M. Ellen Stanford

• Grow customer base through direct sales.
• Grow sales volume by selling enhancements and new services.
• Coordinate, supervise, and quality control all work done by vendors for accounts to ensure work is completed on time, on budget, and to customers satisfaction.
• Managed client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and retention through regular communication.
• Developed tailored service plans to meet unique client needs and preferences.
• Oversaw onboarding process for new clients, streamlining integration into services offered.
• Collaborated with operations team to enhance service delivery and address client concerns promptly.
• Analyzed client feedback to identify areas for service improvement and implement changes effectively.
• Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction across industries.
• Conducted regular account reviews to ensure alignment with client goals, leading to consistently positive feedback.

Responsible for the development and performance of all sales activities within an assigned TruGreen branch.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Set clear performance goals for the sales team, providing regular feedback on progress toward targets while offering support where needed.

• Develop branch-level sales plans and forecasts.

• Compile lists of prospective customers for use as sales leads, based on information from direct mail and other advertisements, community activities, trade shows, and business seminars, and other resources.

• Assist in closing sales as needed.

• Work to resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service. Analyze and distribute new sale cancellation requests in an attempt to retain customers.

• Plan and conduct on-going training for sales personnel in customer service skills, selling techniques, and safety policies and procedures.

• Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow. Track hourly, daily, weekly, sales efficiencies of each salesperson.

• Develop, implement, and maintain performance standards, measurements, and corrective devices through which approved plans and goals are accomplished within the sales organization.

• Ensure recruiting, interviewing and staffing of personnel are conducted to efficiently staff the sales function.

Evaluate staff performance, make salary recommendations, and administer disciplinary actions consistent with company policy.

• Led branch sales initiatives, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Trained and mentored team members on effective sales techniques and product knowledge.
• Developed strategic marketing plans to drive service adoption and revenue growth.
• Analyzed sales data to identify trends and optimize inventory management processes.

• Largest publisher of local and regional history books in America Responsible for selling 2-3 newly published titles per week along with backlist titles to existing accounts, as well as, opening 2-6 new accounts per week

• Achieved and exceed sales goals consistently

• Working with independent and national account sales teams

Responsibilities include sales, marketing, inventory management, customer education, data management, national account auditing and program management.

• Train and supervise sales reps

• Merchandiser training

• Attend trade shows

Design and build displays/POG

• Managed client accounts, ensuring satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships.
• Increased client satisfaction by building strong relationships and addressing their needs promptly.
• Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
• Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely communication and effective problem resolution.
• Successfully resolved escalated issues, preventing potential loss of valuable clients while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
• Conducted regular account reviews to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued success.
• Developed strategic marketing plans to enhance brand visibility and drive sales growth.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline project workflows and improve communication.
• Analyzed client feedback to identify trends and implement service enhancements effectively.

• Sales

• Soft toy sales to all independent and chain stores across Virginia and North Carolina

• Gift show sales

• Built lasting business relationships, close daily sales with new and existing customers

• Grew territory with new accounts and increased sales

• Provided timely and consistent sales reports.

• Developed and maintained strong client relationships to drive retention and satisfaction.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on sales strategies and goals.
• Executed effective presentations and product demonstrations to engage potential clients.
• Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and inform strategic decisions.

• Stuffed animal, soft toys, and gift sales to independent retail stores Complete territory management in Virginia, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, and east Tennessee

• Daily sales calls with pre-set appointments and cold calling

• Built strong and lasting relationships with clients

• Grew territory by building up existing accounts and adding new accounts

• Provided timely and consistent sales reports.

• Developed and maintained strong client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of solutions tailored to client needs.
• Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic account planning initiatives.
• Led contract negotiations, resulting in favorable terms for both clients and company objectives.

• Organic, natural, and specialty food sales

• Route included all Wal-Mart stores in the Richmond area Responsibilities included sales, merchandising, marketing, inventory management, explaining products and sets, store audits, and educating customers and store managers

• Built and maintained relationships with store management

• Increased sales volumes while reducing credits and returns

• Secured new products placements and authorizations.

• Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for account expansion and improvement.

• Increased sales 25% + YTD
• Managed over 130 accounts
• Consistently gained new taps, product placements, and specials
• Planned and executed events and entertainment of customers Increased productivity of route by partnering with and educating customers, gaining specials/features, and placing point of sale
• Successfully launched new products into the market
• Portfolio included 46 breweries, 10 non-alcoholics, and over 900 SKU's
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with on-premise accounts to drive sales growth.
• Conducted product training sessions for staff at partner venues to enhance product knowledge.
• Executed promotional events and tastings to increase brand visibility and customer engagement.
• Monitored inventory levels and collaborated with management to ensure optimal stock availability.

• Consistently met or exceeded sales goals and quotas for 25-30 product lines

• Increased sales no less than 20% per quarter Increased productivity of route by educating and advising customers while building relationships and securing better placements • Successfully launched new products

• Consistently built and maintained strong customer relations

• Merchandised and reset accounts, built displays, and placed point of sale.

• Developed account strategies to enhance client relationships and drive revenue growth.

• Special program development
• Statistics management
• Taught water aerobics, aquatic therapeutic back and arthritis class, adult and children swimming lessons
• Assisted in on-going and seasonal resident programs
• Safety committee member for entire organization.
• Developed and implemented swim programs enhancing participant engagement and skill development.
• Trained staff in aquatic safety protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Coordinated maintenance schedules for pool facilities, optimizing operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Led aquatic therapy sessions, promoting wellness and rehabilitation for residents with diverse needs.