Alexandra Harris
Virginia Beach
Summary
The most valuable thing I’ve built throughout my career isn’t a book of business, it’s trust. Across construction, commercial insurance, legal services, and real estate, I’ve earned lasting relationships by listening first, communicating honestly, and following through. I bring a people first approach to business, combining relationship building, practical problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to helping clients, teams, and organizations succeed.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager
Staff Zone
Norfolk, VA
12.2025 - Current
- Built a new book of business primarily through self-directed prospecting, securing a staffing partnership that generated more than $50,000 in revenue each week.
- Researched upcoming construction projects through bid reports, permit activity, industry resources, networking, and jobsite reconnaissance to build relationships before projects broke ground.
- Coordinated with recruiters, clients, and field employees to ensure workers were matched appropriately, jobsite expectations were met, and client needs were addressed throughout each project.
- Developed a strong understanding of construction phases and trade sequencing to anticipate labor needs and provide workforce solutions at every stage of a project.
- Prepared quotes, reviewed contracts, and guided clients through the onboarding process while managing the relationship from first meeting to placement.
- Conducted jobsite safety assessments before placing employees, maintained OSHA 10 certification, and consistently followed PPE and construction safety standards.
- Worked closely with my operations team to match qualified workers with client needs, monitored worker performance through routine jobsite visits, and resolved client concerns quickly to keep projects on track.
- Attended regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
Client Business Development Specialist
Melone Hatley, P.C.
Virginia Beach, VA
11.2024 - 10.2025
- Retained an average of 20 new clients per month by conducting consultative meetings and securing retainers ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
- Qualified prospective clients by evaluating whether their legal matters aligned with the firms practice areas, ensuring attorneys spent their time on well matched cases.
- Led comprehensive client consultations by gathering court documents, reviewing case history, documenting court appearances, and collecting critical information needed for attorney review.
- Presented and explained all legal fee structures, including retainers and attorney hourly rates, helping clients confidently move forward with representation by clearly communicating the value of the firm's experience and legal strategy.
- One of the only two Client Business Development Specialists trusted to conduct consultations for the firm's Estate Planning practice.
- Expanded referral opportunities through networking, community outreach, and self-driven social media efforts.
- Built trust with clients navigating emotionally difficult situations by communicating with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Lead Server / Hospitality Trainer
Becca Restaurant & Garden
Virginia Beach, VA
03.2020 - 10.2024
- Delivered refined service in a top-rated fine dining restaurant, consistently creating memorable guest experiences and earning strong repeat business.
- Single handedly handled large private dining experiences and parties of 20+ guests while maintaining precision, timeliness, and high service demands.
- Trained and mentored new servers on upselling, fine dining etiquette, menu knowledge, and service recovery.
- Built trust with VIP and high-profile guest through discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Collaborated with kitchen leadership to manage allergy-sensitive dining experiences and ensure guest safety and satisfaction.
- Recognized as the highest earner.
Inside Sales Associate / Real Estate Assistant
The Bethany White Group
Virginia Beach, VA
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Owned the full sales cycle across 10+ monthly real estate transactions: lead generations and client strategy to contract execution. negotiation, and closing.
- Drafted Buyer and Seller agreements.
- Assisted with Open-Houses to walk through with clients and create excited, also to learn if the property fit their need
- Created Comparative Market Analysis
- Worked directly with new home builders and clients to coordinate design selections, project details, and expected construction timelines for new home builds
- Managed listing readiness, client communications, and transaction, coordination to strengthen marketing and prevent delays.
- Negotiated with other opposing real estate agents to position offers competitively, overcome objections, and secure favorable outcomes for buyers and sellers.
- Worked directly with buyers and sellers on pricing terms, counteroffers to turn deals into signed contracts.
Commercial Insurance Specialist
Builders Advantage Insurance, Inc.
Redding, CA
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Secured a $4M commercial policy through consultative sales, strategic negotiation, and tailored risk management for a high- value contractor account.
- Consulted with construction and industrial business owners to assess risk and developed customized coverage strategies aligned with project and compliance needs.
- Managed full-cycle client engagement, including consultation, underwriting coordination, policy implement, and renewal management.
- Built lasting client relationships through transparency, follow-through, and clear communication that drove repeat business and referrals.
- Trusted to manage confidential financial information with a high level of integrity, accuracy, and accountability.
Commercial Insurance Specialist
Farmers Insurance Group
Redding, CA
11.2011 - 07.2017
- Secured the largest commercial account in the agency history, a $50,000 policy for a regional water park, through consultative sales, and detailed coverage design.
- Helped transform an unsupported division into a profitable and efficiently managed commercial insurance department.
- Partnered with underwriters to analyze risk, negotiate competitive terms, and structure coverage for general liability, worker's compensation, commercial auto, and inland marine policies.
- Developed and managed a robust book of commercial clients.
- Expanded the agency's visibility and client base through networking, community outreach, cold outreach, and business development.
- Managed sensitive client financial information, including monetary transactions and confidential records, with a high level of discretion and integrity.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Project Management
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA2027
In Progress - Project Management
Course Careers Academy
Virginia Beach1 2025
Life & Health Insurance License - Insurance And Risk Management
Kaplan Academy
Redding, CA1 2012
Personal Lines Insurance License - Personal And Commercial
Kaplan Academy
Redding, CA1 2012
High School Graduate - High School Diploma
Santa Monica High School
Santa Monica6 2003
Skills
- Business Development
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Partnerships
- Territory Growth
- Client Relationship Management
- Revenue Growth
- Operations Management
- Process Improvement
- Contract Negotiation
- Project Coordination
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Workforce Solutions
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Staff Zone
12.2025 - Current
Client Business Development Specialist
Melone Hatley, P.C.
11.2024 - 10.2025
Inside Sales Associate / Real Estate Assistant
The Bethany White Group
04.2023 - 03.2024
Lead Server / Hospitality Trainer
Becca Restaurant & Garden
03.2020 - 10.2024
Commercial Insurance Specialist
Builders Advantage Insurance, Inc.
01.2018 - 03.2019
Commercial Insurance Specialist
Farmers Insurance Group
11.2011 - 07.2017
In Progress - Project Management
Course Careers Academy
Personal Lines Insurance License - Personal And Commercial
Kaplan Academy
High School Graduate - High School Diploma
Santa Monica High School
Associate of Applied Science - Project Management
Tidewater Community College
Life & Health Insurance License - Insurance And Risk Management
Kaplan Academy