Shannon Zoltek
Chicago
Summary
An accomplished, results-driven sales professional with over 20+ years of sales, communication and business development experience. Strong product knowledge combined with the ability to translate complex ideas into tangible business solutions. Expertise in team building/management, account management, executive relationships, new product launch, product creation & development, and solution selling. Client profiles ranging from Small Business to Fortune 500 Companies.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Merchandiser
Altman Plants
Chicagoland
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Company Overview: Retail Garden Centers
- Stock and display live plant material on delivery racks; unload new plant shipments and arrange them in displays.
- Maintain sales-ready appearance of plants and merchandising displays.
- Ensure displays are visually pleasing to generate sales.
- Identify, cull, and dispose of non-sellable or damaged plants.
- Assist with reset tasks and special displays for promotions or seasonal events.
- Perform inventory-related functions and ensure adequate stock levels.
- Work cooperatively with sales managers, store staff, and vendors.
- Retail Garden Centers
Appointment Builder/Sales Specialist
Ganz USA, LLC
Chicago
01.2019 - 04.2025
- Generated new business by cold calling and setting appointments.
- Supported outside sales representatives by handling high-profile accounts.
- Recognized as a top performer, consistently exceeding weekly goals.
Independent Sales Consultant
Independent Consulting
Chicago
12.2012 - 01.2019
- Developed and implemented sales plans, managing the full sales cycle.
- Hired, trained, and supervised sales support staff.
- Built high-performing teams focused on service delivery and goal achievement.
Sales Representative - Account Manager - Territory Manager
Virco
Chicago
11.2009 - 12.2012
- Uncovered leads and built executive-level relationships.
- Cultivated and grew Midwest Territory 68% in first year.
- Finished FY 2011 at 170% of set quota; earned 2011 Sales Representative/Territory Manager of the Year.
Field Account Executive
FedEx Office
Chicago
05.2007 - 11.2009
- Developed a sales portfolio of 600 accounts and managed top 250 clients.
- Scheduled and attended 40+ appointments weekly to present FedEx solutions.
- Maintained customer relationships to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
Partnership Business Consultant/Outside Business Consultant
FTD
Downers Grove
12.2005 - 02.2007
- Grew Canadian revenue by 20% while exceeding sales goals.
- Finished FY 2006 at 197% quota for Membership/Products/Services and 233% for Technology Sales.
Senior Cut Planning Analyst/Customer Relations Representative
Hartmarx Corporation
Chicago
02.2000 - 01.2005
- Managed material tracking and cut planning cycles globally.
- Promoted and supported Hartmarx Menswear brands including Burberry, Kenneth Cole, and Perry Ellis.
- Trained new hires on products and support processes.
Radio Disc Jockey/Producer/Sales Associate
The Cromwell Group
Decatur
10.1994 - 02.2000
- Company Overview: WEJT/WYDS/WZNX Radio
- On-air personality for three radio stations.
- Produced and performed on-air commercials and presented news.
- Participated in live remotes and station activities.
- WEJT/WYDS/WZNX Radio
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Family and Consumer Sciences
Illinois State University
Associate of Arts (AA) -
Richland Community College
Skills
- Business Development
- Strong Product Knowledge
- Team Building
- Account Management
- Executive Relations
- Territory Development & Growth
- Visual Merchandising
Websites
Certification
FCC Licensed
Awards
Sales Representative/Territory Manager of the Year, 2011
Timeline
Merchandiser
Altman Plants
04.2025 - 09.2025
Appointment Builder/Sales Specialist
Ganz USA, LLC
01.2019 - 04.2025
Independent Sales Consultant
Independent Consulting
12.2012 - 01.2019
Sales Representative - Account Manager - Territory Manager
Virco
11.2009 - 12.2012
Field Account Executive
FedEx Office
05.2007 - 11.2009
Partnership Business Consultant/Outside Business Consultant
FTD
12.2005 - 02.2007
Senior Cut Planning Analyst/Customer Relations Representative
Hartmarx Corporation
02.2000 - 01.2005
Radio Disc Jockey/Producer/Sales Associate
The Cromwell Group
10.1994 - 02.2000
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Family and Consumer Sciences
Illinois State University
Associate of Arts (AA) -
Richland Community College