Tari Christians
Customer Service Representative
Champaign,IL
Summary
Motivated and experienced leader with over 20 years of experience in customer service, sales coordination, and team supervision, complemented by hands-on expertise in retail operations and merchandising. Proven track record in managing staff, overseeing daily operations, and maintaining exceptional standards of customer satisfaction and store presentation. Proficient in inventory management, reporting, and problem-solving within fast-paced environments, consistently committed to supporting business objectives while minimizing shrink and ensuring operational excellence. Recognized for flexibility, reliability, and a strong work ethic that fosters team success and drives organizational growth.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Manager
Royse & Brinkmeyer Apartments
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Managed leasing and renewals for multiple communities, demonstrating strong organizational and leadership skills.
- supervised property maintenance projects and coordinated with staff to ensure high standards of property condition.
- Conducted regular inspections, managed move-in/move-out processes, and ensured readiness of units, reflecting attention.
- Answers phones, sets appointments with leasing agents calendars.
- Developed community engagement programs to enhance resident satisfaction and foster a sense of belonging.
- Oversaw property maintenance schedules, ensuring timely responses to tenant requests and upkeep of facilities.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices for tenant relations and conflict resolution techniques.
- Analyzed resident feedback to identify improvement areas in services and amenities offered at properties.
- Led marketing initiatives to attract prospective residents, enhancing property visibility within the local market.
- Trained new staff members on effective use of digital tools for managing communications within the online community environment efficiently.
- Addressed and resolved tenant complaints and inquiries, maintaining high satisfaction.
- Managed social media channels effectively for improved brand visibility and increased audience interaction.
- Produced reports about community activities to keep owners, directors and property managers informed.
- Streamlined operations by communicating efficiently with clients, keeping meticulous records, budget management, and internal collaboration.
- Maintained knowledge on lease and renewal rates to advocate for appropriate changes.
- Facilitated open dialogue among community members by moderating discussions and addressing concerns in a timely manner.
- Worked with maintenance staff to complete timely repairs and enhancements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, optimizing marketing initiatives that supported community growth.
- Evaluated property conditions and recommended improvements.
- Organized and led monthly town-hall meetings to foster sense of community and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
- Conducted surveys to gauge community needs, using insights to guide development of new programs and services.
- Facilitated workshops on community management best practices, sharing knowledge and skills with emerging community leaders.
- Developed and managed budget for community projects, ensuring effective allocation of resources and financial sustainability.
- Collected and maintained careful records of rental payments and payment dates.
- Generated leads for sales and rental properties through cold calls and referrals.
- Maximized rental income while minimizing expenses through effective planning and control.
- Kept properties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Mechanical inspections, diagnosis if able, testing all electrical outlets
- Starting up air conditioners and furnaces, changing filters when needed
- Assist in the delivery of resident notices
Customer Service Representative
Vesuvius
04.2016 - 08.2022
- Developed and implemented new sales strategies to update product lines
- Developed long term partnerships with businesses
- Coordinated and finalized sales proposals
- Aided senior leadership during executive decision-making process, generating daily reports to recommend corrective actions and improvements.
- Reviewed operational records to prepare productivity reports and track customer volume and sales trends.
- Worked with production teams to assess, update and optimize delivery dates for customers.
- Resolved customer inquiries effectively, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
- Trained new team members on company policies and customer service protocols.
- Utilized CRM systems to document interactions and streamline communication processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address complex customer issues promptly.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
Receiving Clerk/ Assistant Merchandiser
Supervalu
01.2006 - 10.2015
- Managed a portfolio of 80+ stores as the primary contact with Supervalu
- Created weekly print ads for five different store groups in an eight state area
- Facilitated solutions between different departments for clients
- Monitored operations to identify potential problems in order to retain customer base
- Worked with IT department to set up sales reporting tools to manage the day to day sales reporting
- Prepared reports for all Inside Sales Specialist's individual sale
- Oversaw receipt and inspection of incoming merchandise for quality control and compliance.
Flight Simulator Company Buyer
Frasca International
12.1997 - 10.2005
- Negotiated prices to complete purchasing of all building and manufacturing supplies
- Performed all related duties as buyer of the company
- Performed inventory audits
Education
Associate of Applied Business - Accounting
Parkland College
Champaign, IL05.1986
Skills
- Leadership & Team Supervision
- Retail Operations & Merchandising
- Analytical & Detail-Oriented Work Approach
- Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
- Problem -Solving Abilities
- Report Creation & Sales Reporting
- Inventory management
- Customer Relations & Conflict mediation
- Technologically Savvy
- Office Equipment Proficiency
- Physical Stamina (able to lift up to 60 lbs and work flexible schedules)
Timeline
Community Manager
Royse & Brinkmeyer Apartments
01.2023 - 07.2025
Customer Service Representative
Vesuvius
04.2016 - 08.2022
Receiving Clerk/ Assistant Merchandiser
Supervalu
01.2006 - 10.2015
Flight Simulator Company Buyer
Frasca International
12.1997 - 10.2005
Associate of Applied Business - Accounting
Parkland College