Thomas Leist
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Dynamic, client-focused professional with a robust background in B2B sales, eager to transition into a customer success role by leveraging a consultative and relationship-driven selling approach. Proven ability to drive revenue by synthesizing customer needs and identifying growth opportunities through strategic partnerships. Committed to fostering long-term client relationships that enhance satisfaction and loyalty while delivering tailored solutions. Passionate about empowering clients to achieve their goals and maximize the value of their investments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
District Manager
ADP
Chicago, IL
05.2025 - Current
- Executed lead generation strategies and fostered partner collaboration throughout end-to-end sales cycle.
- Manage a territory of 200+ current small business clients and self-generate new clients within that territory
- Consult with clients as their primary point of contact to ensure legislative compliance, operational efficiency, and satisfaction with their payroll and workforce administration
- Synthesize clients’ pain points and business goals to problem-solve for anticipated needs, create tailored success plans, and uncover upsell opportunities
- Developed partnerships with local accountants and consultants to strengthen network and deliver strategic insights for sales growth.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with service and implementation teams to ensure successful client onboarding and retention
- Surpassed deadlines for client business initiatives and internal sales benchmarks.
Business Development Representative
ADP
Louisville, KY
07.2023 - 05.2025
- Implemented strategic cold outreach initiatives targeting small, mid-sized, and large businesses through phone calls, emails, and LinkedIn.
- Established strong, collaborative relationships with other internal partners to drive quality lead generation
- Fostered skills in profiling, relationship-building, and objection-handling in business development
- Drove successful outcomes by setting 163% of meeting quotas and facilitating 100% advancement to sales stage in Q1 of fiscal 2025.
Communication Department Fellow
Denison University
Granville, OH
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Promoted communication department's value to teaching candidates and other audiences to enhance awareness and support.
- Assisted faculty with research and teaching by compiling course materials and conducting literature reviews/bibliographies
- Partnered with communication department colleagues to enhance departmental visibility among the student body.
- Provided guidance to peers in navigating communication major requirements to enhance academic success.
Student Ambassador
CIEE Study Abroad
Granville, OH
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed and executed social media strategies and student functions to promote CIEE Study Abroad and increase brand awareness.
- Spearheaded collaboration with Denison University’s Off-Campus Study Office and CIEE to orchestrate campus-wide events.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Minor in Spanish
Denison University
Granville, Ohio05-2023
Skills
- Spanish language fluency
- Skilled in CRM and sales tools including Salesforce, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and ZoomInfo
- Experienced with Microsoft Teams, Excel, Google Suite, and Slack
- Experience engaging audiences
- Customer service
- Interpersonal communication
- Compliance monitoring
- Client relationship building
- Lead generation
- Problem-solving
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Men’s Rugby Club, Denison University
President /Captain Apr. 2021-May 2023
- Rebuilt a team that lost almost all of its involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Led my fellow teammates, both as a player on the field and as a source of support and guidance off the field
- Interviewed and approved the hiring of a new coach for the team
- Coordinated with Denison’s director of club sports to manage logistics such as rosters, travel, and registration for matches
Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Denison University Jan. 2021-Nov. 2021
Executive Board
- Served as a representative to help plan philanthropy and other events within the organization
Timeline
District Manager
ADP
05.2025 - Current
Business Development Representative
ADP
07.2023 - 05.2025
Communication Department Fellow
Denison University
09.2022 - 05.2023
Student Ambassador
CIEE Study Abroad
09.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Minor in Spanish
Denison University
RELEVANT ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
- Language Immersion in Sevilla, Spain: CIEE Seville: Communication, New Media + Journalism Spanish Jan. 2022-May 2022
- Journalism article (profile): “Diego Ojeda: a Teacher of Language and Life”
HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Dean’s List, Denison University May 2021, Dec. 2022
- Recognized for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher
Lambda Pi Eta Honors Communication Society, Denison University Mar. 2022
- Recognized for scholastic achievement in communication studies and community involvement
Harold Titus Award in Social and Political Philosophy, Denison University May 2023
- Recognized for outstanding critical analysis of philosophical topics in the realm of law