Susan H. Sleeper
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dynamic sales professional with a proven track record in building strong client relationships and fostering trust. Adept at understanding and addressing customer needs through exceptional communication skills. A collaborative team player thriving in fast-paced environments, consistently delivering outstanding results by leveraging extensive knowledge of sales strategies and market trends. Expertise in key account management, strategic planning, contract negotiations, and client retention drives revenue growth while ensuring positive experiences for both clients and colleagues. Recognized for reliability and a results-driven approach, contributing to sustained business success through adaptability and effective problem-solving abilities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Key Account Sales Manager
Kennicott Brothers, Wholesale Florist
Doraville, GA
11.2025 - Current
- Develop and maintain customer relations and key accounts.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Conducted regular business reviews with clients, providing insights that drove revenue growth and strengthened partnerships.
- Managed a portfolio of key accounts, ensuring consistent revenue generation and customer satisfaction.
- Leveraged CRM software to track client interactions, forecast sales projections, and manage daily tasks efficiently.
- Negotiated contracts and pricing agreements with clients, securing long-term business partnerships.
- Monitored competitor activities closely, adapting strategies as needed to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities for existing accounts.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve service delivery efficiency.
Sales Specialist
Mayesh Wholesale Florist
Atlanta, GA
11.2023 - 11.2025
- Applied expertise in fresh cut floral products and design techniques to elevate customer experiences.
- Executed prompt follow-up on all inquiries from prospects and current clients.
- Cultivated new leads through proactive cold-calling, networking, and referral strategies.
- Developed and maintained robust connections with new clientele to support sustainable business growth.
- Conducted comprehensive research on color and design trends alongside competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions.
- Developed and implemented effective sales strategies to enhance product visibility and market presence.
- Facilitated teamwork with marketing departments to develop strategic promotional initiatives.
- Provided product training and support to new sales team members.
- Led cross-functional initiatives to enhance customer service delivery standards.
- Established rapport with customers and analyzed requirements to enhance product offerings and drive upselling opportunities.
- Demonstrated product features, answered questions and persuasively overcame objections.
- Analyzed customer preferences to adapt selling techniques and optimize product recommendations.
Inside Sales Representative
Collection Event Furnishings
Atlanta, GA
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Facilitated decor rental solutions to enhance the aesthetic appeal of weddings and corporate functions.
- Addressed and resolved customer inquiries regarding product offerings, service details, pricing structures, and availability.
- Crafted tailored proposals and budgets while designing custom site floor plans to meet client specifications.
- Utilized a consultative selling approach to identify customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Recognized upselling opportunities to enhance average sale size.
- Monitored competitor trends and market shifts to maintain company relevance.
- Attended industry events and conferences to attract potential customers, increase brand awareness and relationship building.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for informed decision-making during client interactions.
- Increased repeat business by fostering trust-based relationships with key accounts through regular communication.
- Analyzed market trends to provide tailored solutions for client needs.
- Cultivated relationships with clients to enhance customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Customer Service Call Center Representative
The Home Depot
Kennesaw, GA
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Honored with Homer Award for consistently demonstrating resilience and alignment with organizational core values.
- Employed innovative problem-solving techniques to resolve customer issues effectively.
- Cultivated robust customer relationships through proactive communication.
- Adhered to established protocols during customer interactions.
- Facilitated communication with carrier representatives to coordinate shipping and delivery arrangements.
- Managed escalated calls with professionalism by actively listening to customer needs and providing tailored solutions.
- Evaluated and analyzed relevant information to validate complaints and identify underlying causes.
- Resolved customer inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Provided product information and recommendations to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Maintained accurate documentation of customer interactions within CRM system to support ongoing relationship management.
- Collaborated with team members to improve service delivery and streamline operational workflows.
- Addressed distressed and dissatisfied customers through effective communication strategies to resolve issues.
General Manager and Assistant Buyer
Lovely Bride Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
06.2018 - 01.2021
- Oversaw daily management and strategic growth of Atlanta bridal salon to enhance customer experience.
- Elevated online customer service ratings through proactive engagement and support.
- Applied specialized knowledge to tailor modifications for accurate custom fit.
- Engaged with designer representatives to deepen product understanding and coordinate successful trunk show events.
- Facilitated procurement processes as assistant buyer for NYC Bridal Fashion Week.
- Managed all aspects of vendor orders to ensure timely shipping, accurate receiving, and adherence to quality standards.
- Facilitated coaching and mentoring initiatives to enhance employee development across all organizational levels.
- Created and managed staff work schedules to optimize team efficiency.
- Directed daily operations to maintain optimal inventory levels and streamline workflow management.
- Formulated and executed strategic marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing brand visibility and fostering customer engagement.
- Fostered vendor partnerships to negotiate contracts, ensuring advantageous terms and pricing.
- Analyzed industry trends and adapted business strategies to enhance competitive advantage.
- Developed and maintained strong partnerships with clients, vendors, and partners to enhance collaboration and ensure sustained loyalty.
Designer Wedding Gown Sales
Kelly’s Closet
Atlanta, GA
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Oversaw customer order lifecycle from initial concept through final delivery, maintaining strict compliance with timelines and financial parameters.
- Engaged with designer representatives to deepen product understanding and support successful trunk show initiatives.
- Mentored team members on effective sales strategies and operational procedures.
- Utilized expertise in designer line sheets and alteration practices to streamline design processes.
- Coordinated customer requests and seamstress feedback to deliver tailored alteration solutions.
- Applied comprehensive product expertise to advise clients on high-end merchandise selections, ensuring satisfaction and informed purchasing decisions.
- Developed and implemented visual merchandising techniques aimed at boosting store appeal and increasing foot traffic.
- Orchestrated high-profile events aimed at fostering client relationships and promoting new luxury collections.
- Processed transactions efficiently, ensuring accurate pricing and inventory management.
- Contributed to a clean, organized shop floor environment that facilitated seamless navigation for both staff members and clients.
- Conducted personal shopping consultations for high-profile clients, showcasing exclusivity and enhancing brand appeal.
- Boosted sales by providing exceptional customer service and product knowledge in the luxury fashion sector.
Catering Sales Director
Sun in my Belly Restaurant
US
07.2009 - 04.2015
- Created and managed a variety of catering packages to meet customer needs.
- Provided training and guidance to team members on best practices for customer service excellence when dealing with clients at events.
- Planned and organized catered events according to client specifications while meeting budgetary constraints.
- Ensured compliance with health codes, safety standards, and other regulations governing foodservice operations.
- Represented company at trade association meetings to promote products and increase brand visibility.
- Collaborated with culinary team to design customized menus that align with client preferences and dietary needs.
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, optimizing resource allocation and workflow efficiencies.
- Managed client relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery and satisfaction throughout event planning processes.
- Booked event facilities and coordinated set up and break down of both dining and kitchen areas.
- Expanded market presence by attending industry conferences and networking events, forging valuable connections within the field.
- Conducted site visits with potential clients, showcasing venue features and discussing customization options.
- Responded to initial inquiries, coordinating facility tours and food sampling.
- Managed budgets for multiple events, consistently meeting or exceeding financial targets while maintaining quality standards.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, securing favorable terms that maximized profitability for the company.
- Supervised catering staff to reinforce adherence to organizational policies and safety regulations.
Event Decor Sales & Floral Designer
Bold American
US
08.2008 - 07.2009
- Advised customers on the best choices for their particular event or occasion based on budget, style preferences and availability of materials.
- Designed, arranged and created floral designs for various events such as weddings, funerals, corporate events, and birthdays.
- Produced detailed invoices for each customer detailing all charges related to their order.
- Met with and interviewed clients to interpret vision and create floral arrangements based on needs.
- Utilized knowledge of various flower types to create unique arrangements according to customer specifications or personal preferences.
- Ordered and purchased flowers and supplies from wholesalers and growers.
- Performed office and retail service duties, such as keeping financial records, serving customers, answering telephones, selling items, and receiving payment.
- Collaborated with event planners, wedding coordinators and other vendors to create the perfect floral designs for each event.
- Decorated buildings, halls, churches and other facilities for parties, weddings, and other occasions.
- Designed innovative floral arrangements for various events, enhancing visual appeal and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with clients to understand design preferences, ensuring customized solutions that meet expectations.
- Managed inventory of flowers and supplies, optimizing stock levels to reduce waste and ensure freshness.
- Oversaw project timelines and logistics for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
- Established strong vendor relationships, negotiating favorable terms for flower procurement and supply management.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences.
- Transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions, comprising weddings, funerals, and banquets.
- Adapted quickly to changing trends in the floral industry, acquiring new skills as needed to effectively serve diverse client needs.
- Researched latest design trends, colors, and vendor products for use in new pieces.
- Consulted with clientele to discuss special occasion floral designs for weddings, funerals, and other events.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for large-scale orders, coordinating logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation of arrangements.
- Maintained detailed records of client consultations, design specifications, order details, and invoicing information for seamless communication across the team.
- Participated in community events, representing shop and expanding local network and potential clientele.
Skills
- Client relationship building
- Vendor relationship management
- Key account management
- Consultative sales
- Upselling and cross selling
- Contract negotiations
- Sales lifecycle management
- Problem-solving
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Sales operations
- CRM proficiency
AWARDS
- 2021- Honored with Homer Award for consistently demonstrating resilience and alignment with organizational core values at The Home Depot
- N.A.C.E. (National Association of Catering Executives) Award, 2008, Best Floral Design
- N.A.C.E. (National Association of Catering Executives) Award,2007, Best Floral Design
Timeline
Key Account Sales Manager
Kennicott Brothers, Wholesale Florist
11.2025 - Current
Sales Specialist
Mayesh Wholesale Florist
11.2023 - 11.2025
Inside Sales Representative
Collection Event Furnishings
11.2021 - 05.2023
Customer Service Call Center Representative
The Home Depot
06.2020 - 07.2021
General Manager and Assistant Buyer
Lovely Bride Atlanta
06.2018 - 01.2021
Designer Wedding Gown Sales
Kelly’s Closet
08.2016 - 05.2018
Catering Sales Director
Sun in my Belly Restaurant
07.2009 - 04.2015
Event Decor Sales & Floral Designer
Bold American
08.2008 - 07.2009