GRAHAM CREASE
SCOTTSDALE,AZ
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented business leader with experience in strategy, planning and operations. Skilled in developing and executing business plans to maximize profitability, streamline operations and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Proven people leader motivates and optimizes staff performance and productivity.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Vicky Crease Catering And Events
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.1990 - 03.2019
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Led development of comprehensive business plan to maximize profitability and company performance.
- Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
- Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
- Devised and implemented innovative and marketing campaigns to promote products and services.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
- Piloted cross-departmental projects to achieve successful delivery of new initiatives.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
SALES DIRECTOR
COMPUTER RESALE AND LEASING
JOHANNEBSURG SOUTH AFRICA
07.1988 - 11.1990
- Developed key partnerships with industry-leading organizations to strengthen professional network and expand future business opportunities.
- Solved complex problems to increase sales effectiveness and streamline business direction.
- Exceeded sales goals through effective time management and resource allocations.
- Boosted revenue opportunities by initiating strategic sales strategies based on industry trend and competitive analysis.
- Drove team of FIVE direct reports in new item distribution, merchandising and supply management.
- Increased profits by 40% through effective recoveries and sales.
- Hired, trained and built high-performing team of sales representatives
- Developed key partnerships with industry-leading organizations to strengthen professional network and expand future business opportunities
- Exceeded sales goals through effective time management and resource allocations
SALES EXECUTIVE
CONTROL DATA CORPORATION (CDC)
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA
03.1985 - 06.1988
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Negotiated and closed profitable sales contracts with new and existing customers to increase loyalty and retention.
- Developed and presented valuable sales presentations to potential customers to highlight features and benefits of products.
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with vendors to determine product availability and quality.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER
SK COMPUTERS
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA
05.1982 - 02.1985
- Created proposals for new and repeat customer business transactions.
- Worked diligently to resolve unique and recurring complaints, promoting loyalty, and enhancing operations.
- Anticipated clients' needs by staying in touch on regular basis.
- Maintained high standards of customer service by answering pricing, availability, use and credit questions accurately.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sale and service agreements.
- Oversaw sales forecasting, goal setting and performance reporting for all accounts.
- Contacted [Number] of new and existing customers to discuss new products and services.
- Created sales contacts with on- and off-premise accounts.
- Exceeded team sales goals by 40%, generating $350000 in revenue.
- In top 3% of sales representatives out of 50 reps nationwide.
Life Insurance Sales Agent
PRUDENTIAL LIFE INSURANCE UNITED KINGDOM
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND , UK
10.1978 - 03.1982
- Sought out new clients and developed client relationships through networking, direct referrals, lead databases, and cold calling.
- Met with prospective clients to discuss insurance needs and provide solutions.
- Provided comprehensive product knowledge and guidance to help clients on product selection.
- Developed strong referral network in community to raise awareness and increase sales opportunities.
- Educated clients on insurance policies and procedures.
- Finalized sales and collected necessary deposits.
- Collected premiums on or before effective date of coverage.
HM FORCES
HM FORCES (BRITISH ARMY)
UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND (ACTIVE SERVICE) GERMANY,
08.1973 - 03.1978
- Observed CCTV cameras to detect potential threats and respond accordingly.
- Developed security plans and procedures to protect personnel and assets.
- Led, managed, and performed force protection duties to protect personnel and resources.
- Responded to emergency situations quickly and calmly for professional support.
- Trained and mentored junior special forces personnel to apply principles of mission planning, operational security and field skills
- Recruited, trained and equipped friendly forces and conducted raids and invasions on enemy territories
Education
High School Diploma -
HYNDLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL
GLASGOW UNITED KINGDOM03.1973
Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Financial Management
- Business Planning
- Staff Management
- Team Collaboration
- Operations Management
- Strategic Vision
- Goal Management
- Business Leadership
- Employee Recognition
Accomplishments
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
SOCCER, BOXING, FITNESS,LIFESTYLE ENHANCEMENT
enjoy outdoor lifestyle, walking, hiking, travelling , and most sports
Languages
English
Full Professional
Greek
Professional Working
Timeline
Managing Director
Vicky Crease Catering And Events
01.1990 - 03.2019
SALES DIRECTOR
COMPUTER RESALE AND LEASING
07.1988 - 11.1990
SALES EXECUTIVE
CONTROL DATA CORPORATION (CDC)
03.1985 - 06.1988
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER
SK COMPUTERS
05.1982 - 02.1985
Life Insurance Sales Agent
PRUDENTIAL LIFE INSURANCE UNITED KINGDOM
10.1978 - 03.1982
HM FORCES
HM FORCES (BRITISH ARMY)
08.1973 - 03.1978
High School Diploma -
HYNDLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL