Heidi Ash

Experience

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  Herff Jones

  Jun 1999 - Jun 2019

  Yearbook Sales Representative / Account Manager

  I was recruited out of college to sell yearbooks for Herff Jones. With my partner, I grew the territory to #1 among 300 in the nation.EXPANSION STRATEGIES:• I created and dropped off marketing campaigns/promotions to 20–30 potential customers a year.• I called on prospects via phone and in-person.• I met with administrators, showing them how I could provide the best yearbook experience.Despite an industry downturn and changing attitudes, I secured up to 13 new accounts a year, signed multiyear contracts and met my sales goals. Potential customers signed when they saw the benefits my program offered their schools.My customer relationship management skills consistently earned 100% renewal rates. I was known for intuitively assessing and meeting needs. Handling uncomfortable situations while maintaining a positive rapport was a regular occurrence.I provided an end-to-end, award-winning yearbook experience, mentoring teachers and helping with all aspects of production. PROJECT MANAGEMENT TASKS:• Production calendars• Deadlines• Organization• Mentoring• Journalism classes• Marketing strategies/campaigns (selling yearbooks/ads to students)• Cross-functional team communication• On-call customer support• Workshops and clinicsI turned around underperforming regions. In one region, a teacher was a prior connection. I signed her school within a month.I conceptualized, organized, and project managed annual summer workshops for up to 250 students, including hiring, on-boarding and training staff. I also created spring cover design workshops. These events drew students and streamlined processes during the school year.STORIES:• I secured a contract renewal after guiding teams through a controversy surrounding religious content in public school yearbook.• I reversed 11 years of no results, signing a school within 2 months of arrival—despite the school’s existing 3-year contract with competitor.• I guided production of many yearbooks that won national awards. Show less

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  Waltz Creative

  Aug 2019 - now

  Client Services Director