Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Customer Service Recognition award from CEO/Lowes
Timeline
Generic

Cathy Atkinson-Besley

London,ON

Summary

With over 25 years of front-line customer service, including a pivotal role at various companies. I excel in fostering client relationships and boosting sales through expert negotiation and customer care. Detail-oriented approach and proficiency in multiple computer systems complement my ability to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, driving significant business growth.

Professional with strong background in customer interactions and service solutions. Highly skilled in conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Effective team collaborator, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently focused on achieving results through efficient and empathetic service. Known for reliability and proactive approach to meeting customer and organizational goals.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Paint Department Sales Associate

Lowe's Home Improvement/Rona Canada
05.2020 - 09.2024
  • Increased repeat business by fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged customers to return for future projects.
  • Developed customized solutions for clients'' specific needs through careful assessment of their preferences and requirements.
  • Enhanced store sales by creating eye-catching displays and strategically placing promotional items.
  • Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills when addressing customer concerns or challenges related to their paint projects.
  • Boosted customer loyalty by consistently offering outstanding service and follow-up support for all purchases.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing expert advice on paint products and application techniques.
  • Built strong relationships with customers through attentive listening, effective communication, and genuine care for their project outcomes.
  • Delivered exceptional customer experiences by promptly addressing any issues or concerns that arose during transactions, maintaining a professional demeanor throughout.

Advertising-Distribution Customer Sales/Service Consultant

Metroland Media
09.2011 - 08.2019
  • Increased sales revenue by consistently providing exceptional customer service and identifying client needs.
  • Boosted repeat business rates by establishing trust with customers through consistent follow-up communication after-sales transactions.
  • Cross-sold and upsold products to customers based on solid understanding of current and forecasted needs.
  • Negotiate sales revenue more than $300,000.00 per year through new client opportunities and static accounts.
  • Negotiated favourable contract terms for customers, ensuring their satisfaction while maintaining company profitability.
  • Developed long-lasting relationships with clients by offering tailored solutions to their business challenges.

Office Administrator

The Merit Group
04.2009 - 09.2011
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Maintained electronic and paper filing systems for easy retrieval of information.
  • Coordinated communications, financial processing, registration, recordkeeping, and other administrative functions.
  • Tracked office supplies and restocked low items to keep team members on-task and productive.
  • Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities while juggling diverse responsibilities, including reception duties and ad-hoc administrative tasks.
  • Safeguarded company information by maintaining strict confidentiality protocols and ensuring secure document storage practices.
  • Assisted in event planning efforts for company gatherings, conferences, or workshops to enhance employee engagement and networking opportunities.

Insert Sales Coordinator

SunMedia
01.1998 - 01.2009
  • Managed systems and procedures to handle 6.5 million dollars in annual sales.
  • Worked closely with the sales team to prioritize tasks, set goals, and allocate resources efficiently; resulting in increased productivity and revenue.
  • Maintained accurate records of all sales activities, including contracts, proposals, quotes, follow-ups, and customer communications.
  • Increased sales revenue by establishing strong relationships with clients and identifying new business opportunities.
  • Streamlined sales processes for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Supported sales team members in achieving individual goals and targets through coaching, mentoring, and guidance.
  • Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.

Education

High School Diploma -

Saunders Secondary School
London, ON
06-1979

Skills

    25 years of front-line customer service with extensive experience in cash handling with a commitment to providing professional customer service

    Extremely detail oriented, able to multi-task independently or in a team environment, managing my time effectively while still flexible in a fast-paced environment

    Ability to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive and confidential information discreetly and professionally

    Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

    Excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication skills with willingness to assist in a professional, diplomatic and friendly manner

    Flexible and adaptable to manage change in a dynamic situation

    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

    Customer Service

    Call Center

    Customer Support

    Customer Care

    CSR

    Point of Sale

    Upselling

    Cold Calling

    Merchandising

    Pricing

    Negotiation

    Sales

    Planograms

    Inventory Control

    Retail Sales

Languages

English
Full Professional

Customer Service Recognition award from CEO/Lowes

CEO wrote to me recognizing the following:


Timeline

Paint Department Sales Associate

Lowe's Home Improvement/Rona Canada
05.2020 - 09.2024

Advertising-Distribution Customer Sales/Service Consultant

Metroland Media
09.2011 - 08.2019

Office Administrator

The Merit Group
04.2009 - 09.2011

Insert Sales Coordinator

SunMedia
01.1998 - 01.2009

High School Diploma -

Saunders Secondary School
Cathy Atkinson-Besley