Blake X. Liles
Summary
Results-driven business leader and management professional with demonstrated success in business operations, strategic planning, team leadership, and revenue growth. Proven ability to oversee daily operations, manage financial performance, develop high-performing teams, and implement strategies that drive organizational success. Skilled in relationship management, operational efficiency, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and achieving business objectives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Liles Interiors
Ashland, KY
01.2024 - Current
- Founded and led an independent interior design and renovation business, overseeing strategic planning, daily operations, financial performance, business development, and client relationship management while generating more than $1.5 million in project sales.
- Directed all aspects of business operations, including budgeting, project scheduling, resource allocation, vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and service delivery to ensure operational efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
- Developed and executed business growth strategies through strategic prospecting, relationship management, referral networks, and repeat business, driving revenue generation and expanding the company's client portfolio.
Licensed Real Estate Advisor
The Agency Inc
Lexington, Kentucky
10.2020 - Current
- Managed full sales cycle from prospecting to closing, consistently exceeding performance benchmarks.
- Generated over $30M career sales, averaging $5M–$6M annually, ranking yearly as a Top 3 producing agent in competitive markets.
- Built strong client relationships, resulting in high referral rates and repeat business.
- Negotiated contracts and pricing agreements to achieve mutually beneficial results.
- Implemented targeted marketing strategies to expand territory reach and generate qualified leads.
Store Manager
Bella Rose
Lexington, KY
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Directed all aspects of daily store operations, including sales performance, workforce planning, staffing, merchandising, inventory control, and customer experience to ensure operational excellence and achievement of business objectives.
- Led, mentored, and developed a high-performing sales team, establishing performance expectations, driving accountability, and fostering a results-oriented culture focused on exceptional customer service and revenue growth.
- Developed and executed sales strategies, monitored key performance indicators (KPIs), and managed operational priorities to maximize profitability, strengthen customer relationships, and maintain compliance with company policies and standards.
Assistant Store Manager
The Frye Company
Lexington, Kentucky
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Served as Assistant Store Manager for a luxury leather goods retailer while completing a bachelor’s degree, balancing full-time leadership responsibilities with academic commitments.
- Supported day-to-day store operations, including sales performance, staffing, scheduling, merchandising, inventory management, and customer experience.
- Supervised, coached, and developed sales associates to achieve individual and store performance goals while maintaining luxury service and brand standards.
- Assisted with sales strategy, performance management, loss prevention, and operational compliance, partnering with store leadership to drive overall business results.
Project Specialist, Interiors
Lowe's
Lexington, Kentucky
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Generated more than $1 million in annual project sales and ranked as the #1 sales performer in the region, consistently converting qualified leads into high-value renovation projects.
- Managed a high-volume pipeline of company-supplied leads for residential interior design and renovation projects, converting prospective customers into completed sales through consultative selling and relationship management.
- Led the full sales cycle from initial customer consultation and needs assessment through design development, product selection, estimating, proposal presentation, negotiation, and close.
- Designed and sold projects ranging from kitchen and bathroom renovations to comprehensive whole-home remodels, developing tailored solutions aligned with customer vision, budget, and project requirements.
- Maintained an active sales pipeline by tracking opportunities, conducting customer follow-up, overcoming objections, and advancing projects through each stage of the sales process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05-2020
Skills
- Business Operations & Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Team Leadership & Development
- Financial Management & Budgeting
- Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Performance Management & Accountability
- Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
Accomplishments
- Top 3 Producing Individual Agent, 2023 – $6M+ in sales
- Top 3 Producing Individual Agent, 2024 – $5M+ in sales
Timeline
Owner
Liles Interiors
01.2024 - Current
Licensed Real Estate Advisor
The Agency Inc
10.2020 - Current
Store Manager
Bella Rose
01.2019 - 10.2020
Assistant Store Manager
The Frye Company
01.2018 - 01.2019
Project Specialist, Interiors
Lowe's
01.2016 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles
University of Kentucky