GAIL L.

DEGNER
W160 S7240 Daisy Drive, Muskego, WI 53150 (414) 422-1535
gd82d374@westpost.net
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QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
* Dynamic and dedicated self-starter with diverse experience in the fields of m
arketing, marketing research, sales, sales promotion, training and purchasing.
* Can-do attitude and collaborative team player; open to new opportunities and
eager to make a long-term commitment.
* High emphasis placed on customer satisfaction, building and retaining relatio
nships, providing quality results, and meeting deadlines.
* Software experience in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet & SalesLogix
Proven abilities in the following:
* Problem Solving & Analysis * Sales & Marketing
* Primary & Secondary Research * Purchasing & Negotiations
* Time Management & Organization * Coaching & Counseling
* Training and Mentoring * Questionnaire Design
* Oral & Written Communications

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2006 to June 2009
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company a" Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Systems & Project Specialist (2008 a" 2009)
* Provided operational and problem resolution support to internal
business clients experiencing difficulty inputting new ULife policies
into the Universal Life system.
Product Training Specialist (2006 a" 2008)
* Planned, created, and delivered new life product training to
internal communication representatives.
* Introduced and incorporated additional training strategies to stimulate the le
arneras
interest and understanding of the new ULife product.
Achievement a" 98% of surveyed communication reps indicated that
incorporating varied learning strategies was beneficial to their
understanding of the new ULife product.

2005 to 2006
Jerry Miller American Family Insurance Agency - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Licensed Agency Sales & Marketing Specialist (part time)
* Introduced and executed promotional strategies to increase agency
exposure and insurance sales.
* Answered phones, explained products, addressed client questions, and
interacted closely with underwriting department of home office.
Achievement a" Health and Life insurance production of agency increased due to m
arketing and sales efforts.

GAIL L. DEGNER Page 2

2003 to 2007
Coldwater Creek - Milwaukee Wisconsin
Sales Associate (part-time)
* Provided personalized assistance to customers seeking ready-to-wear and
accessories.
Achievement a" Recipient of two selling star awards for superior
performance in sales and service; recipient of stock option award
for exemplary customer service.

1999 to 2002
Runzheimer International a" Rochester, Wisconsin
Market Research Analyst and Trainer
* Revised and managed annual customer satisfaction survey process.
* Conducted market research and business intelligence, interpreted
findings and communicated results and recommendations in written and
presentation formats to executive team.
* Collaborated with HR Specialist to design, launch and present aTrain
the Trainera program to employees.
* Mentored and coached marketing research interns.
Achievement - Revised annual customer satisfaction survey process
resulting in a combined 22% increase of customer responses in
2001 and 2002.

1998 to 1999
Fortis Long Term Care (subsidiary of Fortis) a" Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Market Research Analyst
* Conducted primary and secondary research covering long term care
pricing, plan provisions, and competition. Fortis Long Term Care was
sold to John Hancock early 2000.

1986 to 1998
Fortis Health (now Assurant) a" Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Market Research/Competitive Intelligence Specialist (1997 to 1998)
* Researched, analyzed, and presented competitor product, rate and market
information in report and presentation format to senior management.
Achievement - Competitive intelligence efforts contributed to developing new sal
es strategies resulting in health insurance sales growth of 15% in 1998.

Market Research Coordinator, Specialty Products (1996 to 1997)

* Provided qualitative and quantitative marketing research services to
support the business and market development objectives of the Specialty
Products Division of Fortis Health.

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Specialty Products Sales Promotion Representative (1993 to 1996)
* Provided marketing and sales training and support to licensed field agents wit
hin a 32 state territory.
* Collaborated with team to create campaigns and special advertising.
* Responsible for manning trade shows, overseeing direct mailings, editing and
printing of sales brochures.
Achievement - Met goals and received distinguished performance
rating for developing new agents into specialists.

Unit Leader/Buyer (1986 to 1993)

* Hired, trained and supervised purchasing staff of three.
* Bought and negotiated supplies, services and equipment for company.
* Managed a fleet of 130 company vehicles.
Achievements:
* Introduced and replaced costly on-site warehousing of office
supplies with just-in-time stockless program; negotiated a 52%
discount on 90% of items listed in office supply catalog.
* Revised fleet operations and policies; authored first company
fleet procedure manual.
* Sourced and selected new fleet vendor resulting in
a substantial reduction of capital outlay for new vehicles.

1986 and prior

VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Purchasing Agent and Expediter
* In accordance with government procurement regulations, purchased a
variety of medical supplies, services and equipment for one of the
largest VA Medical Centers in the nation.
Achievement - Decreased delivery delinquency ratio by 50%.
Administrative Assistant to Chief of the Rheumatology Program
* Provided administrative support to the Chief of Rheumatology and
supporting medical staff; processed patients through the clinic.
Achievement - Recipient of Superior Performance Award for
outstanding contribution to the improvement of operations of the
Pilot Rheumatology Program and clinic.

MILITARY
U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Yeoman E-3 and Station Keeper, Honorable
Discharge 1990.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Animal Care Volunteer for Wildlife in Need Center, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

EDUCATION
* B.A. in Business & Management, Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
* Insurance Courses: LOMA I & II,& Life and Health Insurance Marketing.
* Certificate Courses in Qualitative and Quantitative Market Research,
Alverno College.
* Various business-related continuing education courses.