Nels Dahl
Huntley,IL
Summary
Sales-driven leader with 15+ years of experience driving revenue through sales operations, sales enablement, and learning & development. Proven ability to build scalable onboarding and training programs, improve retention, and increase close rates by investing in people, data-driven decision making, and strong cross-functional partnerships.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager
Empire Today
Northlake, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Lead sales performance for a 45-person field sales team in a high-volume environment through coaching, accountability, and execution standards
- Reduced customer cancellations by over $1M year-over-year by implementing targeted training focused on expectation setting and installation readiness
- Partnered with Training to redesign new-consultant onboarding, reducing turnover by 18% and increasing close rates by 12% year over year
- Developed a structured ride-along follow-up process to improve sales execution; later adopted nationally
National Sales Operations & Training Manager
Emery Jensen Distribution
Oak Brook, IL
12.2019 - 07.2024
- Directed national sales operations and training strategy supporting 92 district managers and 1,100+ area managers
- Designed and launched a 7-week onboarding and mentorship program, reducing turnover by 50% and onboarding costs by 30%
- Built a multi-tier sales certification program that increased overall sales performance by 8%
- Selected and implemented an enterprise eLearning platform to support remote learning, accountability, and continuous development
- Standardized sales processes and systems to improve consistency, communication, and customer experience
Division Learning Manager
Extra Space Storage
Des Plaines, IL
11.2015 - 12.2019
- Led learning and development initiatives to improve scalability and efficiency while reducing training costs by 70%
- Built a centralized training repository, increasing training completion rates by 70%
- Reduced onboarding time by 50% through process optimization and standardized learning paths
National Manager – Product Knowledge, Selling & Customer Service
Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores
Hoffman Estates, IL
01.2012 - 02.2015
- Accelerated sales performance by 30% in the first year through a scalable national training program
- Developed product knowledge and selling strategy across 1,400 stores
- Created a three-tier selling certification program delivering a sustained 10% year-over-year sales lift
- Managed a $3.5M annual training budget; awarded Manager of the Year (2012, 2014)
National Training Manager
Sears Holdings Corporation
Hoffman Estates, IL
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Led training and operational execution for 35 new store openings
- Improved profit performance to 105% of plan while reducing turnover by 50%
- Delivered all launches on time and under budget through disciplined project management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZUSMC Field Radio Operator School - undefined
Twentynine Palms, CASkills
- Sales Leadership
- Sales Operations
- Sales Enablement
- Learning & Development
- Sales Training Onboarding Programs
- Field Sales Coaching
- KPI & Performance Analysis
- Revenue Growth
- CRM Adoption
- Team Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Customer Experience Optimization
Accomplishments
- USMC Good Conduct Medal
- Rifle Expert (4x)
- Overseas Deployment Ribbon
Certification
ATD CPTD
ATD Sales Enablement Certificate
ICF ACC
Timeline
Sales Manager
Empire Today
08.2024 - Current
National Sales Operations & Training Manager
Emery Jensen Distribution
12.2019 - 07.2024
Division Learning Manager
Extra Space Storage
11.2015 - 12.2019
National Manager – Product Knowledge, Selling & Customer Service
Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores
01.2012 - 02.2015
National Training Manager
Sears Holdings Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Grand Canyon University