Craig James Istre
Lake Arthur,LA
Summary
To obtain employment in a challenging field and be able to grow with the company.
Sales professional with strong expertise in driving revenue growth and building client relationships. Proven ability to collaborate with teams to achieve and exceed sales targets. Adept at adjusting strategies to meet changing market conditions and demands. Reliable, adaptable, and skilled in communication, negotiation, and customer engagement.
Sales professional well-versed in consultative selling and relationship management, consistently driving revenue growth. Known for collaboration and adaptability, ensuring seamless teamwork and alignment with business goals. Possesses persuasive communication skills and proactive approach to problem-solving.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Shop Manager
3S Farms
Iowa, LA
06.2025 - Current
- Managed daily operational activities to ensure seamless workflow and compliance with safety regulations.
Salesman
Sunshine Quality Solutions
Jennings, LA
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Sales of John Deere parts – invoicing and collect payment
- Managed inventory and cycle counts on a daily basis
- Advertising and organization of showroom floor as well as outside showroom
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored junior sales staff to improve team performance and productivity.
- Implemented effective communication strategies to foster a positive company image among stakeholders.
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and exceptional customer service.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate products based on their needs, boosting satisfaction rates.
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Provided after-sales support, addressing any issues promptly to ensure ongoing client satisfaction.
- Exceeded quarterly sales targets by implementing effective sales strategies and nurturing leads.
- Promoted and up-sold products and services to meet needs of customers.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
- Promoted conversion of casual shoppers into customers through product knowledge and product solutions to meet customer needs.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- 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.
- Trained new employees on customer service, money handling and organizing strategies.
- Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.
- Contributed to team objectives in fast-paced environment.
Salesman
Sunshine Quality Solutions
Welsh, La.
01.2017 - 03.2024
- Sales of John Deere parts – invoicing and collect payment
- Managed inventory and cycle counts on a daily basis
- Advertising and organization of showroom floor as well as outside showroom
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored junior sales staff to improve team performance and productivity.
- Implemented effective communication strategies to foster a positive company image among stakeholders.
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and exceptional customer service.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate products based on their needs, boosting satisfaction rates.
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Provided after-sales support, addressing any issues promptly to ensure ongoing client satisfaction.
- Exceeded quarterly sales targets by implementing effective sales strategies and nurturing leads.
- Promoted and up-sold products and services to meet needs of customers.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
- Promoted conversion of casual shoppers into customers through product knowledge and product solutions to meet customer needs.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- 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.
- Trained new employees on customer service, money handling and organizing strategies.
- Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.
- Contributed to team objectives in fast-paced environment.
Owner/Manager
Istrewood LLC
Estherwood, La.
06.2015 - 01.2018
- Achieved optimal shelf organization through effective stocking strategies. Drove inventory replenishment efforts to maintain product availability and enhance shopping experience. Fostered teamwork to elevate store performance and customer engagement.
- Analyzed business processes and implemented strategies to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction.
- Directed financial oversight, encompassing budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking to ensure sustainable growth.
- Negotiated and strengthened supplier connections to ensure prompt delivery of materials and streamline inventory processes.
Salesman
Quality Equipment Company
Crowley, La.
06.1989 - 06.2015
- Achieved timely processing of purchase orders for John Deere equipment sales, enhancing customer experience. Improved order accuracy through diligent verification of equipment specifications. Fostered strong client relationships, resulting in increased sales opportunities.
- Managed invoicing and payment collection for John Deere parts sales, supporting overall sales operations.
- Coordinated advertising efforts and structured showroom and outdoor displays to effectively showcase merchandise.
- Executed sales strategies to drive revenue growth and increase market share.
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and client needs.
- Led initiatives that resulted in improved customer retention rates through personalized service approaches.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying potential clients and conducting persuasive product presentations.
- Upheld high standards of customer service by promoting and upselling new products and services.
- Continuously updated product knowledge, staying informed of industry trends and competitor offerings.
- Negotiated contracts with clients to secure mutually beneficial terms and conditions for both parties.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Attended monthly sales meetings and quarterly sales trainings.
- Developed, maintained and utilized diverse client base.
- Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.
- Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
- Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.
Education
High School - General
Midland High School
Midland, La.05-1989
Skills
- Service excellence
- Workforce coordination
- Safety risk assessment
- Invoice management
- Workforce motivation initiatives
- Customer relationship management
- Proficient in delegating tasks
- Sales-driven merchandise strategy
- Standards enforcement
- Store efficiency optimization
Timeline
Shop Manager
3S Farms
06.2025 - Current
Salesman
Sunshine Quality Solutions
03.2024 - 05.2025
Salesman
Sunshine Quality Solutions
01.2017 - 03.2024
Owner/Manager
Istrewood LLC
06.2015 - 01.2018
Salesman
Quality Equipment Company
06.1989 - 06.2015
High School - General
Midland High School
Awards/Accomplishments
Top 5 Large and Small Ag Salesman for Sunshine Quality Solutions in AOR consistently during employment.
Top Parts Salesman for Sunshine Quality Solutions consistently during employment.
John Deere University Sales Professional Award- Large and Small Ag Sales
Attended Dale Carnegie Professional Development Seminar and received Top Award.
Active member of Non Profit Scholarship Program that raises money to fund scholarships for Ward 5 High School in Acadia Parish.