Craig Nowakowski
New Berlin
Summary
Dynamic Community Relationship Manager with a proven track record at Soccer Post of Wisconsin, excelling in relationship building and consultative selling. Skilled in enhancing customer satisfaction through effective communication and analytical problem-solving, driving significant sales growth while fostering collaborative team environments. Committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet client needs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Relationship Manager
Soccer Post of Wisconsin
06.2024 - Current
- Built and maintained relationships with new and existing clients through effective communication and interpersonal skills focused on servicing their specific needs.
- Provided tailored uniform and equipment solutions to soccer clubs, high schools, and sports facilities.
- Communicated consistently with clients and their members regarding exclusive offers and events in our retail locations to drive in-store sales.
- Created and managed custom spirit wear and apparel websites for teams and clubs and provided in-store apparel offerings and events for members.
- Collaborated with team members to facilitate product booking, artwork mockups and deliveries in a timely manner.
- Monitored sales and performance outcomes to provide informed, metric based solutions for apparel and equipment.
- Maintained sales and accounting information for large clubs to facilitate and maintain contractual obligations from vendors like Nike and Adidas.
- Effectively communicated tools and processes to management to increase sales, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Team & Club Sales Representative
Stefan's Soccer
03.2021 - 06.2024
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
Retail Store Manager/ Team Sales
Stefan's Soccer
01.2005 - 03.2021
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Completed routine store inventories.
- Managed store organization, maintenance, and purchasing functions.
- Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring staff and promoting target products.
- Managed inventory control processes to restore back stock, control costs, and maintain sales floor levels to meet customer needs.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
Retail Sales Associate
Stefan's Soccer
09.1997 - 01.2005
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Greeted customers and provided outstanding customer service.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
- Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI05-2004
High School Diploma -
Catholic Memorial High School
Waukesha, WI05-1999
Skills
- Sales experience
- Excellent communication
- Collaborative mindset
- Relationship review process
- Effective customer communication
- Relationship building and management
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership
- Consultative selling
- Analytical problem solving
- Customer relationships
- Deadline management
Accomplishments
- Created informational brochures and PDF's for product categories with extensive options to inform clients of "good, better, and best" options and pricing by volume.
- Collaborated with staff to research and test new production equipment and methods, increasing margin and cutting production times.
- Achieved double digit increased retail sales growth across multiple locations for 10+ years
- Achieved a reputation for being able to deliver superior options, innovations, and consistent quality of team uniforms and apparel.
Timeline
Community Relationship Manager
Soccer Post of Wisconsin
06.2024 - Current
Team & Club Sales Representative
Stefan's Soccer
03.2021 - 06.2024
Retail Store Manager/ Team Sales
Stefan's Soccer
01.2005 - 03.2021
Retail Sales Associate
Stefan's Soccer
09.1997 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin, Madison
High School Diploma -
Catholic Memorial High School
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