James Manning

Dynamic sales professional with a proven track record at Dicks Sporting Goods, excelling in customer relationship management and market analysis. #1 ranked in sales in my department out of five other employees in the year 2024-2025. Our department is ranked #3 in sales out of every store in the country for the year 2024-2025. Skilled in fostering team collaboration and achieving sales targets, I leverage effective communication to build lasting customer connections and drive business success. Committed to delivering exceptional service and strategic insights.

• I am an avid golfer, and I find the sport both challenging and rewarding. Golf demands patience, discipline, and continuous practice. It is a game built on integrity—requiring honesty with yourself and with others. I believe the values golf teaches translate directly into my personal life. It reminds me to stay patient, to always strive for improvement, and to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
• I have a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing—interests I inherited from my father, who taught me to appreciate nature and respect its challenges. Over the years, these hobbies have taught me valuable life lessons. I've learned that patience and hard work are essential qualities for any outdoorsman. Whether it's waiting silently for the right moment or putting in the effort to prepare and persevere, the outdoors has shaped me in meaningful ways.
• I am very involved in my church community, where I participate in a variety of outreach activities such as festivals, soup kitchens, and programs to feed the less fortunate. I take an active role in planning and setting up these events, and I’m always hands-on during the events themselves—doing whatever I can to help ensure everything runs smoothly and that everyone feels welcomed and cared for. One of the most rewarding parts of my involvement is working with children during our summer camps. These camps provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment for kids in our community, and I love contributing to their experience—whether it's leading activities, mentoring, or just making sure they have a great time.

Our sales team is one of the top-performing groups in the 757 area, and I’m extremely proud of the growth and success we’ve achieved together. When I first joined, there were only two of us on the team. Through hard work, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, we’ve expanded to a team of six dedicated employees. I’ve personally taken on the responsibility of training most of our new team members, helping them learn not only the technical side of the job but also how to build lasting customer relationships through genuine service and enthusiasm.

Over the past year, our department has consistently exceeded sales goals, outperforming previous years and setting new benchmarks for success. More importantly, we’ve done this while maintaining high customer satisfaction. We’ve earned outstanding feedback through customer surveys, which I believe reflects the trust and rapport we've built with our clients. We take pride in creating an environment where athletes and customers feel welcome, supported, and valued. It's not just about making sales—it's about building community and helping people find what they need to pursue their passions.

• Through my current employer, I have completed multiple trainings to become a certified golf club fitter. These certifications include specialized instruction from some of the top vendors in the golf industry, such as Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, and Titleist. Each training has deepened my understanding of golf equipment, swing mechanics, and fitting technology, allowing me to better serve customers with a wide range of needs and skill levels. These experiences have not only sharpened my technical knowledge but have also strengthened my ability to communicate effectively with customers, ensuring they feel confident and supported throughout the fitting process. I take pride in being a valuable resource for golfers looking to improve their game with properly fitted equipment.