Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Development
Timeline
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Sarah Palkoner

Schaumburg

Summary

Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Sparkstone Electrical Group, excelling in strategic planning and creative problem-solving. Skilled in database management and innovative decision-making, driving tangible results during immense company growth and acquisition. Significant contributor in continuous process improvements with strong, collaborative relationships across all departments.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer

Sparkstone Electrical Group
07.2024 - Current
  • Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to better understand needs and determine strategic purchasing tactics.
  • Devised and helped implement procedures for purchasing and inventory control.
  • Resolved procurement challenges, leveraging strong problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of products and suppliers.
  • Provided in-depth training and guidance on current NetSuite processes and best practices throughout multiple departments.
  • Contributed to continuous improvement of monthly physical inventory count processes and accuracy.

Sales Engineer

Sparkstone Electrical Group
01.2022 - 07.2024
  • Established long-term relationships with key clients for repeat business and referrals, cultivating a strong network within the industry.
  • Developed customized proposals that demonstrated a clear understanding of client requirements and offered compelling solutions to meet their unique needs.
  • Collaborated daily with engineering department to determine streamlined approaches to meet customer deadlines.
  • Developed comprehensive proposals for complex projects, showcasing the value of our technical solutions in meeting client objectives.

National Admissions Advisor

American Intercontinental University Online
03.2019 - 12.2021
  • Enhanced applicant experience by providing personalized guidance and support throughout the admissions process.
  • Provided ongoing support to admitted students throughout their transition into higher education, promoting retention efforts within the institution.
  • Collaborated with academic departments to match prospective students with appropriate programs of study.
  • Maintained accurate records of applicant data, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations.
  • Received "Employee of the Quarter" award in March 2021

Customer Service Supervisor

Mercola Health Resources
01.2014 - 12.2018
  • Guided daily operations for 35 representatives and coached them through complex problems.
  • Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities in navigating challenging customer scenarios and finding solutions that met their needs as well as aligned with company policies.
  • Enhanced team productivity through regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
  • Dedicated CRM enhancement and user experience liaison between Customer Service, Marketing, Product Development, and IT departments.
  • Managed daily, weekly,and monthly customer service metrics for quality analysis and improvement.
  • Received "Company MVP" award in 2017 for outstanding dedication and excellence.

Shift Supervisor

STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
08.2010 - 01.2014
  • Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
  • Managed cash handling procedures, maintaining accuracy in financial transactions and minimizing discrepancies in daily reconciliations.
  • Ensured smooth operations during peak hours by effectively managing resources and staff allocation.
  • Streamlined inventory management, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels for daily operations.

Education

BBA - Project Management

American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL

Skills

  • Creative problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Strategic planning
  • Effective multi-tasking
  • Database maintenance
  • Process improvement
  • Relationship building
  • Effective decision-making
  • Collaborative mindset

Professional Development

Project Management Essentials | Howard University

Project Management Principals and Practices | UCI

Disney's Approach to Employee Engagement | Disney Institute

The Manager's Role in Developing People | NST National Seminars

Creative Leadership Skills | NST National Seminars


Timeline

Buyer

Sparkstone Electrical Group
07.2024 - Current

Sales Engineer

Sparkstone Electrical Group
01.2022 - 07.2024

National Admissions Advisor

American Intercontinental University Online
03.2019 - 12.2021

Customer Service Supervisor

Mercola Health Resources
01.2014 - 12.2018

Shift Supervisor

STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
08.2010 - 01.2014

BBA - Project Management

American InterContinental University
Sarah Palkoner