Jo Sussenbach
Greenville,IL
Summary
My early employment after graduation was with major retailers. My experiences were anywhere from being in charge of a section of the store, to going on setups for new stores to help with the new staff, to working as a customer service manager.
When I began working at an high risk insurance agency, I obtained my license and worked as an agent for several years selling insurance the insurance policies that our company had put together for everything from jet skis to refuse trucks, etc.
One of the brokers of an insurance agency wanted to buy out a program my employer had developed and since he had worked through me consistently, he asked that I go with him establishing a new business. For that, I received a salary plus shares of ownership in the new company. I put together a restaurant/tavern program, calling and meeting with Lloyds of London to take a share of the policy to be written. We had underwriting approval and put together our own policies. We also insured some of the crews in New Orleans for their mardi gras parades.
My next venture was with close friends who asked my husband and myself to join them in a real estate venture. I obtained my broker license and we quickly became #1 sales office in our county.
That ended due to a cancer diagnosis and continued health problems followed by a lot of down time and grandchildren.
I was asked by the Bond County Health Department if I would consider the taking the position of Bereavement and Volunteer Coordinator in which I wore several hats from recruiting and training the volunteers to organizing and managing volunteer programs. I successfully coordinated numerous community events and initiatives, fostering strong relationships with volunteers and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams and adapt to dynamic environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospice Bereavement and Volunteer Coordinator
Bond County Health Department
10.2016 - 06.2021
- Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
- Coordinated large-scale events involving multiple teams of volunteers, resulting in successful fundraisers and community outreach initiatives.
- Provided ongoing support to volunteers throughout their tenure, addressing any concerns or issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and commitment to the organization''s goals.
- Established strong relationships with local organizations, fostering collaboration and expanding volunteer opportunities.
- Maintained regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media updates, and personal check-ins, keeping them engaged and informed about upcoming opportunities.
- Organized recognition events to show appreciation for volunteer contributions, boosting morale and promoting a positive organizational culture.
- Managed and tracked volunteer hours and progress to support accurate documentation.
- Developed comprehensive training materials to ensure volunteers were well-prepared for their roles.
- Collaborated with other departments to maximize impact of volunteer efforts.
- Increased awareness of the organization''s mission by creating promotional materials highlighting the impact of volunteer efforts.
- Organized large-scale fundraising events, raising significant funds for community projects.
- Established clear volunteer roles and responsibilities, leading to more efficient project execution.
- Negotiated with vendors for supplies and services, reducing costs for volunteer events and activities.
- Implemented volunteer feedback system to identify areas for improvement and enhance volunteer satisfaction.
- Designed volunteer recognition programs that acknowledged contributions and motivated continued involvement.
- Developed training materials and workshops to equip volunteers with necessary skills and knowledge.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations, expanding volunteer opportunities and community impact.
- Coordinated recruitment drives, significantly increasing pool of volunteers for various projects.
- Maintained compliance with safety regulations and policies during all volunteer activities, ensuring safe environment for everyone involved.
- Organized spaces, materials and catering support for internal and client-focused meetings.
- Kept high average of performance evaluations.
Owner/Broker of Real Estate Agency
Myself
09.1994 - 10.2009
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
- Elevated brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and digital platforms.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, earning their trust and loyalty through consistent communication and portfolio updates.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing any concerns or questions from clients promptly and professionally.
- Negotiated favorable terms for clients during transactions, maximizing their profits in both buying and selling scenarios.
- Answered inquiries and provided information to sales representatives, distributed appropriate paperwork, and fulfilled quote requests to deliver excellent customer support.
- Responded via telephone and email to questions regarding licensing, commissions, website logins and website navigation.
- Developed a reputation for integrity and ethical conduct within the brokerage community, leading to increased trust from clients and colleagues alike.
- Recorded supporting documentation for phone calls and written correspondence.
- Arranged for inspections and surveys of sold properties.
- Completed training programs to remain updated and further develop proficiency of important industry information.
- Established and nurtured profitable partnerships with financial institutions, expanding product accessibility for clients.
- Drove revenue growth, negotiating favorable terms with new financial products providers.
- Enhanced brokerage reputation, consistently delivering exceptional client service and transparent communication.
- Increased market share by identifying and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities through diligent research and networking.
- Bolstered compliance with industry regulations by designing and conducting regular training sessions for brokerage staff.
- Developed and maintained strong knowledge of multiple products and varying levels of benefits within each product.
- Networked to identify potential new clients and expand geographic territories.
- Discussed financial options with clients and provided informed suggestions.
- Liaised with customers and funding sources to identify and remove roadblocks to business funding.
International Insurance Specialties, Inc.
Partnered
06.1988 - 04.1994
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Education
No Degree -
State of Illinois / Real Estate Broker
Springfield, ILEducation
Bond County Unit 2 High School
Greenville, IL 06-1972
No Degree - Insurance And Risk Management
State of Illinois / Insurance Division
Springfield, IL04-1985
Skills
- Volunteer coordination
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Volunteer orientation and onboarding
- Phone etiquette
- Training office staff and sales personnel
- Team training
- Volunteer tasking
- Volunteer recruitment
- Work scheduling
- Community engagement
- Relationship building
- Social media management
- Volunteer screening
- Event planning
- Cultural sensitivity
- Budget administration
- Program evaluation
- Cash handling
- Delegating work
- Crisis response
- Community outreach
- Networking
- Presentation development
- Marketing and advertising
- Training coordination
- Risk management
- Opportunity identification
- Motivation techniques
- Organizing fundraising activities
- Community and public relations
- Client relationship management
- Program publicity
- Paperwork processing
- Expense reimbursement
- Marketing strategy
- Outreach planning
- Mission-oriented
- Coordinating donations
- Policy development
- Verbal and written communication
- Recruiting and training
- Marketing
- Volunteer needs assessments
- Decision-making
- Event coordination
- Customer service
- Workflow optimization
- Multitasking and organization
- Microsoft office
- Report writing
- Quality assurance
- Data entry
- Appointment scheduling
- New hire orientation
- Administrative management
- Goal setting
- Quickbooks
- Phone and email etiquette
- Staff management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Leadership and change management
Timeline
Hospice Bereavement and Volunteer Coordinator
Bond County Health Department
10.2016 - 06.2021
Owner/Broker of Real Estate Agency
Myself
09.1994 - 10.2009
International Insurance Specialties, Inc.
Partnered
06.1988 - 04.1994
No Degree -
State of Illinois / Real Estate Broker
Education
Bond County Unit 2 High School
No Degree - Insurance And Risk Management
State of Illinois / Insurance Division
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