Sales Manager

Kathleen J. Sharpness

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

Montgomery, IL 60538 630-***-****

***********@*******.***

QUALIFICATIONS

I have been responsible for managing up to 80 people including sales staff and office, warehouse and delivery workers. As a sales manager I have also been responsible for :

Hiring and scheduling

Resolving employee conflicts

Handling customer complaints and resolving customer issues

Motivating and Educating sales staff

Analyzing and improving consultant performance

Tracking sales and analyzing merchandise trends

Scheduling vendor visits

Developing incentive programs

EDUCATION

West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago, IL : Diploma

College of Du Page, Glen Ellyn, IL : Major-Liberal Arts

John & Louis Beauty School: Licensed Cosmetologist

Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL : Major- Liberal Arts

College of Du Page, Glen Ellyn, IL ; Major-Liberal Arts

EMPLOYMENT

June 1985-Feb 1995 President, Bill Sharpness Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Elburn, IL

As the co-founder and President of a heating and air conditioning company, I was responsible for all managerial functions which included budgeting, financing, vendor relations, cost control and loss prevention. I also handled insurance issues and reviewed employee and company insurance policies for cost and benefits. In addition, I handled all federal and state tax filings and reviewed all tax returns with accountants, as well as managed the office personnel. During my 8-year tenure as President, the company grew from start-up to $1.2 million annual gross revenue.

Feb 1995-Aug 1998 Sales Consultant, Wickes Furniture, Aurora, IL

I began my career at Wickes Furniture as a sales consultant and was responsible for maintaining required sales volume in both merchandise and add-on sales such as fabric treatment, leather treatment and extended warranties. I consistently ranked near the top in volume and was the top producer in add-on sales. I was also responsible for attending to my customers’ service needs and building a repeat customer base.

Aug 1998-Aug 1999 Associate Sales Manager, Wickes Furniture, Aurora, IL and Van Nuys, CA

When given an opportunity to advance in the company, I moved to California to take a position as the Associate Sales Manager. It was my responsibility to assist the sales consultants with customer service issues, in closing customers and help the sales manager develop the sales staff.

Aug 1999-July 2003 Sales Manager, Wickes Furniture, Van Nuys, CA and Pasadena, CA

As a sales manager I oversaw all the functions of a retail-selling environment. We exceeded our sales goal both years that I was associated with our Van Nuys store and, as a result, I was offered an opportunity to open a new store in Pasadena. I was responsible for the hiring and initial training of the sales staff and was also involved in the store setup.

July 2003-Nov 2005 Sales Consultant, Wickes Furniture, Itasca, IL

Due to an ownership change and the restructuring of the company the management track that I was on was no longer available. Instead of remaining in California without management potential, I accepted a position in Illinois. I consistently met my sales goals and enjoyed having a more direct impact on fulfilling my customers’ needs from a design perspective.

Nov 2005-Nov 2007 Sales Manager/Sales Consultant, World Furniture Mall, Plano, IL

In the fall of 2005 I applied for a position as a sales consultant but, due to my extensive management background, was offered a position as sales manager. In the summer of 2006, the owner decided to eliminate the sales manager position and I was offered a position in sales which I opted to take. I worked in sales for two years and enjoyed the ability to fulfill my customers need from a design perspective, much like in my previous position at Wickes.

Nov 2007-March 2008 American Marketing and Publishing

I began working for AMP in the fall of 2007. I was responsible for renewal business as well as generating new business. In the 4 months I was with AMP I renewed 95% of business on the books and signed a number of new businesses for advertising. My performance consistently exceeded company goals and requirements. Unfortunately, due to the current economic conditions the company opted not to renew most of their new hires as their canvass became completed.

March 2008-March 2010 Americorp International

I had been working for myself in the direct sales industry selling a small business product but due to the current economic conditions I discontinued my pursuits and since have been actively seeking employment.

July 2010-March 2011 Sales Manager, Rossi Furniture, Downers Grove, IL

As a sales manager I oversee all the functions of a retail-selling environment. I am responsible for a selling staff of about 6 employees and our store averages about 3.5 million in revenue annually. My regular duties include hiring, training, sales meetings, scheduling of the staff and vendor meetings. I also assist in all area’s that pertain to the sales floor which includes customer service, handling customer issues, and merchandising issues. Unexpectedly, the company closed after 50 years in business. It came as quite a surprise to us all and was a very sad situation.

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