Madison, Wisconsin, United States
I love leading businesses to success by inspiring others to work together. I believe that leading by example and going above and beyond to make sure all of my coworkers and employees feel their voices can be heard is the best way to achieve a harmonious work environment. Happy people leads to good work, and good work leads to successful and integrous business - plus success is the most satisfying to me when achieved together. Another component of business leadership that I greatly value is managing projects. I find great satisfaction in owning a project from its inception to its completion and watching all of the moving parts come together. Sometimes this includes problems solving as well. I love to find out what stands in the way of efficiency or our goal, and then coming up with solutions to the problem and seeing how the team thrives once the problem is solved. Beyond the office, the environment is a top priority for me. I recently adopted a cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy, and we greatly value our crisp walks by the ocean; I want to make sure I take any extra measures I can to protect them. I'm known for always having stainless steel straws with me and encouraging others to recycle their doughnut containers.
Oversee all aspects of the business. Grow business top and bottom line by analyzing and improving effectiveness of sales efforts and marketing materials. Direct and proof communications and marketing projects. Keep the website updated and stylized. Hire and train new employees and contractors. Supervise and train field representatives. Maintain company sales and pricing data. Analyze sales and marketing efforts to improve effectiveness. Cold call and introduce new accounts to Laura Crawford, Inc. products. Call existing customers for reorders. Enter and track orders. Manage project timelines and deadlines for all employees and owners company-wide. Submit product to large chains on a submission calendar for approval. Negotiate contracts with new vendors and contract amendments and addendums with existing vendors. Manage all customer service issues. Consult with vendors to improve their product placement and sales. Manage cash flow and oversee all accounting functions, including payroll, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and investment. Coordinate company participation and attend Natural Products Expo East, Expo West, NCG Convergence. Coordinate company participation in trade shows Pharmaca Vendor Expo and EarthFare Vendor Summit. Attend NY Now, Las Vegas Gift Show, and the Chicago Housewares show to stay updated on the latest market trends.
Strengthened Laura Crawford, Inc.'s brand as a natural products sales, marketing, and consulting agency to strengthen the company's bargaining power. Collaborated with the owner to negotiate contracts with new vendors and update outdated contracts with existing vendors. Oversaw creation of all marketing materials, updates to company data, customer service activity, and vendor appraisal. Coordinated and attended 3 trade shows per year. Reconciled sales reports for over 30 vendors monthly and collect commissions. Continued to oversee 4 other employees and ensure timely completion of tasks and achievement of sales goals past the $1,500,000 of sales and 30% growth achieved in 2018.
Managed an office of 5 employees, ensuring prioritization, quality of work, employee satisfaction, and professional growth. Hired and assisted in the training of a new sales rep. Systematized the office including creating a schedule, creating office policies, and creating training materials for vendors and new employees. Collaborated with the sales manager to meet over $1,500,000 worth of sales goals and grow more than 30% so far in 2018. Engaged in sales activities such as creating newsletters and procuring sales over the phone and by email.