Cortland "Closer" Decker
Business Development Specialist
Apopka,USA
Summary
Dynamic business development professional with a proven ability to drive growth and cultivate strategic partnerships. Expertise in identifying market opportunities and executing initiatives that significantly enhance revenue generation. Strong focus on collaboration, adaptability, and achieving targets, consistently delivering impactful solutions that align with organizational goals. Proficient in relationship building, market analysis, CRM software, and project management, ensuring reliable performance in fast-paced environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Commercial Sales Business Development Manager/ Large Account Manager
Sunstate Landscaping
11.2021 - Current
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, serving as the main point of contact for all account-related inquiries
- Collaborated with clients to understand their landscaping needs and goals, providing tailored solutions and recommendations
- Generated new business opportunities through referrals, networking events, and targeted marketing campaigns
- Prepared detailed proposals outlining scope of work, timelines, budgets, and materials required for each project
- Managed project budgets effectively to ensure profitability while delivering high-quality results within client expectations
- Developed and implemented irrigation systems to optimize water usage and promote sustainability in landscape maintenance
- Generated new leads and consistently exceeded sales targets by 40% through proactive prospecting and networking
- Conducted on-site consultations to assess client needs, provide accurate estimates, and present comprehensive proposals
- Negotiated contracts and pricing agreements with clients, ensuring profitability while meeting their budgetary expectations
- Utilized CRM software to track leads, manage customer interactions, and forecast future sales opportunities
- Attended industry trade shows and events to stay updated on the latest trends in landscaping products and services
- Created compelling sales presentations that effectively communicated the value proposition of our landscaping services
- Served as the main point of contact for all client inquiries regarding products/services, pricing, and project timelines
- Consistently achieved monthly revenue goals by maintaining a robust pipeline of qualified prospects
- Cultivated relationships with key decision-makers in the landscaping industry through regular networking events
- Achieved President's Club recognition for exceeding annual sales targets for three consecutive years
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by implementing a post-project feedback system allowing us to address any issues proactively
- Maintained accurate records of treatments performed, documenting details such as pesticide usage, application locations, and follow-up recommendations
- Stayed up-to-date with industry trends, new products, and best practices in pest control through continuous learning initiatives
- Implemented integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that focused on minimizing pesticide usage while effectively controlling pests
- Trained new technicians on proper techniques for identifying pests, applying treatments safely, and maintaining accurate records
- Successfully eliminated severe termite infestation in a residential property, saving the homeowner an estimated 100 million in potential structural damages
New Business Development Manager
Vestis (formerly Aramark Uniform Services)
01.2017 - 09.2021
- Cultivated strong relationships with key clients, fostering repeat business and generating valuable referrals.
- Forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders to broaden market reach and stimulate business growth.
- Analyzed intricate market trends and competitor activities to pinpoint opportunities for strategic business expansion.
- Negotiated robust contracts and pricing agreements, ensuring profitability while adeptly meeting customer requirements.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to devise innovative solutions addressing complex client challenges.
- Orchestrated impactful sales presentations and product demonstrations for prospective clients, clearly conveying the value proposition.
- Managed the complete sales lifecycle, from initial lead generation through to successful deal closure, consistently meeting or surpassing performance targets.
- Conducted in-depth market research to identify promising target segments and formulate precisely tailored marketing campaigns.
- Submitted regular, comprehensive reports to senior management detailing sales performance, market dynamics, and competitor intelligence.
- Coordinated participation in trade shows, conferences, and networking functions to generate qualified leads and enhance brand visibility.
- Developed detailed business plans, outlining strategic objectives, actionable strategies, timelines, and required budgets for new ventures.
- Evaluated potential partnership opportunities through rigorous due diligence, including financial analysis and comprehensive risk assessments.
- Established robust relationships with key stakeholders at partner organizations, significantly increasing inter-company collaboration.
- Conducted thorough competitive analysis of the industry landscape, identifying emerging trends impacting the company's market position.
- Formulated competitive pricing models based on detailed cost analysis, ensuring market competitiveness while maximizing profit margins.
- Cultivated strategic alliances with synergistic businesses to broaden market penetration and accelerate customer acquisition.
- Collaborated closely with product development teams to identify emerging product opportunities based on identified market demand.
In Home Expert Fiber Residential/ Commercial/ Business/Mobile/Events Manager
AT&T Corporate Sales/ AT&T Authorized Dealer GUW/Quantum Fiber
05.2014 - 12.2017
- Consistently surpassed high sales targets through effective prospecting and adept closing techniques during door-to-door campaigns.
- Forged strong customer rapport through exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, achieving a high customer retention rate.
- Demonstrated profound product knowledge, effectively educating prospective customers on features, benefits, and service value.
- Employed persuasive selling strategies to adeptly overcome objections and secure sales, leading to a superior conversion rate.
- Managed a defined territory of households, strategically optimizing routes for maximum efficiency and coverage.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of leads, prospects, and sales activities utilizing CRM software.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create targeted promotional materials for specific neighborhoods and demographics.
- Engaged in regular training sessions to continually enhance product knowledge and refine selling techniques.
- Provided valuable feedback to management regarding customer preferences, emerging market trends, and competitor activities.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly and professionally, ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
- Adhered strictly to company policies and local regulations while conducting door-to-door sales activities.
- Managed the online sales platform, consistently meeting or exceeding monthly sales targets.
- Developed and executed effective strategies to increase website traffic and boost conversion rates.
- Utilized CRM software for tracking customer interactions, analyzing data, and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
Business Development Manager
Del-Air-HVAC-Plumbing-Electrical/ Service Experts HVAC-Storm Drains
11.2010 - 05.2014
- Established and maintained key client relationships, fostering loyalty and securing valuable referrals.
- Assessed current market conditions and competitor strategies to identify potential areas for expansion.
- Deployed robust sales tactics that led to a 40% increase in new customer acquisition.
- Finalized comprehensive contracts and pricing, balancing profitability with customer financial objectives.
- Worked collaboratively with diverse teams to create innovative solutions for client challenges.
- Conducted persuasive sales pitches and demonstrations to prospective clients, clearly articulating the value proposition.
- Oversaw the entire sales process, from prospecting to closing, consistently achieving or exceeding targets.
- Organized and managed presence at trade shows and conferences to generate leads and increase brand awareness.
- Supplied senior management with regular updates on sales results, market trends, and competitor insights.
- Created detailed business plans, including objectives, strategies, schedules, and budgets for new initiatives.
- Streamlined lead tracking through CRM system integration, improving operational efficiency by 50%.
- Developed strategic alliances with related businesses to widen market reach and expedite customer acquisition.
- Led and developed a sales team, providing mentorship, training, and performance reviews.
Restoration Project Manager/ Construction Staffing
Blackmon Mooring & BMS-CAT Emergency Restoration Water/Fire
06.2006 - 11.2010
- Coordinated and directed comprehensive storm restoration efforts across multiple regions, ensuring rapid response and efficient resolution.
- Collaborated with a diverse range of teams, including field technicians, engineers, and contractors, to assess damage and formulate effective restoration plans.
- Led a team of 20 restoration specialists in executing swift and effective storm recovery operations.
- Instituted rigorous safety protocols to safeguard team members during operations in hazardous environments.
- Utilized GIS mapping software to meticulously track storm damage locations and prioritize response efforts.
- Maintained precise documentation of all restoration activities, including resource allocation, equipment utilization, and progress tracking.
- Communicated proactively with customers affected by storms, providing timely updates on the status of their restoration projects.
- Resolved customer inquiries and concerns with promptness and professionalism, upholding a high standard of service.
- Managed project budgets for storm restoration initiatives, optimizing resource allocation to control costs without compromising quality or safety.
- Developed essential relationships with local government agencies to streamline permit acquisition and necessary approvals for storm recovery operations.
- Conducted post-storm assessments to identify key areas for improvement in future disaster response strategies.
Area Regional Manager
Security Pest Elimination-Lawn and Termite
08.2000 - 06.2006
- Regional leader overseeing multi-county operations across pest elimination, lawn care, termite protection, and residential/commercial security services.
- Directed field teams, optimized service workflows, and drove revenue growth through strategic territory management and high-impact customer engagement.
- Ensured regulatory compliance, safety standards, and quality-of-service delivery across all service lines.
- Key Responsibilities: Led multi-site field operations, supervising technicians, inspectors, and security personnel across assigned region.
- Managed P&L performance, route efficiency, labor allocation, and service quality metrics.
- Oversaw pest, mosquito, lawn, and termite programs, ensuring proper treatment protocols, chemical compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regional audits, safety inspections, and quality-assurance evaluations to maintain state and federal regulatory standards.
- Built and maintained commercial and residential client relationships, including HOAs, property managers, and multi-site accounts.
- Delivered sales growth through territory expansion, upsell programs, and cross-service bundling (pest + termite + lawn + mosquito).
- Trained and coached teams on service delivery, customer communication, and technical best practices.
- Coordinated with security division to ensure access control, monitoring, and on-site safety protocols for high-risk properties.
- Implemented regional performance dashboards, improving visibility into KPIs such as retention, callbacks, and treatment success rates.
Business Development Manager/Staffing Manager
TRU GREEN CHEM-LAWN
07.1995 - 08.2000
- Managed and trained multiple door-to-door teams; recruited extensively to build high-performing sales units.
- Maximized customer retention for existing accounts through the delivery of exceptional customer service.
- Identified and capitalized on opportunities for landscape enhancements for current clients.
- Supervised Crew Supervisors and Forepersons to ensure seamless execution of field operations.
- Addressed and resolved customer issues with efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring high satisfaction.
- Drove incremental sales and maintained a robust customer base through proactive engagement.
- Presented, promoted, and sold products/services using compelling arguments to both existing and prospective customers.
- Performed cost-benefit and needs analyses of current and potential customers to precisely meet their requirements.
- Established, developed, and maintained positive business and customer relationships through consistent interaction.
- Initiated contact with customer leads through strategic cold calling efforts.
- Expedited the resolution of customer problems and complaints to maximize overall satisfaction.
- Achieved agreed-upon sales targets and outcomes within established timelines.
- Coordinated sales efforts effectively with team members and other departments to ensure cohesive strategy.
New Business Development Manager-Grease Traps-Storm Drains Lift Stations
Lapin & Family Environmental Services Plumbing-Grease Traps-Storm Drains
09.1990 - 06.1995
- Undertook plumbing responsibilities for storm drains, grease traps, septic tanks, and lift stations, including the formulation of proposals.
- Provided comprehensive plumbing services for storm drains, grease traps, septic tanks, and lift stations, with proposal writing included.
- Experienced in the maintenance and installation of storm drains, grease traps, septic tanks, and lift stations, as well as in generating project proposals.
Education
Associate's degree - Marketing
University of Phoenix
05.1997
Skills
- Team leadership
- Business development and planning
- Customer service
- Negotiations
- Decision-making
- Business development
- Relationship building and management
- Client relationship building
- Strategic planning
- New business development
- Relationship building and rapport
- Sales and marketing
- Team collaboration
- Sales presentations
- Mentoring and coaching
- Goals and performance
- Verbal and written communication
- CRM management
- Operations
- Lead generation
- Relationship development
- Sales leadership
- Strategic business planning
- Relationship building
- Process improvement
- Vendor management
- Revenue generation
- Project management
- Product demonstrations
- Performance evaluations
- Key decision making
Certification
- CSP - Certified Sales Professional
- CPSP - Certified Professional Sales Person
- Certified Sales, AT&T -
- Project Manager License -
Timeline
Commercial Sales Business Development Manager/ Large Account Manager
Sunstate Landscaping
11.2021 - Current
New Business Development Manager
Vestis (formerly Aramark Uniform Services)
01.2017 - 09.2021
In Home Expert Fiber Residential/ Commercial/ Business/Mobile/Events Manager
AT&T Corporate Sales/ AT&T Authorized Dealer GUW/Quantum Fiber
05.2014 - 12.2017
Business Development Manager
Del-Air-HVAC-Plumbing-Electrical/ Service Experts HVAC-Storm Drains
11.2010 - 05.2014
Restoration Project Manager/ Construction Staffing
Blackmon Mooring & BMS-CAT Emergency Restoration Water/Fire
06.2006 - 11.2010
Area Regional Manager
Security Pest Elimination-Lawn and Termite
08.2000 - 06.2006
Business Development Manager/Staffing Manager
TRU GREEN CHEM-LAWN
07.1995 - 08.2000
New Business Development Manager-Grease Traps-Storm Drains Lift Stations
Lapin & Family Environmental Services Plumbing-Grease Traps-Storm Drains
09.1990 - 06.1995
Associate's degree - Marketing
University of Phoenix