Marie Armstead
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Experienced with building strong client relationships and closing sales. Utilizes deep product knowledge to provide tailored solutions that address customer needs. Track record of consistently achieving sales targets and contributing to team success through effective communication and negotiation skills.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Parish Sales Consultant
Saint Benedict Press
Gastonia, NC
09.2020 - 08.2025
- Sell all new products - Books, Programs, curriculum.
- Also started acquiring new Parish accounts and Catholic School accounts to introduce our new curriculum products.
- Provide good customer service to retain existing customers and create new ideas to acquire new accounts.
- Assist and guide Parishes through our products in order to make decision on what they need to use for their different Ministries.
- Since starting with Saint Benedict, I have made and surpassed all my goals and I am one of the key sales representative that helped and led the company achieve Goals.
- Acquired new customers and build up renewals.
- Trained new associates in selling and customer service.
- Assist with Marketing and Management in promoting our products, knowing what key products to sell, timing sales and promotions according to seasons.
- Organized, set up and led sales on any company attended conferences.
Parish Sales Consultant
Saint Benedict Press and Tan Books
07.2013 - 08.2025
- Trained junior sales team members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques.
- Collaborated with marketing team to align promotional materials with sales goals, enhancing effectiveness.
- Analyzed sales data to assess performance, adjust strategies, and optimize future initiatives.
- Led initiatives to improve client satisfaction, resulting in increased repeat business and referrals.
- Negotiated contracts and pricing with customers, ensuring competitive offerings while maintaining profitability.
- Advised clients on appropriate product selections based on their unique needs, ensuring optimal satisfaction levels upon purchase.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
- Developed long-lasting client relationships by consistently exceeding expectations with exceptional service.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by supporting fellow Sales Consultants in achieving their individual goals and targets.
- Generated increased sales revenue through effective lead generation and follow-up efforts.
- Streamlined sales processes to improve efficiency, leading to quicker deal closings and increased productivity.
- Developed tailored sales strategies to effectively meet customer needs and drive engagement.
District Manager
Stride Rite Corporation
Lexington, MA
06.1987 - 08.2012
- 25 years - Corporate Retail Operations experience supporting a Multi-unit Specialty Retailer.
- Facilitated Customer Service trainings and any new company initiatives.
- Loss Prevention Experience - through store visits and store audits.
- Multi-unit supervisory experience as a District Manager.
- Led Teams through positive motivation to achieve positive results.
- Recruiting, Hiring, Training and Coaching.
- Maintained a bench plan of high qualified candidates and developed them into leaders to sustain continuity of business operations.
- Ensured all company policies, procedures and promotional materials such as POS and Planograms are in compliance with company directives.
- Inventory control, Profit and loss statement(payroll and 4-wall profit) by ensuring that processes are efficient in running a successful business.
- Experienced in over 40 store openings, remodels and closings.
- Experienced knowledge in Kids/Adult Footwear/apparel industry - merchandising and Visual.
- Certified Footwear Specialist including corrective shoe footwear knowledge.
- Corporate Retail Operations experience supporting a Multi-unit Specialty Retailer.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Management, Minor in Business
Wright State University
Dayton, OH06.1984
Skills
- Time management
- Customer relationship management
- CRM proficiency
- Persuasive communication
- Closing techniques
- Strategic planning
- Sales strategies
- Lead generation
- Referral generation
- Cold calling
- Sales analysis
- Customer liaison
- Territory management
- B2B sales
- Trade show representation
- Leads prospecting
- Territory expansion
- Contract negotiation and closing tactics
- Exceeds sales goals
- Customer relationship building
- Product and service knowledge
- Customer retention
- Customer success management
- Upselling and cross selling
- Sales presentations
- Sales development
- Relationship selling
- Relationship building
- Sales closing
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Closing talents
- Sales expertise
- Performance improvement
- Staff training
- Business development
- Personnel training
- Territory growth
- Performance tracking
- Client service
- Account development
Timeline
Parish Sales Consultant
Saint Benedict Press
09.2020 - 08.2025
Parish Sales Consultant
Saint Benedict Press and Tan Books
07.2013 - 08.2025
District Manager
Stride Rite Corporation
06.1987 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Management, Minor in Business
Wright State University