Lakea Best
Bayonne,NJ
Summary
Driven Performance-oriented Sales Leader with 20+ years of experience in management capacity and strong competitive sales drive, adaptability and perseverance. Well-honed listening skills and problem-solving attitude to uncover needs and overcome objections to close sales and achieve goals within multiple assigned territories. Successfully motivates and develops sales teams in results-driven and customer-focused environments with positive attitude towards achievement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Maje/Sandro-Paris, SMCP
02.2023 - Current
- Led retail operations, overseeing both new store openings and existing store closures. Managed all aspects of store setup, including inventory management, merchandising, and training. Ensured smooth transitions during closures, addressing inventory, staffing, and customer needs. Demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills to drive successful outcomes in both scenarios.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
Area Sales Manager
Morphe Cosmetics
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Recruited, hired and develop talent. Successfully recruited and hired 5 Beauty Artist within the first 2 weeks of employment bringing open head count down from 9 to 4. Trained new team members on Forma Brand Client expectations, educated Morphe team members on 16+brands, coached team on company policies and procedures. Reduced 2022-year deficit from -25% to -10%, hit benchmark goal of $800,000 and exceeded it by an additional 25K.
- Successfully nurtured 22 vendor relationships to drive business growth and brand loyalty. Fostered positive partnerships that were instrumental in achieving sales targets and exceeding customer expectations.
- Expanded the company''s presence in target markets by attending industry events, trade shows, and conferences.
- Utilized CRM software effectively to track customer interactions, manage leads, monitor pipeline progression, and analyze overall performance metrics.
Retail Sales & Operation Manager
Molton Brown, Kao Brands
11.2009 - 01.2022
- Managed all aspects of retail procedures and transaction processes involved with the operation of several Molton Brown locations. Collaborated with several teams and interfaced with both new and local clients in order to secure partnerships and to ensure that all aspects of service were executed flawlessly.
- Director of the first and largest highest-volume location of Molton Brown in the United States located in NY's Soho neighborhood.
- Spearheaded the development of monthly, quarterly, and yearly KPI Performance tools, to track and monitor staff accomplishments, goals, and training to increase overall efficiency.
- Brokered company’s first exclusive deal in the United States with Tiffany and Co. This contract was worth $50K, with the option for renewal each year.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJSkills
- Leadership and team building
- Project & Process Management
- Operations Management
- Data & Metrics Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Networking and relationship building
- Contract Negotiations
- Business development and planning
- Territory Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Profitability Optimization
Timeline
General Manager
Maje/Sandro-Paris, SMCP
02.2023 - Current
Area Sales Manager
Morphe Cosmetics
03.2022 - 01.2023
Retail Sales & Operation Manager
Molton Brown, Kao Brands
11.2009 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
New Jersey City University
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