Michael Thornton
Plainfield,IL
Summary
Results-driven sales professional with expertise in customer relationship management, sales strategy development, and point-of-sale systems. Proven ability to engage customers and drive revenue growth through effective product demonstrations.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Salesperson
Alta Equipment Company
Joliet, IL
2024.10 - 2026.02
- Engaged customers to understand their equipment needs and preferences.
- Demonstrated product features and benefits to potential buyers.
- Maintained knowledge of product specifications and industry trends.
- Processed sales transactions using point-of-sale systems efficiently.
- Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
- Produced sales documents, finalized deals and filed records.
Salesperson
Burris Equipment
Joliet, IL
2004.01 - 2024.09
- Processed sales transactions using point-of-sale systems efficiently.
- Maintained knowledge of product specifications and industry trends.
- Increased profitability and revenue by identifying customer needs and determining appropriate offerings.
- Drove sales of company products and services by meeting with customers using strategic and organized approach.
Greenskeeper
Chevy Chase G.C (Wheeling Park District)
Wheeling, Illinois
2014.10 - 2015.05
- Assisted in aerating and overseeding to promote healthy growth.
- Maintained course greens through regular mowing and trimming.
- Managed nearby features such as bunkers with raking and regular care.
- Maintained and monitored turf grass health; fertilized, aerated, and over-seeded as needed.
- Performed routine maintenance on mowing equipment; sharpened blades and changed oil and filters.
- Operated tractors for tilling soil or moving materials around the golf course property.
- Maintained both two-cycle and four-cycle equipment used in regular greenskeeping.
- Spread mulch around flower beds to control weeds while providing nutrients to plants.
- Cared for lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding or grubbing.
- Shoveled snow and spread salt on walkways and parking lots.
Sales Demonstrator/Service Technician
Illinois Lawn
Orland Park, Illinois
1993.08 - 2003.12
- Demonstrated product features and benefits to potential customers effectively.
- Trained new staff on effective sales techniques and customer interaction strategies.
- Provided feedback on customer reactions to improve future demonstrations.
- Maintained a clean work area throughout each demonstration shift.
- Adhered to safety standards while setting up and breaking down demonstration areas.
- Set up displays of products for demonstration purposes.
- Operated and maintained various technical equipment and tools.
- Trained junior technicians on equipment usage and procedures.
- Replaced defective components or parts as needed.
- Followed safety practices to safeguard against injury and damage to property.
- Participated in training to maintain technical expertise and proficiency on applicable equipment.
- Estimated cost of labor and materials for projects and communicated value to clients.
Grounds Crew Member
Bolingbrook Park District
Bolingbrook, IL
1985.01 - 1993.08
- Maintained grounds by mowing, trimming, and landscaping various outdoor areas.
- Operated and maintained equipment like lawnmowers and blowers for optimal performance.
- Supervised daily maintenance of grounds and landscaping areas.
- Managed staff assignments and workloads for efficient operations.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Inspected grounds regularly to ensure cleanliness and safety standards.
- Inspected turf areas for pests and diseases, implemented corrective action as needed.
- Responded quickly to customer complaints about conditions on the property.
- Assisted in training new employees in safe operation of tools and machinery used during groundskeeping duties.
- Adhered to local laws pertaining to pesticide use on public property.
- Mowed lawns and trimmed grass around sidewalks, flower beds and walls.
- Used heavy equipment, mowers and trimmers safely to prevent accidents.
- Applied fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides following safety and environmental protocols.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bolingbrook High School
Bolingbrook, IL1984-06
Some College (No Degree) - Turf
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, ILSkills
- Customer relationship management
- Sales strategy development
- Point-of-sale systems
- Product demonstration
- Market analysis
- Account management
- Effective communication
- Negotiation skills
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Relationship selling
- Equipment operation
- Machine maintenance
- Equipment operations
- Skid steer operation
- Loader operation
Timeline
Salesperson
Alta Equipment Company
2024.10 - 2026.02
Greenskeeper
Chevy Chase G.C (Wheeling Park District)
2014.10 - 2015.05
Salesperson
Burris Equipment
2004.01 - 2024.09
Sales Demonstrator/Service Technician
Illinois Lawn
1993.08 - 2003.12
Grounds Crew Member
Bolingbrook Park District
1985.01 - 1993.08
High School Diploma -
Bolingbrook High School
Some College (No Degree) - Turf
College of DuPage