Donna Petty
Sales Associate
Ames,IA
Summary
Dynamic Sales Associate with a proven track record at Carolyn's Hallmark, excelling in product sales and customer service. Skilled in relationship building and cash handling accuracy, I consistently enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty through personalized experiences, driving repeat business and boosting sales revenue. Passionate about creating welcoming environments and exceeding customer expectations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Carolyn's Hallmark
04.2012 - 01.2026
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
House Director
Theta Chi Fraternity - Iowa State
08.2010 - 05.2013
- Promoted a positive community atmosphere by organizing social events and fostering strong relationships among residents.
- Implemented policies and procedures to improve overall house functionality, resulting in smoother daily routines for both staff and residents.
- Collaborated with other House Directors to share best practices for managing residential environments and staying informed about industry trends.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations, conducting regular inspections and maintaining up-to-date records.
- Enhanced resident satisfaction by implementing a welcoming and supportive living environment.
- Coordinated meal planning with caterers to provide diverse and healthy food options for residents.
- Provided support during move-in/move-out periods by coordinating logistics with students'' families while following established guidelines.
- Collaborated with residential team to maximize effective and efficient operations.
- Monitored student behavior and responded to disciplinary issues in accordance with established policies.
- Responded to student inquiries and concerns, offering support and guidance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with parents to promote positive living environment for students.
- Promoted culture of respect and understanding among students.
Sales Associate
Coach House Gifts
09.2008 - 04.2013
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
- Developed new client relationships by actively engaging with potential customers and highlighting the benefits of our product offerings.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
- Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
- Provided personalized shopping experiences for repeat customers by remembering their preferences and offering tailored recommendations.
- Increased customer loyalty with personalized shopping experiences and attentive service.
- Participated in visual merchandising, creating attractive displays that stimulated customer interest and sales.
- Contributed to positive shopping environment by maintaining organized and welcoming store appearance.
- Assisted in inventory management tasks, such as stock replenishment and cycle counts, to ensure product availability.
- Coordinated sales promotions and events to drive store traffic and increase sales volume.
- Managed inventory to ensure product availability, contributing to uptick in sales.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
House Director
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Iowa State University
08.1999 - 06.2008
- Reduced maintenance costs by establishing preventative maintenance routines and quickly addressing repair needs.
- Monitored inventory levels of house supplies and replenished as needed, ensuring essential items were always available.
- Assisted in facilities improvement projects such as renovations or upgrades, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities, tracking expenses and optimizing resource allocation to meet facility goals.
- Developed rapport with local vendors to ensure timely delivery of services at competitive prices for house necessities or event planning purposes.
- Maintained cleanliness standards throughout the facility, ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment for all occupants.
- Streamlined daily operations for increased efficiency through effective scheduling and staff management.
- Coordinated activities and events to create safe, positive and inclusive environment.
- Enforced policies and safety standards through building and room rounds.
- Provided crisis management and intervention during emergency situations.
- Supervised student employees and provided feedback on performance.
- Implemented policies and procedures to improve overall house functionality, resulting in smoother daily routines for both staff and residents.
- Collaborated with other House Directors to share best practices for managing residential environments and staying informed about industry trends.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations, conducting regular inspections and maintaining up-to-date records.
- Coordinated meal planning with caterers to provide diverse and healthy food options for residents.
- Provided support during move-in/move-out periods by coordinating logistics with students'' families while following established guidelines.
- Responded to student inquiries and concerns, offering support and guidance.
- Promoted culture of respect and understanding among students.
Education
No Degree - Accounting
Iowa State University
Ames, IAAssociate of Applied Science - Horticulture
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA05.1977
Skills
Product sales
Customer service
Customer needs assessment
Multi-tasking strength
Relationship building
Excellent people skills
Exceptional customer service
Cash handling accuracy
Retail store operations
Store opening and closing
Friendly and outgoing
Positive and professional
Timeline
Sales Associate
Carolyn's Hallmark
04.2012 - 01.2026
House Director
Theta Chi Fraternity - Iowa State
08.2010 - 05.2013
Sales Associate
Coach House Gifts
09.2008 - 04.2013
House Director
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Iowa State University
08.1999 - 06.2008
No Degree - Accounting
Iowa State University
Associate of Applied Science - Horticulture
Kirkwood Community College