FELIX (PHIL) C. CARUSO
Nine Mitchell Street • Stamford, CT 06902 • 203-***-**** (mobile) • 203-***-**** (home) • ***********@***.***
PROFILE
Accomplished sales executive, manager, and entrepreneur with outstanding ability to initiate and develop long-term client relationships. Successful at designing and implementing effective personal and firm-wide marketing strategies. Known for unique approach to people management, focused on teaching and mentoring employees. Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects successfully and simultaneously. Respected community leader with strong ties to the Stamford area.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MARR AND CARUSO REALTY GROUP STAMFORD, CT
OWNER / BROKER 1996-PRESENT
Founded and manage full-service real estate firm. Create and implement innovative marketing strategies, including Internet, e-mail, newsletters, and print advertising outlets. Establish and nurture long-term client relationships. Hire, supervise, and mentor staff of 25-35 sales agents; conduct performance reviews and suggest strategies for improvement. Administer all firm financials, including budget preparation, sales forecasts, and bookkeeping. Oversee all office operations including procurement, vendor selection, and maintenance. Develop effective community outreach programs, including athletic team sponsorship and charitable activities.
Grew firm revenues to $50MM / year and personal revenues to $8 MM / year.
Achieved uncharacteristically low agent turnover due to unique mentoring and coaching approach and establishment of supportive work environment.
Oversaw negotiations for largest home sale in Stamford in 2008 ($4.5 MM).
Voted 2008 Stamford Realtor™ of the Year.
WILLIAM PITT REALTY STAMFORD, CT
SALES AGENT 1990-1996
Sold residential properties ranging from condominiums to luxury homes. Represented both sellers and buyers through entire sale / purchase process. Grew business through comprehensive marketing strategy, including referrals, print advertising, mailings, and telemarketing. Performed market analysis to value properties and priced them in accordance with market conditions.
Ranked frequently as top sales agent in the office; consistently ranked in top five.
Averaged $5-$6 MM sales / year.
Named “Agent of the Month” on a regular basis.
Managed and sold foreclosed residential properties on behalf of bank ownership. Negotiated terms of departure for residents and ensured that vacant homes were properly maintained. Valued properties and suggested pricing strategies to encourage multiple offers. Developed marketing and advertising plans to increase visibility of homes. Negotiated sales and advised client on merits of all offers received.
Sold properties in an average of 45 days.
STAMFORD BOATS AND MOTORS STAMFORD, CT
STORE MANAGER 1986-1990
Managed locally owned retail establishment, including all boat sales. Oversaw store operations, including bookkeeping, supply procurement, and inventory management. Prepared boats for customer pickup. Maintained constant communication with clients to ensure satisfaction and assess potential purchases.
Attracted new clients through networking and recognized subject matter expertise.
Recommended improved merchandise assortment that increased customer choices.
Increased annual revenues from $1.4 MM to $2 MM and number of boats sold from 60 to 100 per year.
PHIL CARUSO – PAGE 2
203-***-**** (mobile) • ***********@***.***
(CONTINUED)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
STAMFORD BOARD OF REALTORS™ STAMFORD, CT
PRESIDENT 2006-PRESENT
Elected by peers to lead non-profit group of 850 agents. Organize all events, including professional development seminars, continuing education, and panel discussions. Manage office operations. Oversee all human resources, including employee hiring, performance reviews, and compensation. Set budgets and ensure adherence to plan. Run community and charitable initiatives.
Increased revenues by $70,000 through increased sponsorships, improved event / course attendance, and active membership recruitment.
Enlarged staff from one part-time assistant to two full-time employees, enabling program expansion and increasing responsiveness and member satisfaction.
ETHICS AND ARBITRATION MANAGER 2001-2006
Oversaw panel of up to five other members that resolved client disputes and ethical concerns. Mediated conflicts among homeowners, real estate agents, and attorneys. Established arbitration panels, moderated hearings, and approved all disciplinary actions.
CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS™ HARTFORD, CT
DIRECTOR 2004-PRESENT
Appointed to represent Fairfield County to statewide organization. Interact with constituents to determine needs and interests. Vote on changes to by-laws.
FEDERAL LITTLE LEAGUE STAMFORD, CT
COACH 2008-PRESENT
Coach baseball team for six- and seven-year olds.
STAMFORD YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE STAMFORD, CT
COACH 1998-2000
Coached team for six- and seven-year old girls.
EDUCATION
CONNECTICUT REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE STAMFORD, CT
COURSEWORK IN REAL ESTATE LAW AND APPRAISALS 1996
COMPLETED REAL ESTATE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES COURSE 1990
WESTHILL HIGH SCHOOL STAMFORD, CT
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 1985
Three-year member of football team.
Coursework included business, management, and vocational agriculture.
OTHER
Licensed Connecticut Real Estate Broker since 1996.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, QuickBooks, and MLS.
Interests include fishing, boating, and weightlifting.