Account Executive and Design Consultant
Posted on: 2016-04-10
KAREN S. SWANK, CTC, CDT, CSI, AIA/CEU Provider
312-451-3689, Chicago, IL
Email: [email protected]
http://www.linkedin.com/in/karensswank/
SUMMARY: Experienced sales and design professional who wants to utilize exceptional communication, collaboration, project management and organizational skills in a showroom/office atmosphere. Adept at relationship and consultative based sales.
TILE CONSULTANT
Ann Sacks Showroom – Chicago – IL 2014-Present
Responsible for recommendations, design and estimates of tile and stone for commercial and residential projects. Clients include trade professionals, designers and architects and homeowners. Role requires maintaining established clientele and developing new accounts.
ARCHITECTURAL SALES CONSULTANT
Custom Building Products/ Independent – Chicago, IL 2006 - 2014
Developed a six state client base of architects via cold calling, networking, researching industry trends and events. Created and conducted architectural presentations with originality while demonstrating resourcefulness and ability to convey technical information and recommend installation solutions to key decision makers, specifiers and contractors.
• Actively involved in professional organizations.
• Utilized CRM to monitor growth and provide systematic records.
• Created, registered and conducted certified American Institute of Architect presentations
• Award for Outstanding Service 2008
DESIGNER/PROJECT MANAGER
Expo Design Center – W. Bloomfield, MI 2002 - 2006
Designed, presented, specified, estimated, sold and managed luxury residential remodeling and design projects while adhering to rigorous corporate directives. Executed detailed demolition, electrical/HVAC, mill work and tile plans. Supervised and scheduled trades.
• Exceeded Sales goal producing $690,000 for 2004.
• 116% Over Goal for 2005
• Rated Top Kitchen Designer 2003
• Recognized for fostering and restoring client relationships.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Steiner Associates
1999 – 2004 (Part-time)
Produced architectural design drawings, contract documents and renderings for commercial and residential construction projects. Coordinated permit acquisition and construction management. Assisted with selections process.
• Projects included 12-21000 SF hospital renovation plans.
• Designed and drafted plans for commercial and residential projects.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/ PROJECT MANAGER
Account Executive/Project Manager 1996 - 1999
Negotiated and presented proposals, contracts with primary clients in advertising. Supervised execution of 800 to100,000 SF KNOLL systems furniture projects. Coordinated delivery and installation assuring compliance w/ architectural plans through to punch list.
• Promoted to team leader within first 6 months of employment.
• Credited with restoration of strategic business relationships.
DESIGNER/SHOWROOM MANAGER
Northpointe Design Group - Birmingham, MI 1984 – 1996
First point of contact for customers providing product and service information pre-qualified and distributed leads. Conceived and executed design plans for luxury kitchen remodels, collaborating with principals, architects, clients and installation crews. Field measured, prepared estimates and contracts, checked and coordinated delivery of materials, supervised and scheduled trades.
EDUCATION
Construction Documentation Technologist, Construction Specifications Institute of America
Certified Tile Consultant, Ceramic Tile Institute of America
American Institute of Architects CES Provider, Custom Building Products
Advanced Auto CAD for Architects, Lawrence Technological University
Associate of Science, Architectural Construction Technology, Henry Ford Community College
ORGANIZATIONS
Construction Specifications Institute of America – Chicago Chapter
Association of Licensed Architects – Midwest Chapter
American Institute of Architects – Chicago Chapter
Hobbies: Fine Artist, Actress, Spokesmodel, Singer, Sailor, Tennis/Golf Player, Oenophile, Cook, Upholsterer and soft home seamstress/designer.