James Garand
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Customer-oriented, strategic thinking leader with over three years of people management experience, three years of office experience and a Bachelor's degree while being a currently a part time MBA student. Strong performance in high paced environments and adaptable to frequent change. Works well with upper management to achieve and exceed goals. Helps employees realize their potential and works well in a team setting. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership and development.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Customer Experience Representative
Ingram Micro
Williamsville, NY
02.2024 - Current
- Manage SMB Cisco Accounts in North Easy, Central and South territories
- Focus on expanding existing business of over 250 active Cisco Partners and 180 Million in annual sales, growing their Cisco business by leveraging Vendor Programs, sales incentives, strategic initiatives.
- Also developed new Cisco partners, winning a share shift opportunity of 25 Million within first 6 months in role.
- Led successful Cisco Welcome Program that onboarded 32 new Cisco Partners
- High volume of emails, inbound and outbound calls on a daily basis.
- Manage pipeline of over 250 partners in 32 States.
Solution Specialist
Ingram Micro
Williamsville, NY
07.2022 - 02.2024
- Negotiated with vendors to obtain most cost-effective pricing for product distribution.
- Educated customers on product features and technical details to highlight benefits.
- Negotiated prices and set up contracts to finalize sales agreements.
- 40 Focus Accounts that grew 45% YoY
- Managed over $14,000,000 in sales
Delivery Driver
DoorDash
Buffalo, NY
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Handled customer service complaints with utmost professionalism and knowledgeable responses to maintain trust and company loyalty.
- Communicated frequently with dispatch to relay route changes and delays impacting customer delivery timetables.
- Recorded pertinent delivery information needed for accurate tracking.
- Followed rigid Covid-19 guidelines to maintain customer safety.
Department Manager
McDonald's
Buffalo , NY
07.2019 - 02.2022
- Enforced safety rules and other policies to protect employees and minimize company liability.
- Managed the hiring, firing and training process of over 20 employees.
- Created schedules and floor plans for over 60 employees.
- Designed a program of recording and responding to customer complaints which resulted in increased customer satisfaction.
- Implemented a program to speed up drive thru times which yielded a 15% decrease in drive thru times.
Licensed Insurance Agent
GEICO
Buffalo, NY
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Licensed in 8 States to sell property and casualty insurance (NY, ME, CT, NH, MA, NJ, RI, VT).
- For month of October 2018 had highest sales percentage of all agents on the floor (over 150 agents).
- Continually had top level sales numbers, sales efficiency and quality sales calls.
- Adapted to constant changes in a high paced call center environment.
- Worked with supervisor to help struggling agents on my team achieve their sales goals.
- Recognized by management as being a Top Agent in my cohort of 49 salespeople.
Kitchen Professional
Olive Garden
Buffalo, NY
02.2018 - 07.2018
- Led a kitchen of 4-8 cooks during busy dinner and lunch hours effectively.
- Fast paced environment with many moving parts and changing goals.
- Followed food safety protocols. Achieved weekly food cost goals by enforcing company policy.
Key Holder
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Buffalo, NY
07.2017 - 02.2018
- Helped Shift Manager open and close the store while directing employees in the kitchen.
- Followed company and state protocol when preparing food and helped expedite weekly and monthly goals of management.
- Helped create both inventory lists and orders from distributor that helped control food costs.
Shift Manager
McDonald's
Buffalo, NY
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Led 4 to 12 employees at any one time to run an effective shift during busy lunch and dinner hours.
- Knew ins and outs of every aspect of operations, upper management often came to me for help finding solutions to problems.
- Honed Customer service skills and leadership skills.
- Motivated other employees to give greater than excellent service to customers.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
University At Buffalo
05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05.2022
High School Diploma -
Canisius High School
Buffalo, NY05.2013
Skills
- Over three (3) Years of People Management Experience
- Over three (3) Years of Sales Experience in a Professional Setting
- Current MBA Candidate
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)
- Proficient in Utilizing Artificial Intelligence
- Exceptional People and Customer Service Skills
- Sales Leader
Affiliations
- Volunteer at Friends of Night People in WNY (Poverty Alleviation)
- Business Unit Leader of Charity Events (Charity Golf Event, Thanksgiving Families)
Certification
- Licensed Insurance Agent - 2018 to 2019
Timeline
Customer Experience Representative
Ingram Micro
02.2024 - Current
Solution Specialist
Ingram Micro
07.2022 - 02.2024
Delivery Driver
DoorDash
02.2022 - 07.2022
Department Manager
McDonald's
07.2019 - 02.2022
Licensed Insurance Agent
GEICO
07.2018 - 07.2019
Kitchen Professional
Olive Garden
02.2018 - 07.2018
Key Holder
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
07.2017 - 02.2018
Shift Manager
McDonald's
07.2015 - 07.2017
MBA - Business Administration
University At Buffalo
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
University At Buffalo
High School Diploma -
Canisius High School