Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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BRENT ENGELEN

CHICAGO,US

Summary

A seasoned Manager and Client Relationship expert with over 18 years of extensive experience in retail, specializing in aligning company values with customer-focused solutions through collaborative teamwork and the creation of unforgettable experiences. Highly skilled in leveraging strong communication and analytical acumen to educate clients. Passionate about cultivating exceptional customer experiences and building enduring client relationships, while consistently surpassing sales targets and driving team development.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Diamond Expert

VRAI
Chicago, US
07.2024 - Current

• Conducted bespoke client consultations, thoughtfully tailoring each appointment to align with the unique desires and vision of the client for their ring or jewelry.
• Provided in-depth guidance on diamond education, emphasizing the distinct advantages of VRAI’s offerings in comparison to the broader market.
• Fostered lasting client relationships through thoughtful post-appointment engagement, ensuring the creation of the perfect engagement ring or wedding band to fulfill their dreams.
• Collaborated closely with the CAD team to translate clients' inspiration and design aspirations into meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind custom rings.

Client Advisor

Tiffany & Co.
Chicago, US
09.2023 - 06.2024
  • Fine jewelry expert specializing in engagement rings, with an average of two engagement ring sales per month.
  • Focused on building lasting client relationships through personalized in-store consultations and proactive follow-up via client engagement tools.
  • Proficient in analyzing client preferences and creating tailored recommendations for building collections and offering future gifts.
  • Experienced in driving repeat visits and future purchases by identifying key selling opportunities and enhancing customer loyalty.
  • Successful at converting one-time store visits into long-term client relationships, boosting sales across all categories.

Keyed Lead Client Advisor/ Store Director Pop-Up

Gucci Outlet
Rosemont, US
09.2015 - 09.2023
  • GG Sales Club Member (2022, 2021): Recognized as one of the top advisors in-store, through sales, appointment and NPS scores to attain this prestigious distinction.
  • Store Manager for the Clarksburg, Maryland Pop-up (August 2019 – January 2020): Successfully led the pop-up store to exceed sales goals by +15%, overseeing operations, team development, and client engagement.
  • Team Leadership: Interviewed and hired a high-performing team in Clarksburg, coaching and developing a staff of 10 to consistently meet and exceed operational and sales objectives.
  • Store Operations & Goal Management: Accountable for overseeing day-to-day operations, driving sales, and maintaining high standards of performance across all aspects of the store.
  • Customer Service Leadership: Acted as a key resource for resolving complex customer service issues, guiding peers with innovative solutions to ensure exceptional client satisfaction.
  • Business Analysis & Clienteling Mentor: Provided strategic guidance to peers on business analysis and clienteling techniques, enhancing overall team performance and customer loyalty.
  • BETA Tester (2021) In-Store Trainer for Luce Business & Clienteling App: Pioneered the adoption of cutting-edge technology by testing and training staff, driving the integration of the Luce app to enhance customer engagement and sales processes.
  • Store Visual Ambassador (June 2017 – June 2018): Spearheaded visual merchandising initiatives to elevate brand presentation, fostering a dynamic and engaging shopping environment.
  • Global Client Outreach: Developed and maintained strong relationships with a diverse, global clientele through proactive follow-up calls, emails, and personalized outreach, fostering long-term client loyalty.

Assistant Manager

AllSaints Outlet
Rosemont, US
05.2014 - 08.2015
  • Acting Store Manager (June 2014 – December 2014): Led the store to a remarkable +20% sales growth compared to 2013, finishing the year on a high note.
  • Visual Merchandising Leadership: Collaborated with floor managers to conceptualize and implement weekly visual merchandising strategies, enhancing the store’s aesthetic and customer experience.
  • Training & Development: Partnered with the store manager and floor managers to facilitate comprehensive training programs, ensuring continuous professional development for all staff members.
  • Team Building: Fostered a collaborative team environment by empowering experienced staff to mentor and train new employees, focusing on areas of passion and expertise within the store.
  • Recruitment & Training: Successfully hired and trained 50 new team members in just 8 days during the high-pressure Black Friday week, in collaboration with management staff and outreach efforts.
  • Operational Management: Held responsibility for overseeing the store's budget, achieving volume targets, managing visual merchandising execution, and allocating supplies effectively to optimize store performance.

Assistant Manager

ANN INC
Chicago, US
04.2012 - 05.2014
  • Visual Merchandising Manager: Collaborated closely with the store manager to strategize and lead bi-weekly floor sets, ensuring visually compelling displays that aligned with brand standards and maximized customer engagement.
  • Recruitment & Training: Played a pivotal role in the hiring and training of a dedicated team of 15, ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer service through effective coaching and skill development.
  • Team Building & Recognition: Cultivated a positive, results-driven team environment by celebrating collective achievements and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence with the store manager.
  • Leadership & Goal Management: Directed the team in achieving daily objectives, managing new product arrivals, and creating compelling selling scenarios to drive sales performance.
  • Event Coordination & Community Engagement: Led the styling and coordination of "Dress for Success" events, partnering with local colleges and universities such as IIT Chicago, National Louis University, and the Chicago Bar Association to support community outreach and brand visibility.
  • Private & Public Event Management: Organized and executed in-store private and public events designed to generate increased sales volume, strengthen customer relationships, and elevate the store's profile within the local community.

Education

COURSES - FINE JEWELRY, ENGAGEMENT, AND HIGH JEWELRY SALES TRAINING

Tiffany & Co.
06.2024

MAJOR - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION,

Illinois State University
Normal, IL
06-2003

Skills

  • Client Relationship Management
  • High Volume Sales
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Team Leadership
  • Skill Development Training
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Performance Coaching
  • Budgeting
  • Microsoft Office
  • Market Analysis
  • Collaborative Partnership
  • Presentation Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Hubspot
  • POS Systems
  • Inventory System Management

Timeline

Diamond Expert

VRAI
07.2024 - Current

Client Advisor

Tiffany & Co.
09.2023 - 06.2024

Keyed Lead Client Advisor/ Store Director Pop-Up

Gucci Outlet
09.2015 - 09.2023

Assistant Manager

AllSaints Outlet
05.2014 - 08.2015

Assistant Manager

ANN INC
04.2012 - 05.2014

COURSES - FINE JEWELRY, ENGAGEMENT, AND HIGH JEWELRY SALES TRAINING

Tiffany & Co.

MAJOR - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION,

Illinois State University
BRENT ENGELEN