Ciji Wilson
B2B
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven small business owner with a proven track record of successfully managing employees and maintaining customer relations. Adept at strategic planning, operational optimization, and fostering healthy team environments. Seeking opportunities to leverage my entrepreneurial expertise. Summary: Entrepreneurial spirit with 15 years of experience in creating, launching, and managing small businesses across several industries. Strong background in B2B, relationship building, and managing multiple projects at once, demonstrated through building businesses and community outreach. Skilled in team leadership, financial management, and innovative problem-solving. Passionate about delivering value to customers and contributing to the local community.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Outreach Manager
VentureNet Iowa
06.2024 - Current
- Developed network relationships with industry professionals to enhance community awareness and promote program.
- Assessed ongoing efforts of outreach to identify areas for improvement in rural and local areas.
- Mentored Venture School cohorts, providing guidance on best practices for business development through customer discovery.
- Increased program visibility by participating in public presentations, workshops, and events.
- Referred clients to appropriate entrepreneurial programs, community agencies and organizations to meet requested needs of business owners.
- Lead 1Million Cups volunteer program focused on providing an inclusive space for entrepreneurs to gather and connect.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations while executing tasks related to awarded individuals.
Small Business Owner, Business Founder/Owner
RecycleMe Iowa / State of Iowa
01.2010 - Current
- Founded and established RecycleMe Iowa, specializing in recycling resources and services for industry gaps in the business, residential, and event arena
- Developed a comprehensive business plan and secured grant funding to initiate operations
- Executed routing system and streamlined recycling process to divert almost one million pounds of recyclables annually
- Oversaw all aspects of business operations, including sales, human resources, marketing, finance, and customer service
- Established partnerships in academic and government sources for growth, increased revenue to statewide contracts in 2021
- Built a customer base through personalized services, relationship building, and community networking, resulting in high customer retention
- Led a team of 20+, providing guidance, training, and fostering a positive work environment
- Achieved placement at Invest in She competition, provided sustainable coaching for Des
- Moines Arts Festival, featured speaker at multiple events.
Business Co-Founder/Owner
Redeem It
06.2020 - 12.2024
- Pioneered the launch of Redeem It to serve Carlisle and surrounding communities during the pandemic to help financially support individuals, nonprofit groups, and charities
- Executed streamlined redemption process, handling millions of containers a year, contributing - Nurtured partnerships with local businesses and schools, fostering a sense of community responsibility and involvement
- Managed team of employees, promoting teamwork, training, and adherence to bottle bill guidelines
- Supervised financial aspects, budgeting, and reporting to maintain profitability and sustainable growth.
Site Lead
Health Gauge Covid Testing Center / Ames, IA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Successfully administered and supervised thousands of COVID-19 tests, ensuring accurate and timely results delivery - Managed daily operations for two locations, including scheduling appointments, sample collection, and result reporting
- Followed strict safety protocols, maintaining a 100% incident-free testing environment
- Led a team of testing professionals, providing training, guidance, and motivation to ensure smooth operations
- Established strong rapport with the leadership team, fostering trust and cooperation to expand locations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A - Communications, Minor Public Relations
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 01.2001 - 12.2005
Skills
Business development and retention
Partnership cultivation
Stakeholder communication
Fundraising
Business growth
Program oversight
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Timeline
Outreach Manager
VentureNet Iowa
06.2024 - Current
Business Co-Founder/Owner
Redeem It
06.2020 - 12.2024
Site Lead
Health Gauge Covid Testing Center / Ames, IA
01.2020 - 01.2021
Small Business Owner, Business Founder/Owner
RecycleMe Iowa / State of Iowa
01.2010 - Current
Bachelor of Arts (B.A - Communications, Minor Public Relations
University of Northern Iowa
01.2001 - 12.2005