Melissa Gustafson
Saint Charles,IL
Summary
Results-driven achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in sales. Adept at building strong client relationships and effective strategies. Strong focus on reliability, customer loyalty and delivering consultative, concierge service.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Regional Sales
AAA Innovations
03.2013 - 11.2024
- Cultivated strong relationships with key accounts, focused on long term relationship retention.
- Leveraged knowledge of clients business to deliver a superior consultative service from ideation to execution.
- Developed a yearly sales plan to include client presentations, tradeshows, marketing and consistent client interaction.
- Increased sales revenue year over year by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Established and maintained a significant territory and national accounts, increasing territory revenue from $650K to $4mm
Account Executive
Progressive Promotions
12.2008 - 03.2013
- Complete management of the Baxter Healthcare and ADP accounts, with combined promotional merchandise sales for 2013 totaling $2.5 million dollars
- Responsibilities include development of marketing plans to achieve sales goals, management of web store, quarterly refresh of product, client reporting, quoting and follow through for custom orders, and day to day maintenance of domestic and international customer needs
- Weekly communication with lead branding team to identify opportunities and resolve account issues
- Identified key buyers and maintained strong relationships via personal visits and daily communication and follow through presentations, personal visits an daily communication.
- Participated in RFP Proposals and Presentations at Fortune 500 and 1,000 companies
Account Manager
Cyrk, Inc.
07.2007 - 12.2008
- Complete management of the Accenture US and Accenture Canada accounts, with combined promotional merchandise sales for 2008 totaling $2 million dollars
- Conducted regular account reviews, identifying areas for improvement or optimization and implementing necessary changes accordingly.
- Participated annually in brand training to ensure that all projects are in adherence with branding standards and guidelines
- Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
Senior Account Manager
Club Colors
02.2003 - 07.2007
- Complete management of the Motorola, ADP and Sony accounts, combined promotional merchandise sales for 2006 totaling $2,285,000.00
- Responsibilities included development of yearly marketing plans, product proposals, large order processing and follow through, and web store management
- Maintained strong relationships with buyers through daily communication and frequent site visits to communicate new product
- Managed a Junior Account Manager who supports the three accounts with order entry, quoting and telemarketing
Account Manager
Ocular Group
02.2002 - 02.2003
- Managed a suite of promotional and marketing services including print, apparel, e-store development and maintenance, and promotional goods, from conception to delivery
- Worked with top selling Sales Team to develop focused solutions for clients such as Pampered Chef, Connie’s Pizza, General Motors, Harrahs Casino and Hotel and Midwestern University
- Participated in special teams for concentrated marketing projects such as written communication strategies, media plans, market research, and focus groups
Sales Consultant
Berlex Laboratories
04.2002 - 12.2002
- Responsible for the sales and promotion of a niche pharmaceutical to neurologists in Southwest suburbs of IL
- Achieved 109% quota attainment during first 6 months with company
- Awarded a Bravo monetary award in Nov 2002 for superior team building achievement
Account Manager
Ball Publishing
05.2000 - 04.2002
- Accountable for advertising sales in the western half of the US for two leading floriculture publications
- Managed accounts with combined yearly sales totaling over $1,000,000
- Supplemented print advertising with integrated marketing plans for clients including direct mail, internet advertising and trade show promotion
- Worked with in house team to create, plan and sell sponsorships for industry education events including tradeshows, seminars, and tours
Account Executive
Stevens & Tate Marketing
10.1996 - 04.1999
- Developed complete marketing campaigns for key company accounts in the real estate, hotel and resort, and educational industries
- Including but not limited to: Print collateral, Media, Web Development, Direct Mail, Television Commercial Production, and Billboard
- Management of projects to completion, including solicitation of work with clients, quotes, working with in house staff and outside vendors to complete projects in a timely and cost efficient manner
- Participated in New Business Team, responsible for acquiring new accounts through research, spec projects and formal pitch meetings
Education
Business Administration - Concentration Marketing
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA01.1995
Skills
- Goals and performance
- Verbal and written communication
- Presentations
- Customer and employee rapport
- Forecasting
Salary History
AAA Innovations, Vice President Regional Sales 3/13 - 11/24
$160,000 salary, plus commissions. Final gross annual income: $187,000
Progressive Promotions, Account Manager 12/08 - 3/13
Final gross annual income: $86,000
Cyrk, Inc., Account Manager, 07/01/07 - 12/31/08
$65,000 salary, plus commissions. Final gross annual income: $78,000
Club Colors, Senior Account Manager, 02/01/03 - 07/31/07
$48,600 salary, plus bonuses. Final gross annual income: $54,600
Timeline
Vice President Regional Sales
AAA Innovations
03.2013 - 11.2024
Account Executive
Progressive Promotions
12.2008 - 03.2013
Account Manager
Cyrk, Inc.
07.2007 - 12.2008
Senior Account Manager
Club Colors
02.2003 - 07.2007
Sales Consultant
Berlex Laboratories
04.2002 - 12.2002
Account Manager
Ocular Group
02.2002 - 02.2003
Account Manager
Ball Publishing
05.2000 - 04.2002
Account Executive
Stevens & Tate Marketing
10.1996 - 04.1999
Business Administration - Concentration Marketing
St. Ambrose University
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