $300M to $375M in 9 months.

Independent Sales Representative, 2002 – 2003

Executed sale functions across multiple retail stores throughout Oklahoma. Cultivated new business within existing accounts, and performed prospecting activities to win new retail clients. Delivered consultative sales presentations, assessed client needs, and recommended right-sized solutions. Provided product education, and developed merchandising and marketing strategies.

Major Contributions:

Propelled sales by 125% from $4.5M to $10M, in less than 18 months.

Landed largest client statewide while maintaining superb customer service standards across all existing accounts.

Earned promotion to management based on excellent sales performance.

KLAUSSNER FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 1999 – 2002

Privately-held, major furniture manufacturer in North America serving independent retailers.

Independent Sales Representative

Drove sales across Oklahoma, North Texas and Arkansas through building extensive network across independent retail channels. Performed complex analysis to assess market needs and identify viable opportunities. Consulted with customer contacts to provide comprehensive product education, and issued merchandising and advertising recommendations to retailers.

Major Contributions:

Grew sales by 193% elevating revenue from $1.3M to 3.8M by spearheading ground-up initiatives.

Penetrated rural markets by overcoming logistical and fiscal challenges, devising innovative alternatives to shipping minimums and negotiating advantageous terms with trucking vendors.

Awarded expanded, 3-state territory based on stellar sales performance.

ADDITIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

MATHIS BROTHERS FURNITURE, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 1990 – 1999

Customer Service Asst Manager / Mercandiser / Buyer

Directed merchandise selection across 6 product areas with full P&L accountability.

Built extensive network among factory representatives and retail management contacts by leveraging relationship-building skills.

Assisted in managing the customer service office while overseeing 6 CSRs.

EDUCATION

Extensive Coursework in Business / University of Oklahoma

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