I enjoy travelling with my wife, son, and dog, coaching my son's basketball and baseball teams, and running my own podcast
Chris Lemke
Waukesha
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Menards Inc., enhancing customer satisfaction and streamlining operations. Skilled in staff management and problem-solving, I've successfully led teams to exceed sales targets by fostering strong relationships and implementing effective training programs. Achieved notable improvements in efficiency and employee performance, demonstrating both hard and soft skills essential for retail management success.
I also have a background in dealing with people's insurance needs, issues, and questions. This experience includes the processing and filing of insurance claims, and resolving issues with clients.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Department Manager
Menards Inc. - Home Improvement
02.2014 - Current
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
- Established clear performance expectations for staff members which led to increased accountability.
- Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
- Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
Sales Associate
Tradesmen International Staffing
05.2012 - 02.2014
- Increased territory sales by building strong relationships with key clients and identifying new business opportunities.
- Visited customer locations to evaluate requirements, demonstrate product offerings, and propose strategic solutions for diverse needs.
- Established new accounts through cold calling and personal visits to potential customers.
- Participated in weekly sales meetings to discuss performance metrics, strategize on improvements, and share best practices among colleagues.
- Contacted new and existing customers to discuss ways to meet needs through specific projects and opportunities.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
- Collaborated with managers to provide customer feedback and recommend operational changes to meet emerging trends.
- Contributed to team objectives in fast-paced environment.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
Sales Agent
Reeves Home Improvement
01.2010 - 05.2012
- Developed strong relationships with clients through excellent customer service and regular followups.
- Assisted call-in customers with questions and orders.
- Explained features and advantages of Home Improvement products or services to promote sales.
- Expanded client base by diligently prospecting new leads and effectively presenting product offerings.
- Provided superior service to customers by quickly and courteously responding to requests, inquiries, suggestions and concerns.
- Boosted referral rates by cultivating positive relationships with satisfied customers who were eager to recommend our products/services to others.
- Negotiated contracts with prospective clients, helping to secure long-term business partnerships.
- Increased sales revenue by consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing tailored solutions.
- Delivered engaging sales presentations tailored specifically towards individual client needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of their home and neighborhood.
- Enhanced product knowledge through continuous training and professional development opportunities.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
Insurance Broker
Butzer Insurance Agency
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Provided exceptional customer service by responding quickly to inquiries, resolving issues, and anticipating client needs.
- Educated clients on various insurance products, enabling informed decisions regarding their coverage options.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of insurance regulations, staying up-to-date on changes that could impact clients or business operations.
- Generated referral business from satisfied customers who shared positive experiences with friends and colleagues.
- Developed strong relationships with insurance carriers, allowing for more efficient claim resolution processes.
- Assisted clients with claims processing, ensuring a smooth experience during difficult times.
- Collaborated with underwriters to negotiate favorable terms for clients, ensuring competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage.
- Calculated quotes and educated potential clients on insurance options.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential liabilities and recommend appropriate coverage levels based on clients'' unique situations.
- Achieved high customer retention rates by maintaining open communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
Insurance Agent
American Republic Insurance Company
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and excellent customer service.
- Responded to customer calls swiftly to resolve issues and answer questions.
- Efficiently managed policy renewals, ensuring timely processing and accurate coverage updates.
- Maintained high standards of customer service by building relationships with clients.
- Educated clients on the importance of adequate insurance coverage, fostering trust and loyalty among the existing client base.
- Cross-sold insurance products to existing clients to reach sales targets.
- Prepared and reviewed insurance applications to verify compliance with regulations.
- Worked closely with other team members to optimize sales strategies and achieve regional goals.
- Conducted thorough policy reviews with existing clients, identifying gaps in coverage and offering additional protection options when necessary.
- Assisted clients in navigating the often complex claims process, ensuring they received fair and timely resolutions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Ottawa University
Brookfield, WI06-2006
Skills
- Customer service
- Staff management
- Team leadership
- Team supervision
- Problem-solving
- Training and mentoring
- Task delegation
- Goals and performance
- Retail management
- Sales reporting
- Relationship building and management
- Employee scheduling
Interests
Timeline
Department Manager
Menards Inc. - Home Improvement
02.2014 - Current
Sales Associate
Tradesmen International Staffing
05.2012 - 02.2014
Sales Agent
Reeves Home Improvement
01.2010 - 05.2012
Insurance Broker
Butzer Insurance Agency
01.2008 - 01.2010
Insurance Agent
American Republic Insurance Company
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Ottawa University
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