D.W. HOLDEN KNECHT
Portland,OR
Summary
I am a customer-centered leader with over two decades of experience steering the development and execution of projects, events, client accounts, and store openings. A strong communicator, I can collaborate with cross-functional teams to activate best practices and uphold the highest quality standards to produce successful outcomes.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Account Manager, Preferred Client Services
USI Insurance
Portland
04.2024 - Current
- Conducted regular reviews of client accounts, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Leveraged CRM tools to maintain accurate records of client interactions and transactions.
- Prioritize daily allocation of work based on time sensitivity of documents and determine appropriate action to be taken.
- Analyzed client needs and provided tailored insurance solutions to meet specific requirements.
- Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
Associate Account Manager
Parker, Smith & Feek
Portland
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed client accounts, ensuring satisfaction through proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and excellent customer service.
- Manage database including policy information and specification information.
- Review contracts, policies, proposals and updates.
- Employee DEI committee member.
Visual Merchandising Producer Contract at Nike.com
Insight Global
Beaverton
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Created stellar sport and style led product presentation directives that elevated the brand forward in the industry.
- Geo consultant and collaborator of best in-class retail experiences that empowered the Consumer-Led Partners of the APLA Marketplace.
- Established partnerships with external vendors for seamless production execution
- Conducted thorough pre-production planning sessions, ensuring all stakeholders were aligned on project objectives and timelines.
- Fostered relationships with key industry players, leading to collaborative opportunities and shared resources.
Account Retention Agent
Belltown Insurance Group
Seattle
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Enhanced customer retention strategies through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Utilized CRM systems to track interactions with customers, allowing for more personalized service in future engagements.
- Performed outreach to renewing clients 30-60 days out to offer additional products, endorsements and rewrites when applicable.
- Increased client retention rates through personalized service and relationship building.
- Maintained detailed records of interactions with clients for accurate reporting purposes.
Visual Merchandiser
The Container Store
Bellevue
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Coordinated visual maintenance and campaign setups across departments to ensure alignment with corporate standards.
- Analyzed sales data to optimize product placement and inventory management for increased sales.
- Collaborated with store management to align visual presentations with branding strategies.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on visual merchandising standards and best practices.
- Executed seasonal merchandising initiatives, ensuring timely updates to reflect promotions and new arrivals.
Independent Agent
Belltown Insurance Group
Seattle
05.2018 - 09.2020
- Managed client accounts, ensuring accurate policy information and timely updates.
- Developed tailored insurance solutions based on client needs and risk assessment.
- Maintained accurate records of client communications, transactions, policies, and other relevant documentation for seamless operations within the agency.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively addressing concerns and fostering a positive experience throughout all interactions.
Associate General Manager – Merchandising
Gap
Seattle
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Supported senior general manager with inventory management, loss prevention, merchandising, and cash management operations.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, mentoring supervisors to improve leadership skills and employee engagement.
- Spearheaded initiatives to elevate brand presentation standards across multiple store locations, ensuring consistency in visual merchandising.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the organization by encouraging candid feedback from team members while being receptive to new ideas or suggestions for change.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
Visual Presentation Manager, Global Marketing
Columbia Sportswear Company
Portland
01.2015 - 11.2016
- Partnered with outlet channel merchant team to create first-ever visual directives for all stores in North America (US and Canada), integrated monthly updates based on special promotions and industry trends to refresh presentation.
- Led training sessions for retail staff on visual presentation standards and best practices for merchandise display.
- Oversaw visual merchandising for new store openings and store collateral change-outs.
- Styled Brand Marketing photo shoots including celebrity Macklemore for the Outdry ECO Jacket: https://youtu.be/ypka1E6Rno
- Co-founded Columbia’s first LGBTQ Committee and coordinated efforts of creating the "Diversitree" Pride tee campaign for North America stores.
Visual Presentation Specialist, Global Marketing
Columbia Sportswear Company
Portland
07.2010 - 01.2015
- Trained visual merchandisers on visual presentation standards, including capacities, display, mannequin styling, and proper use of fixtures to implement across new store openings (70), corporate events, sales meetings, GTM, and industry trade shows.
- Streamlined presentation workflows by implementing standardized templates and guidelines across departments.
- Provided ongoing training for staff members on best practices in presentation design, increasing overall productivity and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with store managers to determine best placement for merchandise displays.
- Proposed new ideas and concepts to enhance merchandise displays.
Assistant Manager
Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear
Seattle
11.2008 - 07.2010
- Led team in executing daily operations, ensuring adherence to company standards and policies.
- Oversaw up to 50 stock and sales associates to support clean visual presentations, superior customer service, and sales activities.
- Reported product sell-through and operational issues to corporate business partners in weekly conference calls.
- Developed training materials for staff, enhancing product knowledge and customer service skills.
- Implemented inventory management systems, optimizing stock levels and reducing discrepancies.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Visual Design and Women's Studies Courses
University of Oregon
Eugene, ORSkills
- Customer Experience
- Client Relations
- Building Partnerships
- Strategic Planning
- Quality Assurance
- Marketing and Sales
- Program and Project Management
- Project Timelines and Budgets
- Process Improvement
- Metrics and KPI Tracking
Certification
- Producer License (property & casualty)
- State of Oregon
- #18713185
Timeline
Account Manager, Preferred Client Services
USI Insurance
04.2024 - Current
Associate Account Manager
Parker, Smith & Feek
08.2023 - 04.2024
Visual Merchandising Producer Contract at Nike.com
Insight Global
11.2022 - 04.2023
Account Retention Agent
Belltown Insurance Group
08.2021 - 11.2022
Visual Merchandiser
The Container Store
09.2020 - 08.2021
Independent Agent
Belltown Insurance Group
05.2018 - 09.2020
Associate General Manager – Merchandising
Gap
01.2017 - 09.2017
Visual Presentation Manager, Global Marketing
Columbia Sportswear Company
01.2015 - 11.2016
Visual Presentation Specialist, Global Marketing
Columbia Sportswear Company
07.2010 - 01.2015
Assistant Manager
Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear
11.2008 - 07.2010
Some College (No Degree) - Visual Design and Women's Studies Courses
University of Oregon