James Lankster
Summary
- Currently seeking a full time position with a company that will best utilize my talents and experiences.
- Accomplished and results-driven senior sales and marketing management executive with a consistent and a documented record of developing new major accounts and points of operation. Motivated by an internal standard of excellence to exceed expectations and goals.
- Ready, willing, and open to new ideas and opportunities.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Brokerage Sales Executive
CWI Transportation, LLC
04.2023 - 08.2024
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
Branch Manager \ National Sales Manager
Jerue Logistics Solutions, LLC.
11.2014 - 04.2023
- Starting as the National Sales Manager my responsibilities were focused on new business development.
- Negotiated and closed agreements with large customers and monitored and analyzed performance metrics.
- After 3 years of successful development I was awarded my own branch to manage where I had total P&L responsibility.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- I managed all phases of the branch operations from dispatch to billing.
National Sales Manager
Brock Transportation, LLC.
06.2013 - 11.2014
- My responsibilities included managing sales for 65 freight brokers across the nation in building relationships with national accounts to increase total volume over the national network.
- Predicted shifts in regional and national marketplaces using current industry knowledge to stay ahead of competition.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
Vice President of Sales and General Manager
SFS Transport, LLC.
12.2010 - 05.2013
- My responsibilities included the management all phases of the company including the management of operations, safety, maintenance, insurance, recruiting, and sales.
- I Developed short and long-term sales strategies to gain market share, uncover new sales opportunities and increase revenue.
- I Successfully guided the company through a new transportation management system implementation and successfully restructured the lane patterns to increase revenues and decrease operating expense.
- I experienced success in reducing maintenance costs and controlled fuel expenses with the implementation of a fuel optimization program.
- Under my leadership the company enjoyed substantial increases in revenues, overall growth, and a solid customer base built from the ground up.
Florida Sales Exec
Sunco Carriers, Inc.
11.2007 - 12.2010
- My responsibilities included Generating new accounts in Florida and assisting other sales execs with sales in their territories as they relate to the inbound volume to the southeast region.
- Added accounts in the floral and produce markets in Florida as well as citrus and beef accounts.
- Provided pricing for lanes in all bid packages and assisting in the administration of all national bid packages.
- Worked to improve customer relations in the state of Florida and select national accounts.
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
LCT Transportation Services
01.2005 - 11.2007
- My responsibilities include overseeing and executing sales and customer service for new and existing accounts nationwide.
- Initiated in-depth account assessments with sales and management teams to evaluate sales potential.
- Analyzed lanes, rates, and markets to optimize profitability.
- Drove sales by developing multi-million dollar contract sales.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
National Account Sales Manager
Oakley Transport, Inc.
04.2004 - 01.2005
- My responsibilities included Sales and customer service for national accounts and dedicated fleets soliciting customers for food grade liquid bulk shipments.
- Networked in field to generate leads and acquire new accounts.
- Developed and strengthened relationships with national customer accounts.
- Resolved customer issues with speed and accuracy to maintain satisfaction.
- Identified profitable business leads and built pipeline of prospective customers.
National Accounts Sales Manager
LCT Transportation Services
12.2003 - 04.2004
- My responsibilities included new national account sales and service. Manage all bid package activities including rate negotiations and contract execution.
- Developed and strengthened relationships with national customer accounts.
- Networked in field to generate leads and acquire new accounts.
- Created and maintained strong customer relations, corrected service issues, developed new sales opportunities with existing national accounts.
- Brought lapsed accounts back to active status and providing additional revenue.
Senior Planning Specialist
Prudential Insurance Company of America
06.2002 - 12.2003
- My responsibilities included the sale and marketing of senior market products to existing client base and new customers.
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
Operations, Load Planner, Customer Service, Account Sales
Gene Hyde Trucking Company, Inc.
10.1997 - 06.2002
- Oversaw freight preparation to keep regulations and client requirements satisfied.
- Updated company database with shipping information using Progressive Data Systems to maintain visibility of operations for management.
- Built working relationships with clients to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Communicated with management and customers by tracking, auditing and troubleshooting operational issues.
- Provided detailed instruction to various customers and associates from other shifts by phone and e-mail.
- Coordinated with carriers for on-time delivery by tracking trucks for pick-up, estimating times of arrival and delivery and recovering loads.
Dispatch LTL Operations
Sunland Distribution
01.1996 - 10.1997
- Responded to high volume of phone and email requests to provide logistics information.
- Checked weight of vehicles and load parameters against customer specifications and DOT requirements.
- Monitored driver locations in field and solved discrepancies to keep team on-track.
- Coordinated regular inspections of vehicles and scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Organized paperwork and explained individual job parameters for each assignment.
- Received new orders, prepared documentation, and assigned personnel.
- Communicated with customers to provide delivery updates and resolution.
- Coordinated with drivers to facilitate efficient delivery routes and timely deliveries.
- Monitored vehicle locations to coordinate timely arrivals.
Education
High School Diploma -
Oak Hills High School
Cincinnati, OH06.1984
Diesel Mechanics Technology
Scarlet Oaks Career Development
Cincinnati, OH06.1984
Skills
- Business development and planning
- Lead prospecting
- Professional Networking
- Sales expertise
- Key Account Management
- Management
- Operations Management
- Logistics Management
- Transportation Management
- Bid Request Management
Prior Work Experience
Insurance - District Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager
Timeline
Brokerage Sales Executive
CWI Transportation, LLC
04.2023 - 08.2024
Branch Manager \ National Sales Manager
Jerue Logistics Solutions, LLC.
11.2014 - 04.2023
National Sales Manager
Brock Transportation, LLC.
06.2013 - 11.2014
Vice President of Sales and General Manager
SFS Transport, LLC.
12.2010 - 05.2013
Florida Sales Exec
Sunco Carriers, Inc.
11.2007 - 12.2010
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
LCT Transportation Services
01.2005 - 11.2007
National Account Sales Manager
Oakley Transport, Inc.
04.2004 - 01.2005
National Accounts Sales Manager
LCT Transportation Services
12.2003 - 04.2004
Senior Planning Specialist
Prudential Insurance Company of America
06.2002 - 12.2003
Operations, Load Planner, Customer Service, Account Sales
Gene Hyde Trucking Company, Inc.
10.1997 - 06.2002
Dispatch LTL Operations
Sunland Distribution
01.1996 - 10.1997
High School Diploma -
Oak Hills High School
Diesel Mechanics Technology
Scarlet Oaks Career Development