Elion Ward
Shorewood ,IL
Summary
Results driven B2B sales professional with experience in industrial distribution, public sector and strategic account management. Proven ability to manage and grow a book of business, identify expansion opportunities, and build strong customer relationships across public sector and commercial accounts. Recognized as a 2024 Annual Achiever at Grainger after exceeding performance goals by 184%. Experienced in solution based selling, product positioning, and supporting customer adoption within complex sales environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Manager ( Public Sector and Industrial)
Grainger
Lake Forest, IL
03.2022 - 08.2025
- Exceeded sales targets by 184%, earning 2024 Annual Achiever Recognition.
- Managed 90-120 accounts driving revenue growth through strategic accounting planning and customer engagement
- Identified customer needs and recommended product solutions across maintenance, operations and procurement teams
- Analyzed legislation, regulations, and policy developments to identify potential business impacts and opportunities.
- Worked closely with internal teams to align company strategies with evolving policy landscapes.
- Organized and facilitated executive-level meetings between company leaders and officials to drive strategic discussions.
- Delivered product recommendations and guidance to support customer adoption and usage across multiple departments
- Utilized Salesforce CRM to track pipeline customer activity and growth opportunities across territory.
Training Team Lead
AT&T
Chicago, IL
05.2020 - 03.2022
- Supervised a team of 10–25 employees, ensuring they met daily production targets and maintained quality standards.
- Led daily operations and training sessions, fostering strong communication and leadership within the team
- .Maintained detailed and accurate records, including reports and performance documentation, to track progress.
- Introduced efficiency and quality improvement measures that helped boost team performance and streamline workflows
- Assessed team performance trends, identified recurring errors, and worked with senior management to implement corrective strategies.
- Handled customer escalations and complaints, resolving issues while ensuring compliance with client contracts and department policies.
- Compiled and analyzed progress reports, tracking project updates, team challenges, and resolutions.
- Reduced downtime and inefficiencies by quickly addressing operational issues and providing timely solutions.
- Created monthly and daily production plans to keep service delivery and financial goals on track.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Developed training programs to elevate team performance and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented process improvements resulting in streamlined workflows and reduced service times.
- Analyzed customer feedback to drive strategic initiatives and improve product offerings.
- Fostered collaboration across departments to optimize resource allocation and project execution.
- Utilized data analytics tools to monitor performance metrics and inform decision-making processes.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
Sales Manager
Comcast Corporation
Chicago, IL
01.2016 - 04.2020
- Adherence/Compliance rate 98.1%
- 22% increase in Productivity
- Managing support for all outside sales rep’s store locations
- Travel From Location to Location implementing customer service and sale systems.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Supervised sales team of 10-15 people, stepping in to support employees and deliver smooth sales processes for clients.
- Managed order cycle to enhance business development and maintain sustainability and customer satisfaction.
- Held weekly meetings with Sale reps to identify techniques to overcome sales obstacles.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive salesperson training program.
- Led sales team to exceed targets through strategic planning and performance management.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities and optimize sales strategies.
Tech Support
Comcast Technology Solutions
Chicago, IL
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Provided technical assistance and troubleshooting for customers, resolving software, hardware, and connectivity issues efficiently.
- Diagnosed and resolved customer service escalations, ensuring a seamless user experience and high retention rates.
- Assisted clients with system setup, account management, and product usage to maximize service effectiveness.
- Documented and tracked customer issues in internal systems, ensuring accurate records for future support.
- Collaborated with internal teams to improve troubleshooting procedures and enhance service delivery.
- Maintained a high customer satisfaction rating by providing clear, patient, and effective guidance.
- Trained new employees on support protocols, system navigation, and customer service best practices.
- Handled a high volume of support inquiries, ensuring quick and efficient resolution to minimize downtime for users.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Management Information Systems
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL08-2008
Skills
- Revenue & Sales Operations
- Technical Product Training
- Channel Distribution Strategy
- Product Positioning
- Account management & Growth Strategy
- Salesforce CRM & System navigation
- Process Improvement
- KPI Tracking & Performance Reporting
- Public Sector Account management
- Solution based selling
- Cross functional collaboration
- Advanced Excel & reporting
- Territory Management & Expansion
Timeline
Account Manager ( Public Sector and Industrial)
Grainger
03.2022 - 08.2025
Training Team Lead
AT&T
05.2020 - 03.2022
Sales Manager
Comcast Corporation
01.2016 - 04.2020
Tech Support
Comcast Technology Solutions
01.2015 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Management Information Systems
Western Illinois University