Melissa Montero
Sales Manager, Team Lead, Recruiter
Covington,LA
Summary
Knowledgeable Sales Leader with proven track record in driving sales growth and cultivating lasting client relationships. Demonstrated success in leading sales teams to meet and exceed targets, with notable achievements in expanding market share and enhancing customer satisfaction. Utilized strategic planning and effective communication to drive team performance and ensure consistent results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Manager
Dignity Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery Services
Greater New Orleans Area
09.2018 - 09.2024
- Effectively manage, motivate, and coach a high-performance sales team that is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service and product excellence in the funeral industry
- Recruit, interview, and mentor new hires, ensuring their success as Producing Sales Agents.
- Collaborate with market and funeral home managers in driving sales growth and enhancing service quality
- Participate in management meetings to strengthen regional team cohesion
- Coach sales representatives on effective techniques and technologies; provide constructive feedback and facilitate re-training as necessary
- Cultivate positive relationships with community, non-profit, and civic organizations to enhance brand presence
- Leverage strong sales expertise to promote pre-need services, complete electronic contracts, and close sales
- Foster a strong team of 18 sales agents by analyzing market demographics to inform annual sales strategies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize event planning for memorial services and ceremonies.
- Conducted regular training sessions to improve product knowledge and sales skills among staff members.
Professional Sales
Rooms To Go
09.2015 - 08.2018
- Successfully advanced company growth in a competitive marketplace through exceptional communication, presentation, and networking skills
- Focused on outstanding customer service, product knowledge, and effective presentation techniques
Family Service Counselor
Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery
Metairie, LA
06.2013 - 09.2015
- Sold property, pre-need funeral arrangements, and merchandise while providing compassionate support to bereaved families
- Delivered presentations at public events and clients' homes, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance during difficult times
- Achieved sales success through exceptional customer service and referrals
- Assisted families in navigating funeral arrangements and memorial services with compassion and professionalism.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure accurate documentation of client information and service details.
- Educated families on available burial options, helping them make informed decisions aligned with their wishes.
Sales Agent & Office Manager
Gregory Corrente & Associates
Metairie, LA
03.2011 - 06.2013
- Supported the owner/agent with sales, customer service, and administrative tasks
- Prepared presentations and quotes, managed pending applications, and handled policy reviews and renewals
- Managed enrollment of new groups and prepared renewal quotes for existing plans
- Cultivated strong customer relationships through effective communication and personalized service.
Agency Licensing Coordinator & New Business Underwriter
Mass Mutual
Metairie, LA
02.2008 - 03.2011
- Coordinated licensing applications to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed training materials for new staff for onboarding, licensing procedures, and systems.
- Implemented a tracking system for monitoring pending applications and follow-ups.
- Stayed up-to-date on Louisiana laws and licensing requirements to complete accurate and efficient reviews.
- Analyzed financial statements and credit reports to ensure sound underwriting decisions.
- Led cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving overall underwriting accuracy and turnaround times.
Education
Business Administration / Management -
Delgado Community College
Skills
- License management
- Sales coaching
- Cross-functional coordination
- Sales team training
- Staff management
- Sales expertise
- Client relationship management
- Sales strategy development
- Rapport and relationship building
- Strategic planning
Profile of Qualifications
- Accomplished & energetic Sales Manager eager to contribute 20+ years of experience in New Business Development, Strategic Leadership, and Customer Service toward maximizing an employer’s success
- Proven track record in developing and implementing effective sales strategies that drive business growth and enhance market presence
- Skilled in building strong client relationships, negotiating contracts, and identifying new market opportunities
- Adept at training and mentoring staff, fostering a collaborative team environment, and leveraging data-driven insights to optimize overall sales performance
- Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and aligning team goals with organizational objectives
Timeline
Sales Manager
Dignity Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery Services
09.2018 - 09.2024
Professional Sales
Rooms To Go
09.2015 - 08.2018
Family Service Counselor
Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery
06.2013 - 09.2015
Sales Agent & Office Manager
Gregory Corrente & Associates
03.2011 - 06.2013
Agency Licensing Coordinator & New Business Underwriter
Mass Mutual
02.2008 - 03.2011
Business Administration / Management -
Delgado Community College
Certification
Life, Health, & Annuities License
Sales & People Skills Certification