Melissa Forbes
Geneva,IL
Summary
Results-driven Sales and Operations Leader with 20+ years of experience driving revenue growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences across retail and fitness industries. Proven track record in recruiting, training, and developing sales staff; exceeding monthly quotas; and improving operational efficiency. Known for energetic, servant leadership style, strong business acumen, and ability to build long-term customer relationships that generate repeat and referral business.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Sleep Number Corporation
Geneva, IL
09.2023 - 01.2026
- Led all store operations while consistently achieving or exceeding monthly and quarterly sales quotas.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and developed a high-performing sales team, improving close rates and customer satisfaction.
- Coached and supported sales staff through real-time TO sales and performance feedback.
- Built strong customer relationships that generated repeat business and ongoing referrals.
- Maintained store cleanliness and visual standards to enhance the customer experience.
- Managed banking, contract audits, and operational reporting.
- Delivered exceptional customer service and resolved escalations professionally.
Director of Operations
Kohlert Manufacturing
St. Charles, IL
10.2019 - 10.2023
- Oversaw daily operations for a manufacturing facility, ensuring OSHA compliance and workplace safety standards.
- Implemented cleanliness, uniform, and safety gear policies to reduce risk and improve operational consistency.
- Managed payroll, invoicing, banking, and financial documentation.
- Monitored production quotas and staffing needs to support business goals.
- Strengthened internal processes to improve efficiency and accountability.
General Manager
Sport Fitness
Schaumburg, IL
10.2012 - 10.2019
- Led hiring, onboarding, and training for sales and service staff.
- Drove revenue growth through promotions, merchandising, and targeted marketing initiatives.
- Partnered with sales teams to expand clientele and maximize service bookings.
- Increased repeat business by promoting services to existing members.
- Managed payroll, scheduling, and technician utilization.
- Planned seasonal campaigns and holiday promotions to capitalize on consumer trends.
General Manager
XSport Fitness
Arlington Heights, IL
10.2006 - 10.2012
- Directed sales, marketing, and merchandising strategies to increase membership sales.
- Trained and coached sales teams to improve conversion rates and upsell performance.
- Led monthly marketing initiatives and promotional events.
- Conducted corporate and onsite presentations to attract new business.
- Strengthened vendor relationships and executed member appreciation events.
Assistant Sales Manager
XSport Fitness
Naperville, IL
10.2004 - 10.2006
- Generated leads and executed prospecting strategies for the sales team.
- Managed sales calls, ups systems, and conversion processes.
- Built community partnerships to support cross-marketing initiatives.
- Coached sales staff to improve pipeline performance and close rates.
Sales Representative
XSport Fitness
Downers Grove, IL
10.2001 - 10.2004
- Built business through outbound calls, referrals, and local networking.
- Consistently met or exceeded monthly sales quotas.
- Developed referral programs and maintained strong community relationships.
Education
High School Diploma -
01.2001
Skills
- Sales leadership
- Revenue Growth & Quota Achievement
- Recruiting, Hiring & Training
- Customer Experience Management
- Referral & Repeat Business Generation
- Retail Operations & Store Management
- Payroll, Banking & Audits
- Marketing & Merchandising
- Community Outreach & Networking
- OSHA & Safety Compliance
Accomplishments
#1 in hiring and employee retention, #1 store cleanliness, #1 store sales, #5 in referral & repeat business.
Timeline
Store Manager
Sleep Number Corporation
09.2023 - 01.2026
Director of Operations
Kohlert Manufacturing
10.2019 - 10.2023
General Manager
Sport Fitness
10.2012 - 10.2019
General Manager
XSport Fitness
10.2006 - 10.2012
Assistant Sales Manager
XSport Fitness
10.2004 - 10.2006
Sales Representative
XSport Fitness
10.2001 - 10.2004
High School Diploma -
Leadership Style & Strengths
- Energetic, servant leader who leads by example
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Innovative and creative problem-solver
- Passionate about helping people and building businesses
- Always learning and focused on career growth within an organization
#1 NPS Customer Service, #1 Sales Manager
Working out, reading, decorating, collecting art, helping animals, and helping people.