James Blankenship
Blytheville
Summary
Goal-driven Sales Management professional bringing over 16 years of customer service/retail experience with over 10 years of effective leadership. I have knowledge of customer communications, customer and employee retention, and conflict resolution. Aiming to leverage my skills to successfully fill a leadership role with your company. Effective Leader Communication Customer Focused Efficient trainer Ability to perform under pressure Goal oriented Brand Representation
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
RSC(Retail Sales Consultant)
Prime Communications AT&T
Blytheville, AR
09.2024 - Current
- Advised clients on appropriate product selections based on their unique needs, ensuring optimal satisfaction levels upon purchase.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
- Provided sales and customer service assistance to walk-in traffic
- Developed long-lasting client relationships by consistently exceeding expectations with exceptional service.
- Directed team efforts to consistently achieve and exceed key performance metrics.
- Identified and capitalized on potential customer leads to drive sales growth.
Sales Manager
Dillards Department Store
Nashville, TN
09.2021 - 02.2023
- Maintained professional network of potential clients and business opportunities.
- Managed the kids department
- Performed opening and closing duties as part of management team and handled cash management.
- Supported shrinkage and safety awareness, reviewed sales and inventory data, identified trends and prepared reports for management.
- Kept department on-target to meet sales and profit objectives by minimizing waste and pursuing revenue generation opportunities.
- Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
- Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines.
- Executed targeted merchandising and promotional plans to meet department sales goals.
- Assigned tasks based on operational needs and individual strengths.
- Worked closely with sales associates to complete tasks.
District Territory Manager
Mobilelink Usa, Cricket
Chattanooga, Nashville, TN
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Promoted to territory manager within two years of being with the company
- Inherited a four store market that was under performing and completely under staffed
- Moved to a 6 store market after improving the four locations
- Managed up to 18 employees at one time
- Displayed leadership skills by leading all 10 locations in difficult conditions by developing professional skills and sharpening sales techniques
- Increased sales, kpi's (key performance indicators), and staffing dramatically within 5 months,
- Conduct rally calls to get the team excited and pumped for the day ahead
- During the morning rally call we go over previous day numbers and set smart goals on how to exceed performance from previous day
- In charge of full onboarding process
- Managing time cards for all employees
- Performing daily store visits to ensure stores and employees are in compliance to company policy
- Transfer inventory amongst all locations when needed
- Ordering necessary inventory
- Marketing and promoting business
Store Manager
Mobilelink Usa, Cricket Wireless
Blytheville, AR
10.2017 - 08.2019
- Responsible for hiring top tier talent
- Marketing and promoting business
- Employee development including coaching, training and holding sales reps accountable
- Inventory control
- Creating weekly schedule
- I worked directly with the district manager and sales team to drive and exceed sales goals
- I was able to increase sales and meet all required .quotas at three different locations within two years as a store manager
- I was chosen to travel to under performing markets to help train and develop new hires
- While there I was able to increase revenue and performance metrics.
Business Manager
AT&T
Blytheville, AR
06.2014 - 10.2017
- Floor manager duties included but not limited to supervising sales associates
- In charge of closing business accounts
- Exceeded monthly goal each month
- Conducting interviews
- Making schedules
- Driving sales
- Coaching and developing sales associates
- Training all new hires
- Conducting meeting
- Making sure the sales floor is compliant according to the floor plan
- Counting and receiving inventory.
Manager
Hibbett Sports
Blytheville, AR
05.2012 - 06.2014
- Duties included processing payroll
- Scheduling and assigning tasks to team players
- Managing cash drawer (making deposits, etc.)
- Conducting inventory (shoe count).
- Preparing the store for big shoe launches
- Conducting interviews
- Merchandising the sales floor and shoe wall
Customer Service Rep, Customer Service Manager, Sales Floor Associate
Walmart
Blytheville, AR
06.2004 - 05.2012
- (CSM) Duties included monitoring cashiers,
- Managing money for cashiers
- In charge of placement for cashier
- Completing returns Working on the sales floors when needed
- Merchandising the store
- Managed the lay-away program during the holidays
- First employee to be trusted in starting the pick up today program (an online shopping program for customers)
- Worked directly under the department manager in electronics as the lead sales associate
Education
University of Arkansas
Conway, AR01.2011
Blytheville High School
Blytheville, AR05.2004
Skills
- Effective Leader Communication
- Customer Focused
- Efficient trainer
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Goal oriented
- Brand Representation
- Employee supervision and motivation
- Risk management
References
REFERENCES: Chris Pratt Sales Director Mobilelink, St. Louis, MO (314)608-2949 Fiona Tucker, General
Manager Verizon Wireless, Little Rock, AR (870)278-5140 Ravin Thomas, District Manager Mobilelink (Cricket
Wireless) (622)820-2059 Eddie Yarbrough ASM Lowes Jonesboro AR (870)351-8032
Additional Information
- REFERENCES Completing returns Working on the sales floors when needed Merchandising the store Managed the lay-away program during the holidays First employee to be trusted in starting the pick up today program (an online shopping program for customers) Worked directly under the department manager in electronics as the lead sales associate.
Timeline
RSC(Retail Sales Consultant)
Prime Communications AT&T
09.2024 - Current
Sales Manager
Dillards Department Store
09.2021 - 02.2023
District Territory Manager
Mobilelink Usa, Cricket
09.2019 - 09.2021
Store Manager
Mobilelink Usa, Cricket Wireless
10.2017 - 08.2019
Business Manager
AT&T
06.2014 - 10.2017
Manager
Hibbett Sports
05.2012 - 06.2014
Customer Service Rep, Customer Service Manager, Sales Floor Associate
Walmart
06.2004 - 05.2012
University of Arkansas
Blytheville High School