Barbara Allen
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished luxury furnishings specialist with extensive experience in client relations and visual merchandising. Successfully drives sales growth by collaborating with premier design firms to deliver exceptional, personalized service and curated solutions for discerning clients.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Gallery Director
Assembled Works
Chicago, USA
09.2024 - Current
- Curated diverse exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and emerging artists.
- Collaborated with artists to develop unique concepts for exhibitions and events.
- Managed gallery operations, including scheduling, installations, and maintenance.
- Collaborated with top interior design firms in Midwest to provide tailored service and expert advice during selection of pieces for demanding clientele.
- Cultivated relationships with bespoke luxury manufacturers and design professionals in greater Chicago area to enhance collaboration.
Manager, Midwest US and Canada Territory
Holland & Sherry
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Changed distribution partners in Canada, negotiating long-term contract with aviation fabric supplier to streamline ordering for Bombardier and Gulfstream.
- Led showroom operations and sales team to drive sales growth.
- Exceeded sales targets, and every salesperson and support staff member received a bonus.
- Reopened Holland & Sherry Showroom, overseeing renovations to enhance customer experience.
Manager, Midwest US and Canada Territory
Jean de Merry
07.2021 - 02.2023
- Exceeded Jean de Merry Chicago Showroom sales goals in the first year.
- Managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
- Liaised between interior designers and manufacturing, facilitating material selection to meet design specifications.
- Directed team operations, streamlining workflow to improve service delivery and meet project timelines.
- Managed sales, order processing, product selection, and logistics for artisanal furnishings, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
Regional Higher Education and Healthcare Manager - Midwestern US, Eastern Canada
Knoll, Inc
06.2014 - 01.2019
- Exceeded Sales Goals for Higher Education and Healthcare in 2015 and 2016.
- Oversaw 20+ target accounts, driving development of new projects within competitive environments.
- Collaborated with Knoll dealers to craft competitive bid responses and secure new contracts.
- Created strategies for dealer reps, enhancing identification of new opportunities in vertical markets.
- Excelled at implementing Salesforce CRM reporting and database management.
Business Development Manager - Chicago, IL
Haworth, Inc
Chicago, USA
03.2013 - 05.2014
- Developed new business focused on real estate consolidation and workplace wellness strategies.
- Generated over $2M in sales within first year through strategic relationships in real estate sector. in the first 12 months.
Higher Education Sales Development - Chicago, IL
Interior Investments, LLC and Office Concepts
Chicago, USA
11.2009 - 03.2013
- Exceeded Herman Miller quota for new business in higher education by 180%, driving significant revenue growth.
- Generated $2.3 MM in net sales within first two years through strategic engagement with new and existing accounts.
- Executed daily operational tasks with precision.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Executive Sales Representative - Chicago IL
GlaxoSmithKline & Block Drug Corporation
Chicago, USA
09.1992 - 11.2009
- Launched several blockbuster medications that consistently ranked in the top 5% nationally.
- Managed consumer and dental sales in Connecticut Territory, enhancing client engagement and strengthening relationships.
- Implemented targeted marketing strategies that increased market share consistently.
- Qualified for Diamond, Emerald, and Presidential Awards in 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007.
Showroom Manager and Business Development - Chicago, IL & Hartford, CT
Tab Products Company
06.1988 - 08.1992
- Relocated to Hartford, Connecticut territory to expand market presence in 1990.
- Established new client relationships with Lego, Mass West Insurance, and Mass Mutual Insurance Companies, enhancing regional sales opportunities.
Education
Adult Education Program - Interior Design
School of The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL07-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts
St. Norbert College
De Pere, WI01-1988
Skills
- Exhibition coordination
- Art curation techniques
- Exhibition design concepts
- Salesforce proficiency
- Client management
- Team collaboration
- Artistic collaboration
- Creative problem solving
- Fluent in Microsoft PowerPoint
Timeline
Gallery Director
Assembled Works
09.2024 - Current
Manager, Midwest US and Canada Territory
Holland & Sherry
05.2023 - 07.2024
Manager, Midwest US and Canada Territory
Jean de Merry
07.2021 - 02.2023
Regional Higher Education and Healthcare Manager - Midwestern US, Eastern Canada
Knoll, Inc
06.2014 - 01.2019
Business Development Manager - Chicago, IL
Haworth, Inc
03.2013 - 05.2014
Higher Education Sales Development - Chicago, IL
Interior Investments, LLC and Office Concepts
11.2009 - 03.2013
Executive Sales Representative - Chicago IL
GlaxoSmithKline & Block Drug Corporation
09.1992 - 11.2009
Showroom Manager and Business Development - Chicago, IL & Hartford, CT
Tab Products Company
06.1988 - 08.1992
Adult Education Program - Interior Design
School of The Art Institute of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts
St. Norbert College