John B. Kamara
** **** **** ** ***. 703-***-****
Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Email: ***********@*****.***
Professional Summary
• MBA graduate, with over 13 years of management experience of multiple projects, personnel, resources, vendors and risk
• Knowledgeable in corporate budget forecast and strategic planning
• Proven track record of reducing departmental spending and improving revenue increase year after year.
• Resourceful and self-motivated, thrive in challenging environments, with the ability of working well under pressure, as well as troubleshooting problems as they arise and come up with favorable solutions.
• Advance computer proficient in both Microsoft and Mac computers. Bi-lingual, fluent in English and Russian languages.
EDUCATION:
Argosy University VA, USA, MBA Finance, 2009 -2013
Kuban State University of Agriculture, Russia, PhD Seed production, 1985 - 1989
Kuban State University of Agriculture, Russia, MS Agronomy, 1983 - 1985
Kuban State University of Agriculture, Russia, BSc Agronomy, 1980 -1983
RELATED COURSES
• Solutions to Organization Challenges
• Principles of Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Capital Markets
• Management Decision Models
• Strategic and Operational Planning
• Financial Management
• Financial Decision-making
• Investment/Portfolio Theory
• Global Finance
• Macroeconomics
• Marketing Planning and Strategy
• Managing Programs & New Initiatives in Healthcare
• Perspective in Change Leadership
•
Work Experience
SMS Inc., Chicago, IL.
Senior area sales manager, 6/01/14 –05/15/2015
Conducted sales pitches through networking, cold calling and sometimes utilizing client’s referrals generated by the corporate office. Met with potential business owners and delivered sales pitches that convinced most clients to do business with SMS-NA in my area. Commanded ability of growing new customer clientele and retained existing ones by presenting new solutions and services to clients Business Development Managers. Established and maintained long-lasting relationship with mid and senior management of all controlled accounts. Conducted the following sales measure:
• Identified and meet with owners of small and medium- sized businesses and delivered SMS-NA’s value offerings.
• Determined the life cycle of the business and the problems affecting owners from achieving their goals and dreams of their lives.
• Protected organization's value by keeping information confidential
• Recommended the expertise of a senior Business Analyst from the corporate office to conduct a business analyses for further recommendations that will improve business success after closing the service deal.
• Worked closely with SMS-NA Business Coordination department staff for client’s referrals.
• Followed up new business opportunities and setting up meetings
• Provided SMS-NA management feedbacks and wrote reports.
• Achieved great success before leaving the company
Bankers Life
4501 singer Ct.,Ste 160
Chantilly, VA20151
Sales Associates 2008 -2009
Assisted clients in selecting insurance policies that best met their needs, preferences and budgets through cold calling or referrals
• Introduce the company to customers through cold calling or referrals
• Provided guidance to potential customers and recommendations on the types of Insurance coverage
• Generated new businesses by contacting potential customers
• Built a strong and positive relationship with all assigned customers
Westfield Realty Inc.
Director of Horticulture, 03/1992-07/2005
Responsible for all aspects of management and long-term care of Westfield Realty Inc. properties unique landscape. Evaluated, built and codified a comprehensive and cohesive landscape management plan that ensures consistency in best practices management techniques of all company properties, while working closely with national and local nurseries. Assessed existing landscape challenges of all company properties and worked closely with staff, designers and consultants to formulate appropriate approaches that provides’ the implementation of new changes as necessary.
• Provided expertise and vision to a staff of one supervisor, 10 permanent full-time crew members, as well as several seasonal gardeners during peak season
• Contributed to corporate yearly strategic planning initiatives to meet company goals
• Lead weekly meetings with staff, to articulate departmental priories of daily/weekly basis, to ensure that work plans are designed and executed appropriately with such priorities.
• Effectively reduced accounts maintenance costs through staffing improvement, training, and scheduling of labor
• Managed projects development, implementation and maintenance according clients’ specifications, within budget and staffing constraints
• Provided directions related to stand alone and group projects with particular attention to long term planning and problem solving
• Established and maintained customers/vendors relationships very tight
• Mitigated risk areas to ensure on-time and on-budget project completion
• Developed department budget forecast and managed funds
• Hired, trained and evaluated staff members job performance
Skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft (Excel and PowerPoint) and software tools such as Salesforce
• Capable of analyzing a business’ activities, developing a strategy for approach, and successfully pitching ideas
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients and prospects
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once while working independently
• Experience communicating directly with clients/customers to build and maintain relationships
Accomplishments
Met corporate goals in reducing department budget every year.