Mario Houston, US Army Veteran

Experience

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  Verizon

  May 2001 - Dec 2014

  - Designed and delivered comprehensive sales training programs for sales professionals in the telecommunications industry, ensuring they have a solid understanding of complex technical information.- Stayed up-to-date with emerging products and services in the telecommunications field, acquiring strong technical knowledge and application skills to transform sales professionals into wireless experts.- Collaborated with subject matter experts and stakeholders to develop training materials, including presentations, manuals, and interactive exercises.- Conducted engaging and interactive training sessions, utilizing various instructional techniques to maximize learning and retention.- Assessed training needs and identified skill gaps within the sales force, customizing training programs to address those gaps and improve overall performance.- Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of training programs, collecting feedback from participants and analyzing performance metrics to measure the impact on business outcomes.- Provided coaching and advisory support to managerial staff, guiding them on how to maximize the tools and knowledge imparted to their sales teams.- Collaborated with sales leadership to align training initiatives with business objectives and sales strategies.- Stayed informed about industry trends, competitor offerings, and market changes to ensure training content remains relevant and up-to-date.- Continuously sought opportunities for improvement in training methodologies, tools, and processes, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance the learning experience. Show less - Managed the day-to-day operations of the retail sales store, including inventory management, sales performance, customer service, and staff supervision.- Set sales goals and targets for the store, working closely with staff to ensure they are understood and met.- Coach and develop the sales team to enhance their product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer service skills.- Monitored sales performance and provided regular feedback and guidance to staff to improve their effectiveness and achieve daily goals.- Implemented effective merchandising strategies to optimize product visibility and drive sales.- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels, proper product rotation, and timely replenishment to meet customer demands.- Fostered a positive and motivating work environment, encouraging teamwork, cooperation, and a customer-centric mindset among the staff.- Handled customer inquiries, complaints, and escalations in a professional and timely manner, ensuring customer satisfaction.- Collaborate with regional and corporate teams to implement company-wide sales initiatives, policies, and procedures.- Continuously analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.- Developed and executed marketing strategies to drive foot traffic, increase customer engagement, and promote sales promotions.- Maintained a high level of product knowledge and stay updated on industry trends to effectively advise customers and drive sales.- Created a Data Sales program that increased high-end device sales by more than 3900% within the first month and 1900% within the first six months. That program became the base of the regional data sales program. Show less I supported the Store Manager in daily operation of a retail location. My direct responsibility was to drive sales numbers, hire, train, coach, and develop sales professionals to meet and exceed their sales goals on a monthly basis. AREAS OF NOTE:* Effectively used conflict resolution skills to overcome customer objections and complaints in a way to turn customers into promoters. * Developed exceptional customer rapport with the surrounding community of customers and made the location a desired destination. Show less

  • Midwest Area Sr. Sales Trainer

    Aug 2005 - Dec 2014

  • Retail Store Manager

    Jul 2004 - Aug 2005

  • Assistant Store Manager

    May 2001 - Jul 2004
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  Ambassadors Football

  Sept 2008 - now

  Club Soccer Coach/ Head Coach
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  Aurora City School District

  Jun 2013 - May 2014

  High School Girls Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
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  Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA)

  May 2014 - Jan 2017

  Head Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer

  AREAS OF NOTE:* 2014 District Champions, Division II* 2015 District Runner Up, Division II* 2016 District Runner Up, Division II* 2016 Greater Akron Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association, Private School Coach of the Year

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  The Edge Sports and Arts Academy

  Nov 2015 - May 2018

  Director, Sports Academy

  - Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop the foundation of the non-profit business and turn it into a thriving organization.- Design and implement programs in sports and the arts that align with the organization's mission and goals.- Conduct research to identify community needs and trends in sports and the arts, ensuring programs are relevant and impactful.- Create program frameworks, including curriculum, schedules, and evaluation processes, to ensure the effective delivery of services.- Collaborate with community partners, schools, and local organizations to establish strategic partnerships and maximize program reach and impact.- Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers to ensure program quality and consistency.- Monitor program outcomes and collect data to evaluate program effectiveness and make necessary adjustments for improvement.- Oversee the organization's social media and web platform, creating engaging content, managing online campaigns, and monitoring analytics.- Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies to support program sustainability and growth.- Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and conferences to promote program offerings and build relationships. Show less

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  Laurel School

  Jan 2017 - Sept 2022

  • Track & Field Head Coach

    Jan 2017 - Sept 2022

  • Head Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2021
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  The Wood Room Project

  Feb 2019 - now

  Furniture Maker / Owner

  - Own and operate a custom furniture-making shop, overseeing all aspects of the business.- Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote the business, including creating a website, utilizing social media platforms, and participating in trade shows or events.- Identified opportunities to develop a CNC woodworking business by leveraging repeated requests for products and offering CNC-cut furniture or components.- Connect with potential clients to understand their custom project needs and translate their vision into a uniquely satisfying piece of furniture.- Applied creative and analytic skills to conceptualize, design, and build custom furniture that tells a story.- Utilize Computer Numerical Control (CNC) skills to create precise and intricate designs, leveraging CNC machinery and software.- Collaborate with clients to incorporate their desired themes, narratives, or symbolism into the furniture design.- Select appropriate materials, calculate measurements, and ensure quality craftsmanship throughout the production process.- Stay updated with industry trends, refine skills, and seek feedback to continuously improve the quality and uniqueness of the custom furniture. Show less

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  Saint Joseph Academy (Cleveland, OH)

  Jan 2021 - Jan 2023

  Head Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer
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  Oxygen Coaching Group

  Aug 2021 - Oct 2022

  Advanced Coach & Trainer
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  Nordonia High School

  Feb 2024 - now

  Varsity Head Soccer Coach