Karla LeBlanc

4510 Pleasant Lakes Dr.

Kent, OH 44240
330-677-2297
klba40f2@westpost.net
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER / SALES MANAGER
Professional account manager, business developer, and sales
administrator with a proven track record of over 15 years, in
both the retail and wholesale markets, for increasing revenue and
building company business. Strong strategic thinker focused on
meeting sales goals and consistently achieving high levels of
performance and productivity resulting in increased
responsibility. Experienced in building strong loyal
relationships and excels in problem solving and providing
superior customer service. Earned reputation among both
customers and company associates for being a valued and
respected resource for both sales and corporate support.
Experienced in product merchandising and business marketing and
promotions.
Key skills include:
* Account Management / Relationship Selling
* Business Development
* Product and Program Sales
* Project Management
* Administration
* Sales Promotion and Marketing
* Training and Development
* Sales Analysis
* Merchandising
* Microsoft Office Suite Applications
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Diebold, Inc. - North Canton, OH
2010
A 150 year old company providing self-service banking products,
security systems, and service plans with more than 16,000
employees in 90 countries worldwide; reported total annual
revenue of $2.7 billion.
Regional Service Support Representative
Partnered with field sales teams to enhance revenue growth and
provide sales support to foster customer satisfaction in
assigned sales territory covering Ohio, Kentucky, and southern
Illinois.
* Generated new revenue by upgrading current service account
contracts and ensuring appropriate pricing uplifts at time of
contract renewal.
* Determined new revenue prospects by reviewing customer
equipment and capturing opportunities to provide service for new
equipment or equipment previously covered by a competitor's
service agreement.
* Created pricing proposals for new service contracts and ad hoc
reports to support sales presentations to clearly demonstrate
the value of services being proposed or renewed.
* Supported the sales process by overseeing new account set-up
and coordinating customer follow up to complete pending
proposals and ratify outstanding service agreement documents.
The Robert Allen Group - Kent, OH
1997 - 2008
A 77 year old global distributor of textiles and high-end home
furnishings company based in New York, NY with 600 employees in
60 countries and $242 million in annual revenue.
Sr. Manager, Sales and Administration (Key Accounts Manager)
2003 - 2008
Directly responsible for the sales growth and corporate support
of a $20 million distribution network of 42 independently owned
dealer accounts, representing company branded products in 28
states.
* Increased sales for overall distribution network by 66% from
1999 to 2008 through existing account sales growth, program
improvements, and new opportunity development.
* Teamed with 5 Regional Sales Directors to manage 42 dealer
accounts with regular communications and on-site visits,
resulting in strong and confident B2B relationships and customer
loyalty.
* Analyzed sales reports, new and existing territory conditions,
and competitive offerings to create action plans for individual
accounts to optimize market share, performance, and new sales
growth opportunities.
* Implemented the execution and conversion of all dealer accounts
to a new incentive-based compensation program resulting in the
elimination of the company's financial exposure with large dealer
credit limits, the creation of "protected" territories, an
increase in the company's direct exposure to the end customer,
and the creation of a highly successful and coveted program for
company dealers.
* Worked directly with General Counsel to develop a new dealer
sales contract which became the model for all company sales team
agreements, eliminated individual "deals" and unified all dealers
under one compensation plan, and created clear expectations for
program performance.
* Developed launch and sales program recommendations for 4 new
lines of business which were accepted by the executive team and
resulted in a universal program and compensation plan for the
dealer accounts.
* Implemented 4-6 new seasonal product launches per year,
developed and tracked progress of 40-45 promotional
opportunities, trade shows, and incentive programs for dealer
accounts per year, and worked with marketing department staff to
create supporting collateral and product literature.
Sales Manager, Agent Showroom Dealers
2001 - 2003
Directly responsible for the revenue growth, development, and
corporate support of 38 new and existing wholesale dealer
accounts nationwide and in Australia
* Qualified new dealer prospects by researching need, location,
market potential, and financial stability of dealer prospect to
expand national presence and penetrate new markets.
* Managed sales growth and distribution logistics of an $850
thousand (annual) Australian dealer account and his subsidiaries
resulting in 17% increase in business in 2 years.
* Managed all aspects and physical logistics of every new dealer
opening including $100 thousand worth of company product
investment and a 6 member installation team for a week's time to
ensure adherence to proper merchandising plans, overall brand
identity, and on time installation.
* Designed and conducted sales and product training sessions for
both individual accounts in small groups of 3-5 people and for
large groups of 30 or more people at national sales meetings.
* Trouble shot escalated customer product order and shipment
issues for both domestic and Australian customers by leveraging
knowledge of systems and contacts to expedite delivery and ensure
customer satisfaction.
Agent Showroom Coordinator
1999 - 2001
Provided direct administrative and operational support to
dealers, sales representatives, and corporate management to
generate revenue and build relationships with dealer accounts.
* Liaised between 35 dealers and all internal company departments
to coordinate promotional activities, solve problems, and
expedite special orders for dealer accounts.
* Prepared and processed weekly sales communications, product
updates, and monthly sales report distributions to dealer
accounts.
* Researched information and prepared customized Excel reports
for sales directors and senior management to determine sales
strategies and action plans for increasing revenue with dealer
accounts.
* Initiated recommendations for department improvements to create
efficiencies and streamline workflows.
Corporate Showroom Manager
1997 - 1999
Managed wholesale to the trade showroom and 4 direct reports
selling all company branded products.
* Successfully attained company sales quotas. Received national
sales award for exceeding showroom sales goals.
* Planned and executed monthly showroom promotional opportunities
and merchandising plans to maximize sales and generate new sales
leads.
* Recognized by my superiors for management and training
abilities - asked to train new Corporate Showroom Managers in
Seattle, Chicago, and Detroit.
Norwalk Furniture Corporation,
dba, Norwalk the Furniture Idea - Strongsville, OH
1996 - 1997
An industry leading manufacturer of custom ordered upholstered
furniture with more than 300 retail locations nationwide.
Retail Sales Associate
Sold company branded custom ordered upholstered furniture and
home furnishings products.
* Provided in-home interior design service and performed sales
presentations for clients.
* Consistently listed among Norwalk Furniture's Top 50 Sales
Associates nationwide.
* Won 1996 Top Sales Award and trip to 1997 National Sales
Conference in New Orleans.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, University of Akron, Akron, OH
Continuing Education - Sales Management Courses:
Customer Loyalty, The Disney Institute, Orlando, FL
Leadership Practices, The University of Rhode Island,
Providence, RI