John Costa
Chicago
Summary
Accomplished Outside Sales Representative with solid sales history and in-depth stones industry experience. Offers up-to-date knowledge of emerging [Industry] developments and marketing and sales strategies. Diligent and charismatic professional with expertise in conducting market analysis, recognizing trends within territories and directing product demonstrations. Committed to meeting performance goals and building strong relationships within industry.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outside Sales Representative
Kiva Stones LLC
05.2022 - Current
- Develop relationships with current and potential customers
- Assist customers by providing knowledge and training on company products
- Manage displays, samples, and selling tools for customer availability
- Quote prices, discuss credit terms, and prepare sales contracts for customer orders
- Review and analyze various sales reports to identify sales potential with existing and prospective customers
- Investigate and resolve customer claims and issues related to deliveries, returns, and credits
- Attend trade shows throughout the year as required
- Participate in industry trade shows and events (Coverings, among others)
Branch Manager
The Stone Factory Company
01.2021 - 04.2022
- Oversee administrative and commercial management
- Develop and execute branch business plans and monthly/yearly targets
- Hire and train staff, including truck drivers, forklift operators, administrative personnel, and sales representatives
- Inspect materials sold to clients
- Conduct commercial, financial, and market analyses in the U.S
- Manage customer finances and debt collection
- Participate in industry trade shows and events (Coverings, among others)
International Sales Representative
GRUPO VILARINHO
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Develop and implement sales strategies for international markets to expand the customer portfolio
- Prospect new clients and distributors in key consumer markets (USA, Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc.)
- Conduct commercial negotiations, presenting samples, pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules
- Oversee orders from production to delivery, ensuring quality and compliance with contracts
- Maintain frequent communication with clients, providing support and strengthening business relationships
- Participate in industry trade shows and events (Coverings, Marmomac, Xiamen Stone Fair, among others)
- Monitor market trends, pricing, and competition to adjust sales strategies accordingly
- Work closely with the logistics team to optimize transportation and customs clearance processes
- Prepare sales and performance reports, presenting growth metrics and opportunities for improvement
International Sales Representative
DALVI STONES
01.2020 - 05.2020
International Sales Representative
SABAGRAM GROUP
09.2019 - 01.2020
Financial Supervisor
VITÓRIA STONE INDUSTRY & TRADE S/A
02.2013 - 08.2019
- Behavioral analysis of accounts receivable for domestic and international markets (including Italy);
- Managing and optimizing collection processes
- Maintaining relationships with international clients across various regions;
- Market analysis focused on the U.S., Canada, and Latin America;
- Evaluation of new and existing clients;
- Managerial reporting focused on forecasting future revenue;
- Performance analysis of clients, sales representatives, and market segments;
- Developing and applying performance metrics;
- Negotiating and managing credit insurance policies (Euler Hermes North America Insurance Company and CESCE Brazil);
- Maintaining relationships with domestic and international banking institutions;
- Standardizing and harmonizing general client registration;
- Developing and implementing new sales management tools (software);
- Creating and maintaining reports in Power BI
Technical Support Coordinator
VIP REDE TELECOMUNICAÇÕES LTDA
05.2012 - 01.2013
- Providing support to residential and corporate clients;
- Conflict resolution and ensuring compliance with service-level agreements;
- Monitoring service quality and contract cost control;
- Identifying new commercial opportunities within existing contracts;
- Overseeing professional development of team members through training and performance evaluations;
- Managing internal network administration;
- Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on network assets (routers, radio links, cabling, fiber optics);
- Identifying new potential network expansion areas;
- Executing radio base station restructuring projects;
- Managing GEPON and point-to-point fiber optic networks;
- Creating manuals and training materials for corporate and residential customer service
Foreign Trade Analyst
WM TRADING LTDA
10.2011 - 05.2012
- Preparing and reviewing Pro-forma Invoices, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, and other trade documents;
- Developing cost forecasting spreadsheets for import/export operations;
- Managing booking confirmations;
- Overseeing logistics processes (shipment, transit time, customs clearance);
- Coordinating with service providers (freight companies, warehouses, etc.);
- Negotiating with international suppliers;
- Analyzing letters of credit for import/export transactions;
- Issuing import/export invoices and service invoices;
- Managing import/export process settlements;
- Ensuring correct classification of goods under TEC;
- Managing Caterpillar brand product distribution in Brazil;
- Handling import operations for Caterpillar footwear;
- Overseeing inventory control and sales approval for retailers;
- Managing representative commissions and pricing calculations;
- Planning brand promotion campaigns in the Brazilian market
Foreign Trade Analyst
FLEXTRADE INTERNATIONAL TRADE
10.2006 - 10.2011
- Preparing and reviewing Pro-forma Invoices, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, and other export documents;
- Developing cost forecasting spreadsheets for import/export operations;
- Coordinating international freight (air, sea, and road);
- Managing logistics processes (shipment, transit time, customs clearance, final delivery);
- Coordinating with service providers (freight companies, customs brokers, warehouses);
- Negotiating with international suppliers;
- Analyzing letters of credit for import/export transactions;
- Issuing import/export invoices and service invoices;
- Managing import/export process settlements;
- Handling international goods insurance;
- Classifying goods under TEC;
- Managing inventory control and purchase orders
Education
MBA in Controllership and Finance -
FUCAPE Business School
09.2023
Bachelor's Degree - International Relations
Universidade Vila Velha
11.2010
Skills
- National account management
- Prospecting techniques
- Networking
- Revenue and profit maximization
- Tech-Savvy
- Friendly and cheerful
- Customer focused-service
- Cold calling
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- English Course, International Education Center, Not Provided, Glenview, IL, USA, 2022, Ongoing
- Self-Service BI: Power BI, Mindworks, Not Provided, 03/01/19
- Advanced Excel, SENAI, Not Provided, 11/01/14
- Political and Strategic Studies, ADESG-ES, Not Provided, 11/01/12
- Letter of Credit & UCP600 Rules, AECI, Not Provided, 06/01/07
- Export & Import Operations, MC Consulting & Port Advisory, Not Provided, 01/01/07
- NATIONS Seminar, Universidade Vila Velha, Not Provided, 11/01/06
- International Cities Congress, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Not Provided, 05/01/06
Other Roles
- VALIM FOOTWEAR, 01/01/06, 06/30/06, IT Support & Inventory Clerk
- INFORCERTA IT SERVICES, 06/01/05, 12/31/05, IT Technician
- BOSSER AUTO PARTS, 09/01/04, 02/28/05, Inventory Clerk
Languages
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Outside Sales Representative
Kiva Stones LLC
05.2022 - Current
Branch Manager
The Stone Factory Company
01.2021 - 04.2022
International Sales Representative
GRUPO VILARINHO
06.2020 - 12.2020
International Sales Representative
DALVI STONES
01.2020 - 05.2020
International Sales Representative
SABAGRAM GROUP
09.2019 - 01.2020
Financial Supervisor
VITÓRIA STONE INDUSTRY & TRADE S/A
02.2013 - 08.2019
Technical Support Coordinator
VIP REDE TELECOMUNICAÇÕES LTDA
05.2012 - 01.2013
Foreign Trade Analyst
WM TRADING LTDA
10.2011 - 05.2012
Foreign Trade Analyst
FLEXTRADE INTERNATIONAL TRADE
10.2006 - 10.2011
Bachelor's Degree - International Relations
Universidade Vila Velha
MBA in Controllership and Finance -
FUCAPE Business School
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