Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Sara Benson

Denver,CO

Summary

Energetic and forward-thinking sales leader with over a decade of success growing revenue, leading high-performing teams, and delivering standout client experiences in dynamic, customer-centric environments. Adept at turning strategy into execution—whether it's scaling sales initiatives, managing key accounts, or bringing bold marketing ideas to life. Known for combining hustle with heart: building authentic relationships, identifying growth opportunities others miss, and showing up with a mindset geared toward progress and possibility. Backed by deep industry knowledge and a genuine passion for outdoor, lifestyle, and performance-driven brands.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr. Business Development Manager

New Wave Security Solutions
12.2024 - Current
  • Company Overview: At New Wave Security Solutions, a leader in providing bespoke physical security solutions to high-end clientele.
  • At New Wave Security Solutions, a leader in providing bespoke physical security solutions to high-end clientele, I serve as a Sr. Business Development Manager. I am deeply aligned with our core values—Honesty, Integrity, Awareness, and Hospitality—and am responsible for driving strategic growth and establishing long-term client relationships within a competitive and evolving market.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • Strategic Market Research & Sales Planning: Conducted in-depth market research to stay ahead of industry trends and competitive offerings, ensuring the identification of strategic selling opportunities and tailored solutions that align with clients' needs.
  • Business Pipeline & Lead Generation: Proactively built and maintained a strong pipeline through diverse methods including B2B sales, cold calling, networking events, and client site events, successfully expanding our reach and driving business growth.
  • Sales Execution & Negotiation: Utilized a results-driven approach to nurture client relationships, guiding them through the entire sales cycle—from initial engagement to contract negotiation and closing. Consistently achieved upsell opportunities and exceeded revenue targets.
  • Client Relationship Management: Fostered and maintained key relationships with clients through personalized service and white-glove hospitality, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
  • Event Planning & Networking: Designed and executed impactful client events, such as sporting events, business meals, and client appreciation activities, strengthening brand presence and forging deeper connections with current and potential clients.
  • Internal Collaboration: Worked closely with internal teams—such as Operations and HR—to streamline the sales process, ensuring smooth contract execution, seamless handoffs, and alignment across departments.
  • Sales Forecasting & KPI Management: Developed and tracked short-term and long-term sales goals, ensuring consistent performance in meeting individual, departmental, and organizational revenue targets.
  • Marketing Materials & Presentations: Created compelling marketing collateral, including pitch decks, sales presentations, and client communications, showcasing the company’s value and differentiating us in a competitive marketplace.

Apartment Locator

Vita Locators
10.2021 - 11.2023
  • Company Overview: As an Apartment Locator with a fast-paced real estate brokerage.
  • As an Apartment Locator with a fast-paced real estate brokerage, I guided clients through corporate relocation, senior living, and residential rental processes. I provided personalized, high-touch service while cultivating long-term relationships with a diverse portfolio of clients.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • Client Portfolio & Lead Generation: Managed a portfolio of 20–30 active clients, generating 10–15 new qualified leads weekly through self-driven marketing and word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Client Relationship Management: Delivered exceptional service by building rapport through 65% phone interactions and 30% in-person property tours, fostering trust and long-term client satisfaction.
  • Local Market Expertise: Acted as a local expert, offering tailored property recommendations based on client budgets, location preferences, and lifestyle needs.
  • Collaboration & Partnerships: Collaborated with community managers and property owners to negotiate promotions, commission agreements, and client incentives.
  • Content Creation & Virtual Engagement: Captured and shared high-quality content, such as photos and video tours, to streamline decision-making for clients engaging virtually.
  • Tools & Technology: Used CRM systems, Excel, and Google Docs for efficient client tracking, billing, and workflow management.

Apartment Locator

BrokerSmart City Locating
08.2020 - 10.2021
  • Company Overview: Focused on providing renters with exceptional service and market expertise.
  • Focused on providing renters with exceptional service and market expertise, I leveraged tech-savvy tools and local knowledge to help clients find ideal properties. I excelled in nurturing long-term client relationships while consistently meeting sales goals.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • Client Journey Management: Managed the complete client lifecycle, from initial outreach to lease signing, ensuring high-touch service and proactive communication throughout.
  • Customized Solutions: Delivered tailored apartment recommendations using market insights, competitive analysis, and familiarity with property trends to meet client needs.
  • Top Sales Performer: Ranked among the Top 10 out of 400+ agents nationwide, driven by outstanding service and strategic follow-up.
  • Sales Operations & CRM Tools: Utilized Salesforce, Smart Apartment Data, and Blink to manage pipelines, track conversion metrics, and support sales operations.
  • Consistent Results: Exceeded commission goals consistently by combining service-driven sales tactics with attention to detail and relentless follow-through.

Account Executive

Westword / V Digital Services
09.2019 - 03.2020
  • Company Overview: Developed and executed strategic digital marketing campaigns for small to mid-sized businesses.
  • Developed and executed strategic digital marketing campaigns for small to mid-sized businesses, driving brand visibility, lead generation, and revenue growth.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • Client Partnerships: Partnered with small to mid-sized businesses to craft tailored advertising strategies, using SEO, paid media, programmatic ads, and social media to meet business goals.
  • Business Development: Prospected and secured new business opportunities through cold outreach, local networking, and creative lead generation techniques.
  • Campaign Strategy & Execution: Created and presented customized proposals, translating complex digital marketing solutions into clear value for clients.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked with internal teams to launch and optimize campaigns, ensuring successful execution and maximizing ROI for clients.
  • Sales Tools & Metrics: Utilized Salesforce and Google tools to manage sales pipelines, track engagement, and inform campaign strategies.

Marketing & Sales Manager

Burton Snowboards
10.2018 - 04.2019
  • Company Overview: Led operations and sales in a high-traffic retail environment.
  • Led operations and sales in a high-traffic retail environment, focusing on brand storytelling, customer engagement, and operational excellence.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • Team Leadership & Performance: Oversaw daily floor operations and team performance, ensuring top-tier customer engagement and achieving store KPIs.
  • Local Marketing Strategies: Directed local marketing efforts, including event planning, social media, and brand partnerships, boosting in-store traffic and sales.
  • Community Engagement: Built strategic partnerships with local breweries, restaurants, and vendors to host community events and enhance brand visibility.
  • Customer-Centric Leadership: Mentored and coached team members on product knowledge and customer service, driving team success through a customer-first approach.

Floor Manager

Prana
04.2018 - 10.2018
  • Company Overview: Balanced team leadership and customer engagement to deliver an elevated brand experience on the sales floor.
  • Balanced team leadership and customer engagement to deliver an elevated brand experience on the sales floor.
  • Supervised retail operations and coached team members to meet sales goals and service standards.
  • Resolved customer concerns with professionalism and empathy, fostering trust and loyalty.
  • Led merchandising resets and supported inventory accuracy through cycle counts and back-of-house organization.
  • Played a key role in hiring, training, and motivating a high-performing sales team.

Education

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
01.2014

Skills

  • Strategic Sales Leadership & Forecasting
  • Creative Brand & Event Activation
  • High-Impact Account Management
  • Data-Driven Growth Strategies (Excel, Salesforce, SPS)
  • Cross-Team Collaboration & Communication
  • Go-to-Market Planning & Execution
  • EDI, SharePoint, and Operational Systems
  • Showroom Excellence & Customer Engagement
  • Pricing strategy
  • Key account management
  • Customer engagement
  • Territory management

Affiliations

  • AAMD Member

Interests

  • Camping
  • Rock Climbing (sport)
  • Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Hiking
  • Overlanding
  • Adventure Travel
  • Dirt Biking

Timeline

Sr. Business Development Manager

New Wave Security Solutions
12.2024 - Current

Apartment Locator

Vita Locators
10.2021 - 11.2023

Apartment Locator

BrokerSmart City Locating
08.2020 - 10.2021

Account Executive

Westword / V Digital Services
09.2019 - 03.2020

Marketing & Sales Manager

Burton Snowboards
10.2018 - 04.2019

Floor Manager

Prana
04.2018 - 10.2018

Colorado State University
Sara Benson