Michael Johnston
Bangor,Ards and North Down
Summary
A seasoned sales professional with over 25 years of experience, adept at building a hobby business into a full-time company. Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills, as evidenced by outstanding feedback ratings, and excels in both independent and team-oriented environments. Possesses excellent communication abilities, effective planning and preparation expertise, and advanced PC software knowledge. Known for reflecting the best image of the represented company and maintaining a strong work ethic. Committed to driving business success through strategic sales approaches and superior client engagement.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Owner Vinyl Sounds Good
Self Employed
Bangor, Down
2012.05 - Current
- Created a strong online brand presence via sales platforms such as Ebay & Vinted
- Oversaw daily business operations, ensuring efficiency in purchasing, sales, and customer service., from purchasing, sales, posting & packing, accounts, dealing with customer queries and ensuring smooth running of the business.
- Ensured exceptional customer feedback by consistently delivering quality service on Vinted and Ebay. currently 100% on both Vinted and Ebay.
- Developed targeted promotions to increase sales and expand customer base
- Created unique product offerings to differentiate from competitors
Business Development Controller
Musgrave Retail Partners NI
Belfast, Antrim
2005.06 - 2012.06
- Delivering target sales revenues for new business for both Centra & Supervalu brands.
- Responsible for all new store acquisitions and disposals
- Successfully integrate new stores into the group
- Build strong customer relationships
- Manage and develop a team of 7 employees
- Preparation of internal budgets and financial projections
Retail Business Manger
Camelot The National Lottery
Watford, Herts
1998.04 - 2005.05
- Delivered sales revenues exceeding targets within customer portfolio
- Identified and secured new accounts to drive revenue for Good Causes
- Optimised sales team performance through targeted training and support
- Induction of new team members
- Organised and led team meetings to discuss project updates
Education
NEBS Cetificate In Management - Management
NEBS
Belfast 2020.01 - 2022.01
National Diploma In Business Studies - Business
Nebs
Belfast 1984.09 - 1986.09
GCSEs - English
NIGCE
N.Ireland 1984.06 - 1984.06
GCSEs - Maths
NIGCE
N.Ireland 1984.06 - 1984.06
Skills
- Building a hobby business into a full-time company
- The ability to give excellent customer service via feedback ratings
- I can work on my own or as part of a team
- Over 25 years of sales experience
- Excellent communication skills
- Effective planning and preparation
- Excellent PC software knowledge
- A capacity for hard work
- The ability to reflect the best image of the company i represent
Reasons for wanting a Customer Advisor Role with B&Q
My business has been very successful but over the past number of years it has come under increase margin pressure from larger competitors and cheap USA imports entering the market. My plan short term is to get into part time employment with a blue chip company to reduce my reliance on the business and to get out of the house and engage with others as i miss customer engagement. The hours are perfect for me and my business does not conflict with B&Q.
Timeline
NEBS Cetificate In Management - Management
NEBS
2020.01 - 2022.01
Owner Vinyl Sounds Good
Self Employed
2012.05 - Current
Business Development Controller
Musgrave Retail Partners NI
2005.06 - 2012.06
Retail Business Manger
Camelot The National Lottery
1998.04 - 2005.05
National Diploma In Business Studies - Business
Nebs
1984.09 - 1986.09
GCSEs - English
NIGCE
1984.06 - 1984.06
GCSEs - Maths
NIGCE
1984.06 - 1984.06