Elke C. Lester has over 20 years of experience in customer service, sales, and management roles in the furniture and retail industries. She possesses strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with a proven track record of meeting business challenges, building customer relationships, and managing teams. Her areas of expertise include customer service, employee management, complaint resolution, and relationship building. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Youngstown State University with minors in Economics and Marketing.

1. Elke C. Lester
525 Wentworth Farm Cir, Boiling Springs Sc 29316 Cellular 440-364-3899 elkecl@hotmail.com
Summary
I am a person with the ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously and the self-motivation, initiative, and business
savvy necessary to meet the challenges of today's competitive marketplace. Possess strong leadership and successful
team building capabilities excellent communication, presentation, and customer service skills, a resourceful problem
solver with proven ability to bring quick resolution to challenging situations as well as build lasting relationships with
customers.
Areas of expertise include:
Exceptional CustomerService Management Employee Management
ComplaintHandling&Resolution CustomerSatisfactionEnhancement
Expertinrelationship building ProblemSolving
Experience
Belk Inc., Columbia, SC/Greenville Sc 2008 to Present
Customer Service TeamLead/Shoe Specialist
Providedsuperiorcustomerservice andworkqualitywhile demonstratingattentiontodetail,flexibilityandinnovation
inresolvingproblems.Possesseffectivecommunicationskills,andworkwell withothersatall levels.
Rooms To Go, Columbia, SC 2011 to 2013
Furniture Sales Consultant
Assist customers to make the best buying decision to meet their needs and their budget.
Dillard's, Columbia, SC 2008 to 2008
Home Store Associate
Assisted customers in finding specific products, restocked merchandise, greeted and escorted customers to their specific
areas of interest.
Whit-Ash Furnishings Inc., Columbia, SC 2007 to 2008
Sales Consultant
Provided interior design advice for clients. Able to build rapport with customers and propose different products and
services based on the client’s needs.
Sofa Express, Columbia, SC; Mentor Ohio 2001 to 2007
Branch Manager
Managed the daily operations of a high volume retail furniture store; responsible for visual merchandising, floor
supervision, and resolution of customer complaints and adjustments. Developed new business through community
involvement and weekly training of sales staff to enhance customer service through the merchandise sales approach.
Recruited hired, trained, supervised and evaluated sales associates.
John V Schultz Co, Mentor, Oh & Erie PA 1995 to 2001
Area Manager/Design Consultant/ Inventory Controller
Managed the first Lane concept store which was used by the company to sell the franchise. Creating floor displays to
increase sales and maintain company standards. Ensured shipping and receiving procedures were adhered to, which
streamlined operations and increased efficiency. Managed employee performance evaluations and incentive programs to
increase employee productivity using "Customer Driven Selling" developed by the Shepherd Management Group
Education
Youngstown State University 1991Bachelor of Fine Arts Minors in Economics and Marketing