Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Niki Hawkins

Summary

Versatile business professional with significant experience in sales, project management, contract negotiations, client relationship building, furniture designing/building and home decorating. Passionate about leveraging creativity and problem-solving to deliver tailored solutions. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while streamlining operations for maximum efficiency and delivering superior customer service.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Real Estate Broker

Navigate Realty / Core Realty Advisors
08.2020 - 01.2025
  • Provided guidance and consultation to clients to make well-informed decisions in real estate investments leading to successful outcomes while ensuring smooth transactions.
  • Conducted property showings, open houses, and contract negotiations.
  • Provided in-depth market analysis and property evaluations to help clients make solid decisions.
  • Negotiated offers, counteroffers, and contracts on behalf of clients, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
  • Coordinated property inspections, appraisals, and closings, making certain all documentations are accurate and timely.
  • Manage and maintain client records, safeguarding all communications, agreements, and transactions are documented accurately in compliance with state and federal industry regulations.
  • Built and maintained a network of clients, contractors, and industry professionals.
  • Delivered outstanding customer service by maintaining clear, proactive communication with clients throughout the entire transaction process translating client goals into actionable plans.
  • Cultivated lasting relationships with past clients through consistent follow-up contact to support their ongoing real estate needs or concerns.


Accomplishments

  • Praised for successfully managing extraordinarily difficult (once in a career type) transactions.
  • Recognized as the "go to" Agent for land purchases.

Long Term Substitute Teacher

Wake County Public Schools System
08.2011 - 02.2020
  • Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
  • Specialized in long-term substitute roles. One assignment lasting 4 years and several either full or half school year assignments.
  • Experienced in lesson planning, curriculum delivery, and student evaluation.
  • Communicated regularly with team teachers and staff to ensure smooth transitions and effective lesson execution.
  • Adapted quickly to various teaching styles and class environments, ensuring continuity of instruction and minimizing disruptions.
  • Designed assessments and projects to measure student understanding and provide actionable feedback.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to improve curriculum standards and teaching methodologies.
  • Participated in faculty meetings to continually enhance teaching skills and stay current with educational best practices.
  • Conducted parent/teachers conferences.


Accomplishments

  • Praised for maintaining high levels of student engagement and academic performance during long term assignments.
  • Recognized by faculty for adaptability and flexibility in managing diverse classroom environments and students needs.
  • Students consistently had higher test scores than students of permanent faculty.

Customer Service Manager

American Leak Detection
08.1999 - 03.2011
  • Answered all incoming calls for the business, typically averaging 160 calls per week.
  • Coordination of 30-40 appointments on a weekly basis, typically being scheduled 1-3 weeks in advance.
  • Responsible for invoicing customers for the correct service that was provided.
  • Ensuring invoices were paid on time and start collection procedures for any unpaid invoices.
  • Developed and implemented customer service protocols to improve response time, resolve issues more efficiently, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated with other departments, including field operations, to ensure seamless service delivery and consistent customer experience.
  • Managed scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage for peak service time while controlling operational costs.


Accomplishments

  • Spearheaded a customer retention initiative that resulted in an increase in repeat business and referrals.

Consultant / Owner

Southern Living at Home
01.2002 - 12.2004
  • Owned and operated a home decorating consulting business, offering personalized interior design services and product recommendations to clients.
  • Hosted in-home parties and product demonstrations, building client relationships and driving sales for a wide range of home decor items.
  • Managed all aspects of business operations, including marketing, sales, inventory management, and customer service.
  • Developed customized home decorating solutions, helping clients achieve their desired look while staying within their budget.
  • Full P&L responsibility.
  • Business development to include networking, cold calling and referrals to generate home parties.
  • Presentations to large groups to introduce and sell Southern Living home decorating items.
  • Ordering and delivery of all customer orders.


Accomplishments

  • Recognized as a top consultant in the region for meeting and exceeding sales goals and superior customer satisfaction.

Operations Manager

Foam Design
06.1995 - 01.1999
  • Managed day-to-day HR operations, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee relations for a team of approximately 50 employees.
  • Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with labor laws and company standards.
  • Played a key role in employee training and development programs, helping to improve performance, retention, and employee satisfaction.
  • Managed payroll processing ensuring accurate and timely disbursements.
  • Resolved employee issues and conflicts, acting as a liaison between management and staff to maintain a positive work environment.
  • Coordinated performance reviews, salary adjustments, and promotions, aligning employee growth with company goals.
  • Assisted in employee health and safety initiatives, ensuring compliance OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards.


Accomplishments

  • Developed a company-wide training program that led to improved employee performance and satisfaction ratings.

Office Manager

Foam Design
09.1994 - 06.1995
  • Answered all incoming calls.
  • Greeted all visitors.
  • Handled all filing of closed orders and dated invoices.
  • Created all invoices.
  • Managed daily office operations, including coordinating schedules, organizing meetings, and handling communications between departments.
  • Managed office supplies, inventory, and vendor relationships to ensure smooth operations and cost efficiency.
  • Handled client inquiries and acted as a liaison between clients and the team, ensuring high-quality customer service.
  • Assisted in preparing reports, presentations, and other documents for internal and external meetings.


Accomplishments

  • Improved office efficiency by implementing organizational systems that reduced administrative errors and delays.
  • Recognized for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Education

Secondary Education / Social Science

Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL

Barnette Seminars

WCPSS

Skills

  • Design and build custom residential and commercial furniture pieces
  • Sales and customer service
  • Negotiations and communications
  • Time management and multitasking
  • Project management
  • Office management and administration
  • Purchasing and inventory management
  • Invoicing and order tracking
  • Problem solving
  • Deadline and budget oriented
  • Home decorating
  • Technical skills (MS Office, Dakno, Follow-up Boss, Zipforms, MLS platforms, GIS and Docusign)

Timeline

Real Estate Broker

Navigate Realty / Core Realty Advisors
08.2020 - 01.2025

Long Term Substitute Teacher

Wake County Public Schools System
08.2011 - 02.2020

Consultant / Owner

Southern Living at Home
01.2002 - 12.2004

Customer Service Manager

American Leak Detection
08.1999 - 03.2011

Operations Manager

Foam Design
06.1995 - 01.1999

Office Manager

Foam Design
09.1994 - 06.1995

Secondary Education / Social Science

Southeastern University

Barnette Seminars

WCPSS
Niki Hawkins