Sarah Swenson
Huntley,USA
Summary
Dynamic business development manager with a proven track record at Montana Silversmiths, driving channel sales from $750K to over $2M. Expert in relationship development and lead generation, I excel in maximizing revenue through strategic initiatives and collaboration, surpassing goals while fostering strong client partnerships.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of New Business Development
Montana Silversmiths
Columbus, MT
01.2019 - Current
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities while fostering strong client relationships.
- Expanded casinos, travel centers, and gift accounts across U.S. through strategic outreach and collaboration with independent rep team.
- Directed growth initiatives and managed new accounts to maximize overall potential, including adding additional revenue streams with private label and genuine diamond collections.
- Tracked and analyzed sales performance of all channel accounts, collaborating with reps to resolve issues.
- Partnered with various departments for new account openings, engaging customers from tribal organizations to major retail chains.
- Increased channel sales from $750K to over $2M, significantly enhancing revenue and market presence.
National Accounts Manager
Swift Communications
Belle Fourche, SD
06.2005 - 12.2018
- Managed the organization's furthest region of the company with the least number of established accounts and performed full sales cycle duties, increasing annual sales by 30%.
- Presented engaging media packages and advertising options to prospects with a record setting success rate.
- Retained and ensured proper handling and care of 50 existing client accounts, while cultivating entirely new territory of more than 100 accounts.
- Prospected and cold-called customers to develop new sales leads with an 80% success rate.
- Surpassed sales goals by 10-40% in any given month, generating 30% in new business development during 2018 in National Accounts alone.
- Developed a local partnership with a shared goal to optimize revenue levels and increase brand awareness in this region, simultaneously building the national and regional account list.
- Provided an exemplary level of service to clients to maintain and extend the relationships for future business opportunities and repeat business year after year.
- Responsible for implementing all business-building and relationship-building expectations and discovering all new accounts to build a territory.
Associate Editor
Western Livestock Journal
Denver, CO
01.2000 - 06.2005
- Wrote 4-6 news stories per week for a national weekly platform within tight deadlines. News Stories were factually correct, concise, and engaging.
- Gathered and verified information regarding stories through interviews, observation, and research.
- Collaborated with team leadership and publisher on production decisions and worked as a liaison between the graphics and editorial teams to join the two worlds and produce the best possible product from the content and design combination.
- Networked with various industry leaders and experts to gather multiple perspectives on issues and strategize on making our publication the best in the industry.
- Conducted weekly layout and production of the publication, as well as quarterly layout, production and design of supplemental magazines.
Education
Business Management -
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COBusiness Administration -
Montana State University
Billings, MTAgriculture Business -
Northwest College
Powell, WYSkills
- Relationship development
- Account management
- Interpersonal communication
- Goal orientation
- Sales expertise
- Lead generation
- Budget awareness
- Pipeline oversight
- Creative strategy development
Affiliations Activities
- Former State President of Montana Cattlewomen, Vice President of Yellowstone Cattlewomen, Member of National CattleWomens, Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana AgriWomen.
- Involved with Montana High School Rodeo, Montana Youth Rodeo Association, Billings Saddle Club, National Saddle Club, National Little Britches Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Timeline
Manager of New Business Development
Montana Silversmiths
01.2019 - Current
National Accounts Manager
Swift Communications
06.2005 - 12.2018
Associate Editor
Western Livestock Journal
01.2000 - 06.2005
Business Management -
Colorado State University
Business Administration -
Montana State University
Agriculture Business -
Northwest College