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Lisa Zender
Sr. Customer Business Manager at Bel
Professional Background
Lisa Zender is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to developing impactful businesses and fostering growth within the sales arena. After completing her education, Lisa opened her own Retail Boutique, a venture that not only marked the realization of her entrepreneurial dreams but also equipped her with the invaluable experience of building a business from the ground up. This initial foray into entrepreneurship profoundly shaped her career and ignited her passion for nurturing ventures into flourishing entities. Lisa was responsible for securing financing, hiring a competent team, and managing the daily operations of her boutique, skills that have become a cornerstone of her professional identity.
In 2010, Lisa transitioned into the corporate world by joining Fellowes as a Sales Manager. Here, she faced the challenge of significantly growing their retail and e-commerce business within major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon. Lisa rose to the occasion, employing strategic marketing techniques such as promotional allowances and effective inventory management. Her efforts resulted in the team exceeding company sales goals by double digits, even in a declining industry. Her dedication to her role did not go unnoticed; the Leadership Team recognized her contributions by awarding her the Fellowes’ Value award multiple times, honoring her integrity, passion, and excellent teamwork.
In 2017, Lisa took on a new challenge at Trunk Club as the Sales Training Manager. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in developing and executing training programs designed to enhance skill sets among a salesforce of over 300 individuals. By focusing on strategic and results-driven initiatives, Lisa has contributed to individual improvements in sales productivity and the acquisition of new businesses. She believes that the most successful salespeople share a common trait: an entrepreneurial spirit that drives them to take ownership of their outcomes while maintaining a keen focus on revenue, profit, and customer service. Lisa embodies these entrepreneurial qualities and actively seeks to instill them in the salespeople she coaches.
Education and Achievements
Lisa’s educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from the Gatton College of Business at the University of Kentucky, complemented by her early studies at the esteemed duPont Manual school. This educational background provided her with a strong knowledge base and critical insights that have guided her professional journey.
Throughout her career, Lisa has held various roles, each contributing to her expansive expertise in sales, management, and entrepreneurship. Before her tenure in leadership positions at Fellowes and Trunk Club, she worked as a Territory Representative at Newell Rubbermaid in the Hardware Sales division. Additionally, Lisa has significant experience as both Director and Buyer at Gray, and as the National Sales Manager for Retail & E-Commerce Channels at Fellowes Brands. Her entrepreneurial journey also includes establishing her own retail business, Piccola Boutique, LLC, where she honed her skills in business management and customer engagement.
Lisa’s passion for professional development is evident in her commitment to fostering growth and success among her teams. Her specialties validate her experience in the sales field, encompassing critical areas such as sales management, multi-channel sales strategies, category management, public speaking, strategic planning, training, and content development. Lisa also holds a certification in Category Management, highlighting her expertise in optimizing product selection and inventory.
Achievements
Lisa's career is marked by notable achievements and a commitment to excellence. Her recognition with the Fellowes’ Value award speaks volumes about her impact on company performance and culture. It also illustrates her peers' and leadership's respect for her work ethic and results-driven mindset.
With her background as an entrepreneur and her extensive experience in sales management, Lisa has developed a reputation for being a dedicated and influential leader in the industry. Her focus on training and development reflects her belief that continuous learning is vital for success in sales. Under her guidance, countless salespeople have transformed their professional capabilities, leading to enhanced productivity and heightened business performance.
Lisa Zender’s journey from a retail boutique owner to a prominent figure in sales training and management illustrates the power of an entrepreneurial spirit combined with hard work and dedication. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of growth, integrity, and teamwork makes her a valuable asset in any business environment. As she continues to inspire and train the next generation of sales leaders, Lisa's impact will undoubtedly resonate throughout the industry for years to come.