Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Professional
References
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Chris Easterwood

Brandon,MS

Summary

Accomplished Sales Manager offering high performance leading development and implementation of superior sales strategy. Proven track record of identifying and creating profitable business opportunities, qualifying authentic prospects and cultivating strong partnerships. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership and development.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Benefits Counselor

HUB International Limited
Brandon, Mississippi
10.2023 - Current
  • Assisted with open enrollment events by providing one-on-one support as needed.
  • Maintained accurate records of all employee benefits activities according to company standards.
  • Prepared reports using data extracted from multiple databases related to benefits information.
  • Provided advice and assistance to employees on benefits programs, including health insurance plans and retirement savings options.
  • Analyzed changes in legislation that impact existing benefit plans or require policy modifications.
  • Responded promptly to customer service issues via telephone or email communication with internal and external customers.
  • Processed benefit applications in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
  • Organized paperwork and checked individual pages for accuracy and completeness.
  • Responded to requests for information with open and knowledgeable support to foster interest in available plans.
  • Educated and advised employees on group health plans, voluntary benefits, and 401(k) retirement plans.
  • Provided detailed information about benefits and limitations of different policies and programs.
  • Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
  • Provided assistance to plan participants by explaining benefits information to ensure educated selections.
  • Communicated effectively via email, phone and face-to-face with plan participants to resolve issues pertaining to health and welfare benefits.
  • Oversaw enrollment of new employees and company-wide yearly enrollment period.
  • Kept operations in compliance with requirements by applying knowledge of applicable regulations, legal statutes and tax code information.
  • Administered employee insurance, pension and savings plans, working with insurance brokers and plan carriers.

Business Development Manager

Gulf Guaranty Employee Benefits
Jackson, MS
07.2019 - 07.2023
  • Generated leads and capitalized on valuable business opportunities to bring in new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
  • Drafted proposals for prospects in response to their requests for information.
  • Identified new customers through pipelining, pre-qualification and territory analysis and management.
  • Created presentations to attract new business opportunities.
  • Organized meetings between senior management and prospective customers.
  • Developed short-term and long-term vision and strategy to achieve targeted sales objectives.
  • Researched target markets to understand the needs of current and potential customers.
  • Collaborated with internal teams for successful execution of projects.
  • Provided training to sales staff on effective communication techniques when dealing with clients.
  • Facilitated and managed business development plan based on market and industry research.
  • Attended tradeshows and conferences to network with potential clients.
  • Participated in industry and trade organizations to build industry and customer alliances.
  • Collaborated with marketing team members to design promotional materials.
  • Prepared reports on sales performance metrics such as revenue growth rate, conversion rates and lead-to-customer ratios.
  • Coordinated product launches by creating detailed launch plans based on market analysis data.
  • Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and market share.

Territory Recruiter

Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company
Ridgeland, MS
03.2013 - 06.2019
  • Reviewed resumes, conducted phone screens, and managed candidate pipelines.
  • Sourced and screened potential candidates for open positions.
  • Explained job duties, compensation and benefits to potential candidates.
  • Developed job descriptions and postings to attract qualified applicants.
  • Provided ongoing support throughout the entire recruitment life cycle processes.
  • Maintained Applicant Tracking System records of all applicants.
  • Identified best practices for recruiting process improvement.
  • Developed recruitment strategies to achieve required staffing levels for assigned requisitions.
  • Conducted in-depth interviews with top candidates to assess skills and fit.
  • Assisted in onboarding of new hires by providing orientation materials and training sessions.
  • Managed candidate activity within Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
  • Advertised and promoted open positions using social media and digital marketing procedures.
  • Worked with senior leadership to develop comprehensive recruitment strategies for long-term implementation.
  • Organized recruitment activities such as career fairs, campus visits.
  • Created and maintained positive relationships with hiring managers and HR business partners.
  • Built relationships with universities, colleges, alumni associations.
  • Trained and mentored newer recruiters in successful strategies for interviewing and qualifying candidates.
  • Read, analyzed, and interpreted various internal and external documents and reports.
  • Participated in local job fairs and recruitment events for prospective hiring.
  • Created reports on key recruitment metrics such as time-to-fill and cost-per-hire.
  • Participated in industry networking events to build talent pipeline.
  • Referred suitable candidates to relevant departments for additional assessment.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding recruitment activities.
  • Searched for qualified job candidates using computer databases, media advertisements or employee referrals.
  • Selected qualified job applicants or referred to managers to make hiring recommendations.

State Sales Manager

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
, MS
10.2008 - 02.2013
  • Developed and implemented sales strategies to increase market share in assigned territory.
  • Provided coaching and guidance to the regional sales teams on best practices for closing deals effectively.
  • Maintained accurate records of all sales activities including number of calls made, presentations delivered, orders taken.
  • Regularly interacted with clients over phone or email in order to provide information about products and services being offered by organization.
  • Developed relationships with key customers and partners to build a strong network and maximize sales opportunities.
  • Prepared periodic reports outlining overall performance of the regional sales teams within assigned territories.
  • Analyzed customer trends, monitored competitors' activities, and identified new opportunities for growth.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to create promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, product catalogs, for effective promotion of products and services.
  • Trained newly hired personnel on company's policies and procedures relatedto sale operations.
  • Organized trade shows, events, roadshows to promote products, services among potential customers.
  • Conducted regular meetings with regional sales team to discuss progress, review objectives, and develop action plans.
  • Met regional sales objectives by developing and implementing promotion strategies, coordinating sales team and servicing key accounts to fortify business relationships.
  • Held weekly meetings with each representative to talk one-on-one, resolve issues and provide tailored training.
  • Increased revenue generation by collaborating with senior executives to assess regional performance and develop new sales strategies.
  • Created and maintained sales environment to support business objectives.
  • Supervised sales strategy, training, team structure, and communication of regional sales program.
  • Led, coached and developed employees to achieve sales goals.
  • Analyzed quarterly sales statistics and prepared analyses for corporate management.
  • Supported, trained and motivated team of professionals to consistently meet annual goals for sales and production.
  • Developed and managed regional sales program and market operations.
  • Prospected, identified and cultivated relationships with contacts to promote product lines and solutions.
  • Directed and coordinated products, services and sales activities.
  • Oversaw regional and local sales managers and staff.

Assistant State Sales Manager

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
09.2006 - 10.2008
  • Continuously recruited and trained new field agents.
  • Met or exceeded Company's recruiting quota each month.
  • Led, coached and developed employees to achieve sales goals.
  • Presented insurance products to clients to meet needs and discuss financial investment and return on investment.
  • Managed on-site insurance personnel, training staff in procedures, workflows, carrier underwriting guidelines and sales goals.
  • Retained talented staff through effective training, delivering quality feedback that helped team members achieve goals.
  • Developed cohesive plans to market individual insurance products to prospective clients.
  • Evaluated agent performance, identified areas of improvement, and implemented corrective action plans when necessary.
  • Maintained a thorough understanding of insurance products, services, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the team, ensuring all processes were running smoothly and efficiently.
  • Developed marketing strategies to increase sales and reach new customer segments.
  • Led weekly meetings with agents to discuss current objectives and achievements.
  • Provided guidance to agents in navigating complex cases involving multiple policies or products.
  • Recruited qualified candidates for open positions within the organization's sales department.
  • Conducted regular training sessions with agents to ensure compliance with insurance regulations.
  • Assisted agents in developing client relationships through networking events and seminars.
  • Coached, developed and motivated team to achieve revenue goals.

Sales Representative

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
02.2006 - 09.2006
  • Personal production sales of all Life and Health plans offered by the company
  • Knowledgeable of all company rules and regulations pertaining to the sale of approved products
  • Consistently exceeded company sales production quotas
  • Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
  • Answered inquiries from prospective customers regarding features of products and services offered.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with existing clients to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Developed customized sales techniques to successfully sell and upsell services to new and existing clients.
  • Fostered relationships with customers to expand customer base and retain business.
  • Created successful strategies to develop and expand customer sales.
  • Presented products and services to prospective and existing customers to meet client needs.
  • Generated new sales leads through cold calling and networking activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities.
  • Performed regular follow-ups with prospects to close deals in a timely manner.
  • Contacted new and existing customers to outline benefits of products.
  • Demonstrated product features to align with customer needs.
  • Adhered to company initiatives and achieved established goals.
  • Improved overall customer purchasing experiences to promote steady revenue.
  • Reviewed monthly performance against targets set by management team.
  • Researched competitors' products, prices, and sales techniques.
  • Identified opportunities for cross-selling additional products and services.
  • Organized client visits, presentations, product demonstrations and trade shows.
  • Managed inventory levels by ordering sufficient stock for each account.

Marketing Assistant

Gulf States Marketing
Laurel, MS
05.2005 - 01.2006
  • Recruits, trains and supports insurance agents and financial planners across the country
  • Consults with agents on case design
  • Recommended appropriate product to producers
  • Runs product illustrations
  • Director of Compliance Department
  • Helps produce monthly newsletter
  • Registered with NASD
  • Provided administrative support to the Marketing Manager on a daily basis.
  • Adapted marketing strategy to fit consumer preferences and expectations.
  • Assisted in organizing promotional events and tradeshows.
  • Collaborated with marketing team on new ideas and directions to support events and customer communication projects.

PGA Golf Professional

Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Hattiesburg, Ms
04.2004 - 04.2005
  • Responsible for the golf operations at a semi private club.
  • Implemented strategies for increasing membership numbers at the facility.
  • Duties included owning and operating the Golf Shop
  • Maintaining a fleet of 75 Golf Carts
  • Hiring and training a staff of 4 full time employees and 8 part time employees
  • Conducted clinics for Youth, Women's groups and Seniors
  • Responsible for developing and maintaining operating budget
  • Increased revenue 20% in 2004 and showed a 50% increase in revenue in 2005
  • Implemented many new programs and quality control standards that enhanced the total operation
  • Increased membership by 150%
  • Developed comprehensive golf instruction plans for individual and group lessons.
  • Tracked revenue generated through green fees, cart rentals, pro shop sales.
  • Participated in professional development activities to stay current with industry trends.
  • Planned special events such as charity outings or corporate tournaments for groups of all sizes.
  • Monitored pace of play to ensure a safe environment for participants.
  • Instructed students on proper golf rules, etiquette, and safety regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with members by providing outstanding customer service.
  • Managed inventory levels of merchandise items such as balls, apparel, and accessories.

Salesman

Sunbelt Motors
Meridian, MS
10.2003 - 04.2004
  • Established relationships with potential new clients.
  • Greeted customers and provided product information.
  • Educated customers on product features and technical details to highlight benefits.
  • Demonstrated product features, benefits and use to potential buyers.
  • Collaborated with team members to reach monthly targets within budget constraints.
  • Provided timely follow-up on inquiries made by potential customers.
  • Negotiated prices and set up contracts to finalize sales agreements.
  • Developed a customer base through cold calling and networking.

PGA Head Golf Professional

Laurel Country Club
Laurel, MS
07.1992 - 10.2002
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss performance goals and objectives.
  • Created strategies to increase revenue through membership sales, lessons, clinics, tournaments, and merchandise sales.
  • Organized fundraisers at the club benefiting local charities or organizations within the community.
  • Analyzed financial data to develop budgets for golf operations while controlling costs.
  • Recruited, trained, and supervised golf staff.
  • Supervised staff responsible for cleaning clubs prior to each round as well as maintaining locker rooms and restrooms.
  • Performed administrative duties such as scheduling tee times for members and guests or creating reports.
  • Implemented programs designed to improve player's skills by providing individual coaching sessions.
  • Promoted junior programs throughout community schools by hosting clinics or camps.
  • Monitored play on course ensuring pace-of-play was maintained according to club standards.
  • Provided quality customer service to members and guests in accordance with club standards.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive golf instruction program.
  • Assisted customers with selection of appropriate clubs or accessories based on their playing ability.
  • Managed the daily operations of the pro shop including sales, customer service, and cash handling.
  • Maintained inventory of all golf equipment, apparel, and merchandise.
  • Organized and conducted golf tournaments for members and guests.
  • Ensured compliance with all rules, regulations, policies, procedures related to golf operations.
  • Coordinated with vendors to ensure delivery of supplies needed for tournaments or special events.
  • Researched new trends in the industry such as technology advances in equipment development.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Assigned tasks and work hours to staff.
  • Interviewed and hired associates to fill staff vacancies.
  • Calculated and recorded department expenses and revenue.

Education

High School Diploma -

R.H. Watkins High School
Laurel, MS
05-1980

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management

Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS

Skills

  • Decision-Making
  • Pipeline Development
  • Prospecting
  • Relationship Development
  • Client Consultations
  • Salesforce Management
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Product Demonstrations
  • Business Development
  • Sales Presentations
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Team Leadership
  • Event Planning
  • Training and Mentoring

Accomplishments

  • 2015-2019 have met or exceeded company goals
  • 2014 71% increase in year over year recruiting for Colonial Life
  • 2009 Promoted to Division Manager Physicians Mutual
  • 2009 Awarded the Elliot Achievement Award
  • 2007-2012 Hired and trained 5 Pacesetters with Physicians Mutual
  • 2006- Promoted to Assistant Division Manager Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
  • 2004- Increased revenues by 20% in '04, up 50% in Q1 '05 at Shadow Ridge Golf Course

Professional

  • Integrated Leadership Practices, 2007
  • Don Runge Lead Institute, 2007
  • Chartered Leadership Fellow, 2007-2008
  • Life, Accident and Health Producers License, 2005
  • The Cotton System Sales Training, 2005
  • BMW Sales Training School, 2004
  • Mazda Sales Training School, 2004

References

Available upon request

Affiliations

  • Enjoys family time around a campfire
  • Enjoys playing golf
  • Enjoys sporting events
  • Enjoys music
  • Enjoys cooking

Timeline

Benefits Counselor

HUB International Limited
10.2023 - Current

Business Development Manager

Gulf Guaranty Employee Benefits
07.2019 - 07.2023

Territory Recruiter

Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company
03.2013 - 06.2019

State Sales Manager

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
10.2008 - 02.2013

Assistant State Sales Manager

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
09.2006 - 10.2008

Sales Representative

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
02.2006 - 09.2006

Marketing Assistant

Gulf States Marketing
05.2005 - 01.2006

PGA Golf Professional

Shadow Ridge Golf Club
04.2004 - 04.2005

Salesman

Sunbelt Motors
10.2003 - 04.2004

PGA Head Golf Professional

Laurel Country Club
07.1992 - 10.2002

High School Diploma -

R.H. Watkins High School

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management

Mississippi State University

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Chris Easterwood