VALERIE KESSLER
Limerick,Maine
Summary
Dynamic sales professional with extensive experience in consultative and solution selling, excelling in closing deals and cultivating lasting customer relationships. Proven track record of enhancing productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction through effective decision-making and communication skills. Adept at managing all facets of business operations, including financial oversight and strategic planning, while employing innovative leadership techniques to boost team performance. Highly adaptable and analytical, with proficiency in CRM systems such as Sage Pro, Sales Logix, and Salesforce. Committed to driving business growth and delivering exceptional service.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Jeremiah Mason House Bed and Breakfast
Limerick, ME
10.2019 - Current
- Managed daily operations of bed and breakfast, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to enhance property visibility and attract clientele.
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, expense tracking, and revenue generation initiatives.
- Trained and supervised staff, fostering a collaborative environment to deliver high-quality service.
- Averaged reservations of 290 - 360 per year in the 6 years of ownership.
- Increased revenue by $43,000 in the first 2 years of ownership after COVID.
Sr. Residential Sales Consultant
Caesarstone US
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
01.2016 - 09.2019
- Territory Sales Representative who works remotely from home and travel in given Florida territory. Promoted to Sr. Residential Sales Consultant/Hybrid. Responsible for cultivating and developing business relationships within both the residential and commercial market.
- Partners with Colleagues in Research/solicitation for New Business Development.
- Develop and execute comprehensive customer/sales plans to drive business growth.
- Increased Sales by 104% between 2016 and 2019.
- Achieved Overachiever status for years 2017 and 2018.
- Actively identify sales prospects and follow-through to secure new business.
- Successfully negotiates sales contracts and cultivated business relationships with major accounts including Developers, General Contractors and Builders, Fabricators and Retail Kitchen and Bath Stores.
- Mentors sales team in all aspects of the sales process, including training and coaching in prospecting, customers relationships, and developing winning business proposals.
- Caesarstone US is a leading developer and manufacturer of premium quartz surfaces. Recognized as top performer with Territory growth of $2.8 Million in sales.
- REMOTE POSITION
West Coast Account Manager
Jotul North America
Gorham, ME
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Account Manager in charge of business growth with west coast businesses. Territory includes all west coast and NM, TX, OK, AR, LA, KY, WV, OH, PA, AK, HI.
- Responsible for managing 3 distributors, 168 direct dealers.
- Worked with 4 territory sales reps.
- Performed all inside sales responsibilities including, order expediting, technical support, damage claims, and returns, locating difficult to find units, warranty assistance, and data entry.
- Awarded Employee of the month for July 2011
- Communicated new product and service opportunities, special developments and programs to clients.
- Norwegian owned manufacturer of free-standing cast-iron wood and gas stoves, wood and gas inserts and gas fireplaces.
Business Consultant
Worksource
Austin, TX
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Consultant for individual job seekers and sell their strengths and attributes to local employers. Challenged to think “outside the box” to gain employer’s attention and desire to hire selected personnel.
- Noted for consistently exceeding goals. Placed 200 residents with a single employer including a challenging 64 who were previously on some form of governmental financial assistance.
- Gained community awareness and additional placements by planning organizing and conducting a multi-employer job fair with more than 60 employers and 1000 job seekers. The event resulted in 250 immediate hires the same day.
- Non-profit agency contracted by Travis County to provide job assistance and consulting services for local employers, community, and professional groups. Career Center that assisted job seekers in finding employment opportunities.
Education
BS - Human Services and Administration
Springfield College
Springfield, MA05-1992
Skills
- Operations management
- Hiring
- Business planning
- Staff training and development
- Sales negotiation
- Personnel management
- Inventory management
- Relationship management
- Client relationship management
- Strong work ethic
- Decision-making
- Dependable and reliable
- Customer-oriented
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Strategic planning
- Payroll processing
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Jeremiah Mason House Bed and Breakfast
10.2019 - Current
Sr. Residential Sales Consultant
Caesarstone US
01.2016 - 09.2019
West Coast Account Manager
Jotul North America
01.2008 - 01.2015
Business Consultant
Worksource
01.2005 - 01.2007
BS - Human Services and Administration
Springfield College