Wendell Thompson

2223 Oregon Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63104
Phone: 314-422-1068
E-mail: wtb8ef54@westpost.net
Successful sales professional with expertise in business development and custome
r partnerships. Possess effective presentation skills and the ability to develo
p and execute business plans to maximize volume and market share. Strong organi
zational ability to multitask, self-motivate, and transmit high integrity.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BROWN SHOE DIVISION, NATURALIZER - St. Louis, Missouri - Manufacturer of Shoes
2007-Present
Sales Specialist of Inside Sales
* Support Account Executives
* Track orders for over 600 accounts and support 3 Account Executives /27 Stat
es
* #1 in Spring/Summer Order Drive
* Process new account information and review reports
* Assure high levels of service
* Assures order/shipment goals are met and exceeded
Store Manager
* Oversee Sales Operation of a 2 million dollar retail store
* Manage in 4 store locations
* Direct sales operations
* Provide superior service
* Assist customers select merchandise
* Open high-volume location (Brentwood, Missouri)
CONVERSE - North Andover, Massachusetts - Manufacturer of Footwear and Apparel
2005-2007
Key Account Executive
* Oversee Sales in 7 states, included Federated (Macy's), Dillard's and Von Maur
* Analyze sales
* Present lines to Buyers
* Opened three above accounts
* Send selling highlights to Buyers making callouts and recommendations
* Execute and identify product strategies and opportunities
* Work with Product Managers to develop accurate seasonal assortments and foreca
sts.
* Use financial data to maximize account profitability
SYRATECH- Boston, Massachusetts - Manufacturer of Metals (Flatware and Giftware)
2004-2005
Account Executive
* Oversee Sales in 5 states, included Marshall Fields, Famous Barr, Shop NBC, Ta
rget, Fingerhut, Sportsman's Guide and Specialty Stores
* Analyze sales, present lines to Buyers
* Ensure compliance with Company goals and overall business growth objectives
* Review and communicate any out of stock issues on replenishment items
* Increase sales by 13%
* Open 2 key accounts (Pamida, Gordmans)
LENOX/DANSK - Lawrenceville, New Jersey - Manufacturer of China, Crystal and Met
als
2000-2003
District Sales Manager
* Oversee sales in 4 states, included Famous Barr, Dillard's and Specialty Store
s (7.8 million dollar territory)
* Manage and control advertising budget
* Motivate and manage 5 District Sales Assistants
* Achieve Quota at 106% and opened 4 specialty accounts in first year
* Meet with buyers and Divisional Merchandise Managers
* Develop and implement planograms and assortment plans
SAMSONITE CORPORATION - Denver, Colorado - Manufacturer of Samsonite, American T
ourister and Lark luggage 1986 - 2000
Corporate Key Account Manager
* Oversee sales in a $19.0 million territory; including May Company
* Carry out the company objectives and initiatives
* Work with May Company Corporate Buyer and DMM on a division level
* Develop and implement marketing strategies to achieve successful sales
* Analyze product analysis to make ensure optimal selling skus
* Improve markdown exposure
District Sales Manager
* Oversee sales in an $8.5 Million territory including 4 states
* Provide feedback to production and shipping departments
* Improve customer service
* Open a major mass merchant account
* Sell to buying offices (Famous Barr, Dillard's St. Louis and Dillard's Little
Rock)
* Coordinate, supervise, and manage sales and service representatives
* Gather retail sales, turn, and gross margin monthly
District Sales Representative
* Oversee sales in a $2.5 Million territory including 4 states
* Increase sales volume by 48%
* Sell to department, specialty, catalog showrooms and mass merchants
* Control return goods/markdowns below company/region average (consistently in t
op 10)
* Conduct seasonal business plans/promotions with Buyers, Divisional Merchandise
Managers and General Merchandise Managers
* Participate in local television spot
Sales & Service Representative
* Create displays
* Conduct clinics for store associates
* Creating in-store merchandising displays
* Manage inventory

EDUCATION
JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY - Providence, Rhode Island
B.S. in Business Management and A.S. in Marketing