Steve Cooley
New Lenox
Summary
Dynamic team player and adept problem-solver committed to driving success and enhancing organizational efficiency. Committed to fostering collaboration and innovation, ensuring team objectives align with the overall business vision to positively impact company success and achieve goals
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Tree and Shrub/Pest Management Technician
Experigreen Lawn Care
03.2025 - Current
- Evaluate and provided the plant health care needs of trees and shrubs on commercial and residential properties.
- Mixing and apply insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers to trees and shrubs according to diagnosis, safety procedures, label instructions, and state laws
- Applied chemical solutions on building surfaces to eliminate pests.
- Successfully conducted integrated pest management (IPM) treatments to eliminate pests from residential and commercial properties.
- Responded to customer phone calls and questions quickly to maximize service and improve retention rates.
- Educated and advised customers on preventive measures to reduce pest infestations.
- Fostered excellent service leading to positive online reviews.
- Performed routine maintenance on equipment to manage wear and tear both in-shop and in field.
Residential Tree and Shrub Specialist
TruGreen Lawn Care
01.2019 - 02.2025
- Evaluate and provided the plant health care needs of trees and shrubs on commercial and residential properties.
- Demonstrated tree-health science experience by delivering fact-based solutions to specific arboricultural concerns.
- Mixing and apply insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers to trees and shrubs according to diagnosis, safety procedures, label instructions, and state laws
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Detailed knowledge and identification of plant and animal organisms, functions, inter dependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Serviced machinery, work vehicle, and equipment according to consistent mechanical knowledge both in-shop and in field.
- Trained in Arborjet Tree IV system for trunk injections
Residential Lawn Specialist
Scotts Lawn Care/TruGreen Lawn Care
10.2015 - 11.2018
- Applied fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides to lawns according to schedule, safety procedures, and label instructions.
- Trained on specific season services for customers such as aeration, new seeding, perimeter pest sprays and mosquito service.
- Provided education on lawn care products and services to help clients better understand ways to maintain lawns.
- Developed lasting customer relationships and grew network over time.
- Trained and supervised new specialists to improve quality of team output.
- Top specialist for new sales and up-selling of services in the branch.
- Operated varied types of lawn care vehicles, following safety protocols to prevent accidents.
Residential Sales Rep
Scotts Lawn Care/TruGreen Lawn Care
03.2014 - 10.2016
- Sold residential lawn care services, tailored to the needs of customers, to consistently meet or exceed personal quotas. Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets
- Pursued existing and potential customers by phone, email and text message to generate leads and close sales.
- Learned and implemented consultative selling skills to identify opportunities and overcome objections
- Developed and implemented sales strategies to increase revenue.
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Trained and supervised new specialists to improve quality of team output at local branch and other locations within region.
- Responsible for driving new and current reps to the field/territory each day
- Drove team revenue totals by achieving number one sales rep in the country for a week period with total sales of near $20,000.
Night Shift Manager
Saferwholesale.com/Great Sports INC
05.2010 - 03.2014
- Assisted customers with complaints, questions, orders, and concerns
- Delegated tasks and oversaw performance to accomplish all required objectives.
- Created detailed sales receipts to send via email through Quickbooks system
- Secured building for closing by completing run-through of sales floor, turning off electronic systems and turning on alarms.
- Reviewed documentation such as invoices and paperwork for accuracy and compliance.
- Ran nightly reports closing out various accounts and detailing daily activities.
- Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies, daily and weekly ensuring staff productivity.
Branch Manager
Vector Marketing Corporation
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Wrote and implemented business plan for summer office success.
- Managed branch sales, customer service maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses
- Interviewed, hired and developed talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements to team goals.
- Drove sales volume and contributed to Division being #1 in the Nation
Assistant Manager
Vector Marketing Corporation
09.2005 - 05.2007
- Worked with manager to interview, hire and developed talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss challenges, successes and strategies.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify best practices for customer service and sales techniques.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
Field Sales Manager
Vector Marketing Corporation
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Handled the direct sale of high-quality cutlery and culinary products
- Learned and implemented consultative selling skills to identify opportunities, overcome objections and close sales.
- Met customers in homes and businesses to discuss and demonstrate products.
- Pursued existing and potential customers by phone, email and text message to generate leads and close sales.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Built extensive network of contacts to increase sales opportunities.
- Field trained and mentored over 30 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
- Achieved highest sales rank within company, with personal sales exceeding $38,000.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lincoln Way Central High School
New Lenox, IL05-2005
Skills
- Experienced public speaker for diverse audiences
- Goal-oriented motivator
- Proven team-builder
- Mechanical Knowledge and Instrument Calibration
- Sales expertise
- Creative problem solving
- Multi-task management
- Adaptability and flexibility
Timeline
Tree and Shrub/Pest Management Technician
Experigreen Lawn Care
03.2025 - Current
Residential Tree and Shrub Specialist
TruGreen Lawn Care
01.2019 - 02.2025
Residential Lawn Specialist
Scotts Lawn Care/TruGreen Lawn Care
10.2015 - 11.2018
Residential Sales Rep
Scotts Lawn Care/TruGreen Lawn Care
03.2014 - 10.2016
Night Shift Manager
Saferwholesale.com/Great Sports INC
05.2010 - 03.2014
Branch Manager
Vector Marketing Corporation
06.2007 - 08.2007
Assistant Manager
Vector Marketing Corporation
09.2005 - 05.2007
Field Sales Manager
Vector Marketing Corporation
01.2005 - 01.2007
High School Diploma -
Lincoln Way Central High School