Melissa Keller
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Interior Designer
Self Employed
Virginia Beach, VA
11.2022 - Current
- ** 2010-2017 held this position as well**
- Provided residential interior design and staging services for private clients, realtors and homebuilders.
- Defined space requirements from schematic design to construction phase and installation.
- Served as a liaison between architects, contractors, and homeowners throughout the building process.
- Researched and stayed current on industry trends to incorporate new products into designs.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers resulting in cost savings passed onto clients without sacrificing quality or style.
- Determined personalized needs, tastes and design preferences through thorough client consultations.
Architectural and Design Commercial Sales Manager
Cosentino
Hampton, VA
05.2017 - 10.2022
- Managed large territory encompassing all of Eastern and Western Virginia.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients in the architectural and design community showing success and credibility of products.
- Worked closely with Builder Manager and Account Managers, as well as Marketing, Pricing, and Quality departments to foster a positive team environment, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement that contributed to improved overall performance.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Delivered engaging presentations to prospective clients, showcasing the value of our offerings and converting prospects into loyal customers.
- Provided exceptional customer service and conducted regular client meetings throughout the entire sales process, ensuring client satisfaction from initial contact through post-sale follow-up efforts.
- Utilized CRM software (Salesforce)
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
Home Department Sales Manager
Anthropologie
Richmond, VA
08.2003 - 12.2010
- Enhanced department sales performance by implementing effective sales strategies and building a strong team of sales associates.
- Boosted customer satisfaction rates by focusing on providing exceptional service and addressing customer concerns promptly.
- Utilized visual merchandising and creative point of purchase displays to increase department sales.
- Mentored junior sales staff, providing guidance on best practices and techniques for achieving individual and departmental objectives.
- Organized regular training sessions to keep the team updated on industry trends, new products, and selling techniques.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department to ensure efficient use of resources, timely completion of tasks, and adherence to company policies.
- Coordinated special events within the department to boost visibility in the community and attract new clientele through engaging experiences.
- Communicated weekly with regional managers to certify that sales quotas were being met or exceeded throughout the year.
Outside Sales Representative
Open Plan Systems
Richmond, VA
05.1998 - 07.2003
- Increased territory sales in the commercial office design and modular furniture industry, by building strong relationships with key clients and identifying new business opportunities.
- Established rapport with potential customers through cold calling and presenting product offerings tailored to their needs.
- Managed a large client base, consistently exceeding sales targets and contributing to overall team success.
- Developed in-depth knowledge of product features, benefits, and pricing strategies to effectively communicate value propositions to clients.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with existing customers to maintain satisfaction levels and identify upsell opportunities.
- Participated in weekly sales meetings to discuss performance metrics, strategize on improvements, and share best practices among colleagues.
- Attended conferences and networking events regularly to stay updated on latest trends and establish valuable connections within the commercial office design field.
Education
Bachelor Of Fine Arts - Interior Design
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VASkills
- Sales expertise
- Project Management
- CRM (Salesforce)
- Client Communication
- Residential Design
- Interior Styling
- Space planning methodology
Timeline
Freelance Interior Designer
Self Employed
11.2022 - Current
Architectural and Design Commercial Sales Manager
Cosentino
05.2017 - 10.2022
Home Department Sales Manager
Anthropologie
08.2003 - 12.2010
Outside Sales Representative
Open Plan Systems
05.1998 - 07.2003
Bachelor Of Fine Arts - Interior Design
James Madison University