Robert Roome
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Innovative leader skilled in operations management and customer relations. Recognized for establishing strong vendor partnerships and fostering a positive work culture that motivates teams to exceed performance targets and drive exceptional service delivery.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner
Something South African LLC
Atlanta
04.2018 - 12.2025
- Established vendor relationships to enhance supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to increase brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Managed financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking for sustained profitability.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards in service delivery.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels for better cash flow.
- Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
- Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
- Achieved consistent growth with careful planning and execution of business development initiatives.
- Provided elite customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities.
- Fostered a positive work environment that motivated employees towards achieving their potential while contributing significantly towards overall company success.
- Launched new products or services by conducting market research, identifying opportunities, and developing targeted promotional campaigns.
- Fulfilled customer shipping needs by completing all purchase orders and customer invoices.
- Evaluated competitors'' offerings to identify gaps in the market for unique selling propositions that attracted new clients.
- Participated in business events, conferences and trade shows to promote products and network with business owners and prospective clients.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations through regular audits and updates of policies or procedures as needed.
- Developed and maintained strong supplier relationships to ensure product quality and timely delivery.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements, avoiding penalties and fines.
- Provided exceptional after-sales support to build strong customer relationships and encourage repeat business.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Boosted annual sales with launch of e-commerce website, expanding market reach.
General Manager
Cape Food & Beverage
Atlanta GA
08.2007 - 03.2018
- Directed operational strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement quality control processes, improving product standards.
- Streamlined inventory management systems, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Fostered relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable terms and improve service delivery.
- Implemented performance metrics to evaluate team effectiveness and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Led team to exceed sales targets, implementing motivational incentives and comprehensive training programs.
Courier Contractor
Apple Couriers
Atlanta GA
01.2004 - 07.2007
- Coordinated timely deliveries across designated routes while ensuring package integrity.
- Streamlined logistics processes to enhance operational efficiency and reduce delays.
- Managed inventory control, tracking shipments using GPS and logistics software.
- Trained new contractors on company policies, safety protocols, and delivery best practices.
- Expedited urgent deliveries by prioritizing tasks effectively under tight deadlines, without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Provided excellent customer service during pick-ups and deliveries, fostering strong rapport with clients for repeat business opportunities.
- Demonstrated adaptability when managing unexpected changes in delivery schedules due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Safely loaded items into delivery vehicle to minimize damage while in transit.
- Operated vehicle safely in highly congested areas with no traffic violations.
- Utilized GPS navigation systems to navigate faster routes.
- Verified package information to check for accuracy and completeness.
- Followed safety procedures and regulations to protect packages and vehicles.
- Managed delivery route for optimal use of time and fuel.
Area Manager
Whirlpool Appliances
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.1998 - 07.2003
- Streamlined operational workflows, enhancing efficiency across multiple appliance manufacturing sites.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and drive productivity initiatives.
- Developed training programs to elevate staff performance and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making.
- Established metrics for evaluating team performance, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Transformed underperforming teams into productive, profitable teams.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms that benefited both parties involved.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
National Sales Manager
GE Appliances
Midrand, South Africa
01.1996 - 05.1998
- Developed and implemented national sales strategies to enhance market penetration and revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute key initiatives, improving collaboration and sales performance across regions.
- Analyzed market trends and customer feedback, refining product offerings to meet evolving consumer demands.
- Managed relationships with key accounts, ensuring satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships for sustained business growth.
- Negotiated and closed agreements with large customers and monitored and analyzed performance metrics.
- Attended events, training seminars, and manufacturer product showcases.
- Met with customers to give sales presentations, negotiate contracts and promote services.
- Oversaw annual budget planning for the national sales department, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and resource allocation optimization.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally to maintain consistent message and experience.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
Sales Representative
Olympia SA, Brother, Riso, Toshiba, Defy Appliances
Pretoria South Africa
02.1983 - 12.1995
- Cultivated strong client relationships to drive product sales across multiple brands.
- Developed and delivered tailored presentations to address client needs and concerns.
- Conducted market analysis to identify new business opportunities and enhance competitive positioning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline sales processes and improve customer service.
- Expanded customer base through cold calling, networking, and relationship building.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying and targeting high-potential accounts.
- Consistently met or exceeded quotas by implementing strategic sales plans and effective time management.
- Increased repeat business by fostering trust-based relationships with key accounts through regular communication.
- Exceeded sales targets through effective planning and goal setting.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing comprehensive product demonstrations.
- Managed portfolio of high-value accounts, ensuring they received exceptional service.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
- Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
- Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
Education
No Degree - Principles of Sales Management
Bernam Business School
Johannesburg, South AfricaHigh School Diploma -
Christian Brothers College
Pretoria, South Africa12.1980
No Degree - Diploma in Principles of Sales Management
Henley Management College
London, United Kingdom (online)Skills
- Small business operations
- Planning and execution
- Vendor relations
- Business marketing
- Operations management
- Business growth and retention
- Staff hiring
- Negotiation
- Employee performance management
- Opportunity identification
- Employee development
- Team building
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Sales oversight
- Decision-making
- Customer relations
- Inventory tracking and management
- Inventory control
- Inventory management
- Staff training/development
- Delegation
- Sales promotion
- Logistics
Accomplishments
I was part of a very motivated sales team to win National Sales Team of the year twice in 1992 and 1994, while employed by Defy Appliances in South Africa.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Team Sports - selected to represent South Africa at soccer in 1979 at U-16 level
- Team Sports - selected to represent South Africa at baseball in 1982 at U-19 level, Toured Europe, played in European championship in Germany and Souith Africa won the tournament
Timeline
Small Business Owner
Something South African LLC
04.2018 - 12.2025
General Manager
Cape Food & Beverage
08.2007 - 03.2018
Courier Contractor
Apple Couriers
01.2004 - 07.2007
Area Manager
Whirlpool Appliances
06.1998 - 07.2003
National Sales Manager
GE Appliances
01.1996 - 05.1998
Sales Representative
Olympia SA, Brother, Riso, Toshiba, Defy Appliances
02.1983 - 12.1995
No Degree - Principles of Sales Management
Bernam Business School
High School Diploma -
Christian Brothers College
No Degree - Diploma in Principles of Sales Management
Henley Management College