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Education
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10
Marks Lane

Marks Lane

Guest Relations Management
Raleigh,North Carolina

Summary

Exceptional Guest Relations Manager began career quickly excelling as an analyst for Dun & Bradstreet and went on to complete a Master's degree in Film. After graduate school, candidate worked on film productions and as a story analyst at The Disney Studios before returning to North Carolina in non-profit as a regional development director. The applicant's interest in mass and specialized communications as a corporate communications director led to the role of chief speech writer for the North Carolina Council of State followed by management of retail for a world-renowned restaurant and as a salesman for Saks Fifth Avenue. This candidate's aim is to join a larger and more diverse organization than the current employer to tackle, contribute and to improve its communications or guest relations program.

Overview

50
50
years of professional experience

Work History

Guest Relations Manager

Johnson Lexus of Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
01.2024 - Current
  • Greeting 200+ guests daily to discuss individual expectations from service of vehicles to selection of new or previously owned vehicles;
  • Proactively getting ahead of guest issues by discussing guest expectations;
  • Delivering and fostering a premier level of guest care;
  • Primary Lexus Brand Ambassador demonstrating the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi, meaning exceptional care of guests;
  • Assisting management, sales personnel and service advisors in the analyses of encounters between guests and dealership staff;
  • Reviewing 'Dealer Daily' guest surveys with ratings ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) and discussing results with management;
  • Throughout 2024, raising total Lexus/Nextgen Survey Score from 4.8 to 4.9 (out of 5.0) and reducing complaints handled by General Manager by 32%;
  • Contacting guests who report unsatisfying or unacceptable experiences with sales and service staff to find mutually satisfying solutions;
  • Providing staff and management with critical and constructive insights into complex issues and guiding them through short-term and longterm initiatives;
  • A division of Johnson Automotive

Warehouse Associate

Century Fasteners Corporation
Raleigh, North Carolina
09.2022 - 03.2023
  • Company Overview: Employed by Synerfac Technical Staffing
  • Weighed, measured, bagged and boxed fastener parts; filling orders and preparing shipping labels
  • Assembled multiple fastening parts to create kits for construction and aerospace clients
  • Located parts in P21 system to prepare for assembly
  • Weighed, measured and calculated orders
  • Prepared orders for shipping internationally and domestically
  • Employed by Synerfac Technical Staffing

Fulfillment Center Associate I

AMAZON
Durham, North Carolina
09.2021 - 04.2022
  • Company Overview: DRT8
  • Following full vaccination for COVID-19, began full-time, seasonal delivery warehouse associate job
  • Received and processed 50,000 to 100,000 packages overnight
  • Sorted, stowed, picked and stacking carts for staging
  • Stowing rate: 360 packages per hour
  • Assisted drivers with loading trucks
  • DRT8

Delivery Assistant

AMAZON
Durham, North Carolina
10.2019 - 04.2020
  • Company Overview: AMXL, LMH Logistics, PLLC
  • NOTE: In May of 2020, half of AMXL work force was laid off due to COVID-19
  • Loaded between 40 and 60 packages weighing 50 to 300 pounds into 16' and 26' branded box trucks
  • Delivered packages on routes of 150 to 300 miles per day in multiple counties of North Carolina
  • Co-navigated routes with drivers using GPS, 'rabbits' and Google maps
  • Excelled at quick, safe deliveries of up to 60 stops daily in record time beating specified delivery metrics by 2 to 3 hours per day
  • Completed and submitted logs and paperwork every day to maintain records
  • AMXL, LMH Logistics, PLLC

Senior Sales Associate, Chanel Specialist

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Raleigh, North Carolina
06.2012 - 09.2016
  • Ranked #3 of 47 sales associates with annual sales volume of $600,000
  • Represented brands including Chanel, Celine, Chloe, Christian Dior, Gucci, Hermes, Prada and Louis Vuitton
  • Utilized multi-platform marketing campaigns including social media, call campaigns, e-mails and texts
  • Recognized 6 times as Employee of The Month

Retail Manager, Host and Communications Writer

THE ANGUS BARN, The Country Store
Raleigh, North Carolina
06.2006 - 06.2011
  • Managed proprietary and multiple brands, vendors, purchasing, merchandising and sales of wine, memorabilia and 300 gift items
  • Trained and supervised new employees and seasonal employees in The Country Store
  • Managed monthly inventory and issued reports to the controller and general manager
  • Raised annual sales volume by 38% over 5 years
  • Implemented strong wine sales program with Wine Cellar manager/sommelier
  • Rewarded for steady increases in sales and given steady raises in commission and salary

Chief Speech Writer & Communications Consultant

North Carolina Council of State, Department of Administration
Raleigh, North Carolina
10.2000 - 03.2002
  • Researched, wrote and edited extensive documents for Secretaries Katie Dorsett and Gwynn T
  • Swinson at the Department of Administration including speeches, press releases and media plans
  • Consulted Director of Communications on reconstruction of public information delivery and dissemination
  • Managed press conferences for the Secretary
  • Created communications plans for various divisions in the Department of Administration
  • Edited innumerable documents for all divisions of the Department
  • Advised members of the Council of State on public affairs strategies

Director, Corporate Communications

INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE, INC
Raleigh, North Carolina
01.1998 - 03.2000
  • Supervised communications including public, media and investor relations
  • As company spokesperson, managed daily inquiries from international, national and regional media and investors
  • Managed relationships with Wall Street including research analysts, market makers and retail brokerages
  • Supervised projects of 8 employees in graphics, marketing and legal departments
  • Wrote and edited marketing communications for Web site content; worldwide press releases; MD&A for quarterly reports; monthly catalogues and newsletters; collaterals; and 10Ks, 10Qs and 8Qs
  • Managed outside relationships with public relations, investor relations and advertising firms in North Carolina, New York City and Los Angeles
  • Managed relationships with 'The Wall Street Journal,' 'The New York Times,' Reuters, Bloomberg and Hoover's

Director of Development

Triangle AIDS Interfaith Network
Wake, Durham and Orange Counties
01.1992 - 12.1997
  • Raised annual budget of $1.4 million through major gifts; planned and annual giving; grants; foundation relations; special events; and congregational support
  • Created and grew AIDSWALK, the annual, signature event that has raised $10 million to date
  • Spoke to civic groups and congregations of all faiths frequently
  • Wrote and edited quarterly newsletters and special event newsletter circulated to 23,788 subscribers
  • Managed planned giving through American Express Financial Advisors
  • Overhauled 'Evening With Friends' to increase participation by 60% over three years
  • Managed long range-planning, publicity and special endowments committees and trained 2,000 volunteers

Education

Master of Arts - Film Producing

The University of North Carolina At Greensboro
07.1998

Bachelor of Arts - English & Communications

The University of North Carolina At Greensboro
05.1983

Skills

  • Expert Active Listening
  • Excellent Guest Relations and Diplomacy Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Language
  • Data Analysis
  • MS Office Proficiency
  • Superior Organizational Skills
  • Ability to Adapt to Quick Speeds
  • Counseling Skills for Sales and Management
  • Exceptional Public Speaking and Presentations
  • Cultural Awareness and Respect
  • Ability to Work Independently or as Part of a Team
  • Executive Communications
  • Quality Improvement Leadership
  • Sales and Upselling

Contact

Raleigh, North Carolina 27615

Education

Master of Fine Arts, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Quote

"Life shrinks or expands in exact proportion to one's courage."
Anais Nin

Software

MS Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat Suite

Interests

Film

Literature

Wine, particularly Bordeaux and Cabernet Sauvignon

Music, especially vocalists

Parfumerie, with special interest in Guerlain, Chanel, Jean Patou, Creed and Amouage

Certification

Certified, Association of Fundraising Professionals, 1995

Accomplishments

Achieved role of Metropolitan Business Analyst at Dun & Bradstreet in Houston, Texas just one year after starting with company in a computer operations center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Began film career as a wardrobe assistant on "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II" in Wilmington, North Carolina and was quickly promoted to producer's assistant/production secretary. Moved to Los Angeles after production and became a story analyst and post-production at The Disney Studios.

Helped found North Carolina's largest, regional AIDS services organization through his church and became its development director. Spoke to more than 122 churches/faith communities of all beliefs.

Founded AIDSWalk/AIDSRide for central North Carolina which has collectively raised more than $5 million since its premier event.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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References

June 7, 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

We became acquainted with Marks several years ago as a restoration client of ours. It wasn’t until his second time around with us before we discovered his gift—an unspeakably talented wordsmith! Upon realizing this and reviewing some of his most impressive pieces, we promptly requested his expertise to inspire our customers by writing our monthly newsletters.

He has been a faithful partner and contributor for us over the last two years. His creative and masterful command of the English language are truly a work of art and have delighted our readers month after month! The response we have gotten has been overwhelmingly positive. Marks has a clever ability to draw a reader into his piecesalways providing value, knowledge, and entertainment in everything he creates.

Not only has he been a valued member of our extended marketing team, but he is also a pleasure to collaborate with. His work ethic is uncommon these days, as is his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering determination to understand and complete the tasks at hand. His perspectives and insights have proven to be truly priceless for us. We are beyond grateful to have had his talent alongside us. We highly and confidently recommend Marks Lane for his expertise and equally as importanthis integrity and his character.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or our Senior Vice President of Marketing, Joanna Bishop-Tyer at 919.510.6310, with any further questions.

Kind regards,

Bernard Mumford, President & CEO, Mumford Restoration

Professional Reference for Marks Lane

From: Van Eure, Owner, The Angus Barn, Ltd., Raleigh, North Carolina

Date: March, 2018

Contact: van@angusbarn.com

Phone: 919-349-0149

As the owner of The Angus Barn, I was able to closely observe and work with Marks. First, his customer service/care/relations skills as well as his sales skills are truly excellent. Marks ran The Country Store for 5 years and helped guests select from 250+ gift and proprietary items from handwritten gift certificates (we sell roughly 22,000 each year) to cheeses to salad dressings to tee-shirts, quilts, wine, wine glasses, paintings and gift items.

Marks was a valuable member of our host staff and helped greet and seat guests in our dining rooms, too. In addition, Marks wrote “The Angus Barn Times, 50th Anniversary Edition,” published in 2011 to mark the 50th anniversary of the restaurant. 50,000 copies of this booklet were printed and parts were published on The Angus Barn website. As of 2022, we estimate that more than 500,000 guests have read Marks’s work in this anniversary publication.

Marks’s writing skills are top-of-the-line. I encourage you to ask for a copy of his work on “The Angus Barn Times, 50th Anniversary Edition” which has limited print availability as of 2022 but is also available as a PDF or electronic file.

I am very proud to recommend Marks Lane!

Professional Reference for Marks Lane

From: Chae Young, Vice President, Sales, Fink’s Jewelers

Date: January, 2016

Contact:  ckyoung327@gmail.com

Phone: 919-622-7590

I was manager of multiple departments at Saks Fifth Avenue from 2012 to 2016 and supervised Marks Lane as the #3salesperson of 47 salespersons in our store. Marks was my senior luxury handbag salesperson on a team of 7 people. The leading brands that Marks sold included Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Chloe, Prada, Gucci and Fendi.

Marks was one of our guests’ favorite salespeople! He extensively researched the brands and wares he sold and gave exemplary customer service. Marks was our Chanel handbag expert. At times, managers of other Saks Fifth Avenue stores that featured Chanel boutiques remarked that they wanted a salesman like Marks because he was so knowledgeable, thorough and determined to pair the right handbag with the right client. These days, with Chanel classic bags listing for $10,000, I dare say they might not have reached such prices without salespeople as dedicated as Marks.

Marks is incredibly resourceful and ambitious. What he does that few do as well is to build, sustain and continue improving relationships with his clients. His clients often remarked that he had sharp instincts about their needs, sometimes before they even realized what they needed. His instincts are exceptional!

Marks’s work ethic is superior. He uses his time wisely and has laser-like focus that guides him to successful accomplishments.

I am happy to talk to anyone about Marks Lane and welcome the opportunity to recommend one of the best salespeople I have ever had the privilege of managing!

Professional Reference for Marks Lane

From: Georgina Mollick, General Counsel, Legal Affairs, APEX Analytix, LLC

Date: January, 2014

Contact:  georgina.mollick@gmail.com

Phone: 919-780-8032

I am a former colleague of Marks’s and had direct, supervisory responsibilities for Marks’s work as Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations. Marks enthusiastically met the communications needs of a new, public company with hundreds of employees and thousands of salespeople.

From media relations to investor relations, Marks exceeded our expectations in one of the fastest-paced companies imaginable. Marks had never helmed a corporate communications team but did so with great vigor and a tireless willingness to learn, make occasional mistakes and improve his skill set. His contributions to the company were invaluable.

Marks takes the greatest care in producing top-quality communications that are exceedingly well-targeted and audience-specific.

Marks presents himself well in a variety of environments and always with polish and good humor. He would be a true asset to the marcomm or corporate team in almost any setting where keen audience analysis, media leadership, writing excellence and the highest level of professionalism is required.

It is a pleasure and privilege to recommend Marks Lane.

Timeline

Guest Relations Manager

Johnson Lexus of Raleigh
01.2024 - Current

Warehouse Associate

Century Fasteners Corporation
09.2022 - 03.2023

Fulfillment Center Associate I

AMAZON
09.2021 - 04.2022

Delivery Assistant

AMAZON
10.2019 - 04.2020

Senior Sales Associate, Chanel Specialist

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
06.2012 - 09.2016

Retail Manager, Host and Communications Writer

THE ANGUS BARN, The Country Store
06.2006 - 06.2011

Chief Speech Writer & Communications Consultant

North Carolina Council of State, Department of Administration
10.2000 - 03.2002

Director, Corporate Communications

INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE, INC
01.1998 - 03.2000

Director of Development

Triangle AIDS Interfaith Network
01.1992 - 12.1997

Master of Arts - Film Producing

The University of North Carolina At Greensboro

Bachelor of Arts - English & Communications

The University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Marks LaneGuest Relations Management