Catherine Akridge
Santa Fe,TX
Summary
Talented and experienced business professional skilled in customer service, sales, insurance claims, trial litigation with 75 hours of USPAP training. Effectively builds loyalty and long-term relationships with clients; works well in collaborative environment while thriving on creating unique solutions that deliver results.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Agent, Motor Vehicles Division
Tax & Revenue Department
08.2023 - Current
- Reviews applications and supporting documents to ensure policies, state statutes and procedures are followed to process tow liens, vehicle and mobile home titles and registrations.
- Contributes legal knowledge and reviews policy to assist Motor Vehicle management, coworkers and customers with situational application.
- Provides support to field offices and government agencies by fielding procedural questions.
- Serves customers with excellent customer service and communication skills.
Sales Representative
Pella Windows & Doors/MMS Enterprises
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Outside sales position requiring the ability to effectively communicate product and construction knowledge by using critical thinking skills to assess needs and provide unique solutions while developing a trust-based relationship and achieving sales goals.
- Reviewed architectural plans, prepared and submitted residential and historical building permit applications.
- Organized time efficiently to maximize daily appointments while also maintaining detailed records of all interactions in CRM system.
- Provided comprehensive after-sales support, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships.
Sales Representative
Horizon Italian Tile Inc.
04.2015 - 06.2021
- Ranked number one in showroom sales.
- Doubled showroom sales in two years by providing exceptional customer service with strong product knowledge, ability to quickly identify needs and provide appropriate solutions using comprehensive knowledge of inventory and specialty lines to meet needs and timeline.
- Deep network of strong partners and proven ability to collaborate with interior designers, architects, builders and customers in fast-paced meetings to provide options resulting in sales.
- Created and implemented processes to minimize returns while increasing customer satisfaction.
- Thought partner with the President to identify and select large format lines to ensure company is well positioned and ahead of residential trend.
- Designated company representative to attend Coverings 2018 and Akdo's 2017 Partner Appreciation and Collection Launch to identify and assess new lines and design trends.
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Stonelake Capital Partners
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Managed office operations supporting multiple executives, planning and execution of company events and ensured deliverables were high quality, on time and under budget.
- Effective and efficient management of expense reporting, reconciling billing statements, coordinating appointments with multiple stakeholders, communicating with C-level executives, and arranging travel for executives and associates.
- Demonstrated creative thinking, problem solving and negotiation skills.
Litigation Paralegal
Friedman & Feiger, P. C.
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Executed client and external expert interviews to gather data and ensure case details were complete.
- Developed document management system, reviewed and analyzed data to prepare time-line of events; created complex case support and PowerPoint presentations for trial.
- Provided support to attorneys at trial, hearings and depositions.
Adjuster & Agent
Farmers Insurance Group
12.2008 - 04.2013
- Investigated and evaluated injured party claims to negotiate final settlements with a focus on thoroughness, quality and cost control.
- Exceeded company goals for claims resolution by annually achieving 98% total file quality through dedication and self-motivation contributing to the branch office achievements and company success.
- Presented and clearly explained insurance policy options to clients based on their needs and goals while managing office and staff; developed marketing strategy, budgets, advertisements and sales tools.
Litigation Paralegal
Schmidt & Clark
04.2007 - 12.2008
- Successfully managed active case load by drafting legal complaints, summons, interrogatories, various court documents, invoices and enclosures at attorneys' request.
- Accurately entered client data into a company-based software program; increased efficiency by developing and implementing a new document management system.
Senior Litigation Paralegal
Baron & Budd, P.C.
07.1993 - 03.2007
- Supported 4 partners and associate attorneys while successfully managing case of 1400 clients by coordinating teams to complete multiple simultaneous deadlines; organized and managed out-of-state client meetings and assisted with focus groups.
- Sole employee transferred to New York City to open new office, train staff, develop systems and manage urgent cases (1996-1999).
Sales and Management
Marshall Field's, Dillard's, J. C. Penney
05.1982 - 07.1993
Sales Representative
Burlington Building Materials
04.2021 - 06.2022
- Developed a profitable and efficient new business through cold calling, networking, assisting walk-in customers, and building relationships.
- Streamlined sales processes by identifying merchandising and sampling inefficiencies; implemented improvements for enhanced productivity and customer experience.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for informed decision-making during client interactions.
Education
BBA - Management
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX1985
Certificate, Legal Assistant - undefined
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX1992
Skills
- Analysis & critical thinking skills
- Trust-based relationships
- Creative problem solver
- Legal writing skills
- Policy review and application
- Real estate and legal terminology
- Organization and prioritization skills
- Meets deadlines
- Document review
- Business acumen
- Proactive
- Customer service
Skills
- QuickBooks: preparation of sales orders and project quotes
- Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word
- Windows
- Adobe Pro
- Internet
Timeline
Agent, Motor Vehicles Division
Tax & Revenue Department
08.2023 - Current
Sales Representative
Pella Windows & Doors/MMS Enterprises
06.2022 - 07.2023
Sales Representative
Burlington Building Materials
04.2021 - 06.2022
Sales Representative
Horizon Italian Tile Inc.
04.2015 - 06.2021
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Stonelake Capital Partners
05.2014 - 05.2015
Litigation Paralegal
Friedman & Feiger, P. C.
04.2013 - 05.2014
Adjuster & Agent
Farmers Insurance Group
12.2008 - 04.2013
Litigation Paralegal
Schmidt & Clark
04.2007 - 12.2008
Senior Litigation Paralegal
Baron & Budd, P.C.
07.1993 - 03.2007
Sales and Management
Marshall Field's, Dillard's, J. C. Penney
05.1982 - 07.1993
BBA - Management
Texas State University
Certificate, Legal Assistant - undefined
Southern Methodist University
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