Jon Stephens
Antioch
Summary
Results-driven Sales Professional with 13 years of experience in managing national and local accounts to boost customer engagement and retention. Skilled in inside and outside sales, business development, and account management, with a focus on building long-term partnerships and delivering customized solutions. Utilizes strong communication and analytical skills to meet strategic objectives and enhance client satisfaction.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Sales Manager
Essentra Components
Schaumburg
08.2025 - Current
- Maximize profitability at the account level.
- Supported customers by presenting proposals, providing technical support, and resolving complaints to enhance satisfaction.
- Prospecting for new business by making sales calls, either over the phone or in person.
- Conduct proper sales analysis to determine strengths and weaknesses within the territory.
- Provide strategic direction and leadership based on sales analysis for the territory.
- Managed projects for sampling, quoting, and new product development to streamline processes and meet customer needs.
- Quote both custom parts, tooling and parts within acceptable profit margins.
- Evaluate incoming opportunity and quote for feasibility.
- Addressed commercial and technical inquiries from Rep Groups, customers, and internal support to ensure effective communication.
- Manage all customer communication (opportunities, visit reports, pipeline) via the Essentra CRM.
- Communicated with Essentra management through monthly reports, emails, and phone calls to manage the territory.
- Develop project plans, coordinate projects, and communicate changes and progress.
- Provide quarterly sales forecast and weekly updates.
- Perform related job duties as assigned and required.
- Representative administration - daily communications, technical support, and action logs.
Account Manager - Manufacturing
Grainger
Lake Forest
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Managed national and local accounts in manufacturing, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with national customers on corporate initiatives and CapEx funding to align solutions with their strategic goals.
- I have implemented inventory management systems which have led to consolidation over to Grainger creating stronger customer relationships and spend.
- I have implemented inventory management systems which have led to consolidation over to Grainger creating stronger customer relationships and spend.
- My objective is to learn everything about customers and their businesses to ensure I am their preferred partner and offering the best products, services, and solutions for every customer.
Government Relationship Account Manager
Grainger
Lake Forest
04.2020 - 06.2023
- I managed one hundred and fifty accounts consisting of State, Local, Higher Education, Primary Education, and one Casino.
- Executing on the plan to win by calling on my customers, learning their pressures and needs, and competing with a sense of urgency to deliver value for my customers and to differentiate Grainger from the competition.
- Utilizing vendor partnerships for sales calls, product demonstrations, and documenting value to create and close more opportunities.
- Consistently strategizing how to grow the accounts by finding new contacts and becoming embedded with my customers through projects, products, and services.
Sales Advisor
U.S. WATERPROOFING
Rolling Meadows
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Assist potential customers with their water seepage issues, by offering full solutions through a wide variety of products.
- The solutions are presented after a thorough inspection of home and property.
- The ability to close in house by setting pricing and giving a dynamic sales presentation using a sales support site.
Sales Manager
Autonation Toyota
Libertyville
12.2013 - 10.2018
- Preparation for sales meetings through statistical analysis of sales and store performance, setting pricing and profit margins on each deal working with customers, one on one sales training and role playing, confirming appointments, handling customer complaints, ordering vehicles for customers and store allocations, closing deals for sales staff through manager turnover, write ups for underperforming sales staff, daily trip pad information of store sales through Excel, answering customer emails and phone calls, interviewing applicants, performing vehicle appraisals, manager introductions and exit of all customers, payroll of sales staff through ADP, store lockup.
Union Carpenter
JJ Henderson
Gurnee
03.1995 - 10.2012
- Executed all facets of construction, including concrete foundations and finish trim work, ensuring structural integrity and quality.
- Completed certification in crane signaling and scaffold installation.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
College of Lake County
Grayslake, ILSkills
- Outside Sales
- Inside Sales
- Lead generation
- Sales Experience
- Negotiation
- Salesforce
- CDK tools
- Data Analysis Tools
- Organizational skills
- Time Management
- Sales
Certification
Driver's License
Timeline
Regional Sales Manager
Essentra Components
08.2025 - Current
Account Manager - Manufacturing
Grainger
06.2023 - 08.2025
Government Relationship Account Manager
Grainger
04.2020 - 06.2023
Sales Advisor
U.S. WATERPROOFING
09.2019 - 03.2020
Sales Manager
Autonation Toyota
12.2013 - 10.2018
Union Carpenter
JJ Henderson
03.1995 - 10.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
College of Lake County