Stephanie Fishel
Sales Director/Director of Business Development
Summary
Calling myself a “sales rep” is too ordinary. And that’s not me. Nor does it accurately reflect the pro-active strategic thinking and ongoing client relationships that result in my helping others to build brands and businesses.
I excel at solving other people’s problems.
Having worked within the design trade for more than 10 years, I know my way around the Merchandise Mart as well as any other showroom, industry tradeshow, or other high-pressure situation you throw at me. In my personal life, I’m an advocate for justice and community. It's my belief that good citizens build good companies. To me, it doesn’t matter what I am selling or where as long as there is alignment with the people behind the product, the project or the plan.
It’s all about the relationships. Together we can make great things happen.
Experience
Sales Director/Business Development
Anacara Co. / Chicago, IL
Wholesale outdoor furniture manufacturer serving residential and commercial clients.
- Hired to lead all sales activities for one manufacturer to the residential design trade.
- Grew trade customer base beyond residential interior designers to include retail dealers, landscape architects, contract designers, hospitality and country clubs.
- Expanded from a single line to 13 exterior lines. Positioned Anacara Co. as a “one stop shop” concept , making it the go to resource for exterior projects.
- Consistently increased annual sales by >10% each year.
- Oversee operations, including sales, marketing, business development and growth, for five high-end showrooms.
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plan to attract new clients through networking, cold calls and showroom and on-site presentations.
- Analyze and forecast revenue projections for each fiscal year; consistently exceeded monthly sales goals.
- Oversee three major trade shows and multiple events annually
- Manage showroom sales associates; hire and supervise temporary staff for tradeshows and events.
- Created and implemented marketing campaigns including direct mail, online, public relations, social media, events and advertising.
- Implemented a new invoicing system for all sales orders and a new client database resulting in more effective prospect and lead follow up and improved client order management.
Owner
Earthly Things / Chicago, IL
Wholesale gift and accessory line specializing in all-natural products for cooks and gardeners
- Oversaw business development, marketing, product development, distribution, purchasing and accounting.
- Developed and implemented sales and marketing strategy.
- Hired and supervised a team of 40 sales representatives including training, setting sales goals, developing sales manuals and determining commission structure.
- Annually oversaw six national trade shows.
- Increased sales by 100% every year.
Regional Sales Manager
Hoyt Publishing / Skokie, IL
Industry leading publisher of trade publications and trade show directories.
- Advertising sales representative for start-up trade publication, Home Décor Buyer
- Generated all new business through networking and relentless cold calling.
- Responsible for 20-state territory.
- Consistently exceeded sales goals every issue.
- Led the industry in market share for Midwest territory.
Education
Michigan State University
BS / Merchandising, Clothing & Textiles
Skills
