Retail & Customer Experience Professional with Sales Focus

Da'shawn R. Gipson

Champaign, IL Originally from Chicago, IL 312-***-**** **************@*****.*** LinkedIn: Da'shawn Gipson PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven retail and customer service professional with hands-on experience in lead generation, face-to-face customer engagement, and independent business ownership. Known for strong communication, professionalism, and the ability to build trust quickly in fast-paced environments. Currently pursuing Construction Management at Parkland College while balancing school, work, and self-employment. Seeking retail opportunities where sales ability, discipline, customer focus, and long-term growth mindset can add value from day one. CORE STRENGTHS

Retail Sales & Customer

Engagement

Lead Generation & Brand

Representation

Relationship Building & Client

Retention

Communication & Objection

Handling

Small Business Operations

Time Management & Team

Collaboration

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Sales Representative / Retail Marketer

Leaf Home (LeafFilter) Champaign, IL 2026 - Present

• Engage 50+ customers per shift in high-traffic retail environments to introduce services, create interest, and generate qualified leads.

• Consistently produce about 7-12+ qualified leads per week by starting conversations confidently, asking effective questions, and maintaining strong energy throughout each shift.

• Handle common objections related to price, timing, need, and privacy while keeping interactions respectful, professional, and conversion-focused.

• Represent the brand in person and create positive first impressions through appearance, professionalism, and direct customer communication.

• Build resilience and consistency in a performance-based environment where results depend on initiative, discipline, and daily execution.

Independent Barber / Small Business Owner

Self-Employed Chicago / Champaign, IL October 2024 - Present

• Generate approximately $1,100 per month in revenue through independent service work while also managing school and employment responsibilities.

• Serve roughly 10-30 clients per week at $25 per service, building a repeat customer base through reliability, quality, and consistent client experience.

• Manage scheduling, pricing, client communication, service delivery, and day-to-day operations without supervision.

• Grow business through word-of-mouth, referrals, and social media presence, demonstrating initiative and the ability to attract and retain customers.

• Develop strong customer service, attention to detail, and relationship-building skills by working directly with clients in one-on-one service settings.

Electrician's Helper

Licensed Contractor Summer 2024

• Assisted licensed electricians on residential and light commercial projects, supporting installations, material handling, and job-site preparation.

• Followed supervisor direction, safety procedures, and construction drawings while contributing to organized and efficient project flow.

• Worked in hands-on, fast-paced environments that required reliability, teamwork, and the ability to learn quickly on the job. Dietary Aide

Nursing Home Summer 2024

• Supported meal preparation and service for 100+ residents in a regulated, fast-moving environment where consistency and timeliness mattered daily.

• Maintained sanitation, cleanliness, and safety standards while working closely with team members to support resident satisfaction and accurate service.

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

Parkland College - Champaign, IL A.A.S. in Construction Management (In Progress, Expected 2026) DePaul University - Summer of a Lifetime

Program

Summer 2022 Advertising, sales strategy, teamwork, communication, and professional development

LEADERSHIP, INVOLVEMENT & ADDITIONAL

Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE); participant in Minorities in Engineering programming; CPR / First Aid Certified (2024); proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Brings a disciplined, growth-oriented approach shaped by balancing academics, sales work, entrepreneurship, fitness, and long-term career goals.

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