CANDIA CHANDLER
Chicago, IL 60607 - 312-344-1098 - cchandler101@gmail.com
SUMMARY
Sales professional produced a documented $8.7 million dollars in revenue in the Showroom Sales
Manager role. Customer service competencies resulted in a 600 plus interior designer client
following in ten states, demonstrating client retention and increased business opportunities.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Interpersonal Skill Sets
Customer Service-Conflict Resolution
Manage, Direct & Supervise
Close Sales
Plan & Strategize
Market
Hire, Train & Evaluate
Business Development
Design & Implement
THE CHANDLER GROUP, Chicago, Illinois 1/1990 to Present - Principal/Manager
 Founded and built a design and consulting business serving the high-end residential
furnishings market including multiple projects in IL, MA, SC, NH and ME.
 1/12 – 12/12 Consulted with DESIGNLUSH as a Chicago Business Liaison to strategize a new
market presence, develop products, plan store layouts/finishes, review vendors, assess POS
 Implemented budget- conscious interior design solutions trending the most recent schemes.
 Marketed to a sophisticated audience who focused on eclectic design.
 Designed custom furniture; specified textiles; lighting; window; floor and wall treatments.
 Managed room/workspace layouts, budgets, project management and installation expertise.
WESTWATER PATTERSON, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL 1/2005 to 12/2011 - Sales Manager
 Opened, developed and managed a high-end residential furniture showroom singularly
producing $8.7M in sales.
 Solely produced a six-year average revenue of $1.3 million with a 25% profit margin from 2005
to 2011. Achieved $ 1.2 million in sales within the first ten months of business; increased
second year business to $1.4 million; produced $1.7 million in sales in the third year of
business.
 Planned showroom layout integrating products from fifteen unique furnishings lines.
 Collaborated with IT professionals to develop showroom software CRM and POS..
 Marketed product lines and showroom through e-blasts, mailings, events and presentations.
 Negotiated, priced and quoted all projects, managed invoicing, collections, and product issues.
 Hired, trained and evaluated showroom personnel; mentored interns.
DESIGN ATELIER, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, Illinois 1/2003 to 12/ 2004 – Showroom Sales
 Drove the organization’s sales goals and developed/expanded Showroom clientele.
 Established mature designer relationships in two prestigious residential furniture showrooms.
 Mastered product intricacies for over fifty lines of furniture and accessories. Established myself
as a design professional in the Chicago marketplace.
 Implemented unique design solutions to the design community.
 Created customized products per customer requirements and requests.
VISIONEERING, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 2/1999 to 12/2002 – Start Up Business Development Consultant
 Achieved $500,000 in sales during the first year, with significant increases each following year
 Launched more than fifty initial “face calls” with Fortune 500 companies within the first year of
business ultimately developing corporate partnerships.
 Branded an intangible solution-based company, focusing on Management Performance
Improvement programs for Executives. Focused on selling to key business issues.
 Structured a new market presence in the Chicago area and other Midwestern states...
 Planned and strategized the customized development project by analyzing the root cause of
training deficiencies...
 Designed, developed and facilitated the pilot programs.
THE EXECUTIVE TECHNIQUE, Chicago, Illinois, 3/1995 to 1/1999 – Regional Account Manager
 Generated in excess of $300,000 in sales annually.
 Trained and mentored an 300-plus mid/ executive level management participants from fiftyone client companies.
 Drove sales focus on Fortune 200 companies Delivered training programs on presentation skills.
 Developed and customized curriculum for platform skills training by analyzing the training
needs.
 Conducted seminars for executives throughout the Midwest.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
PEABODY OFFICE FURNITURE, Boston, MA: Senior Account Manager Recognized as a top 10% sales
performer throughout tenure with the organization achieving average sales of $1.5 million during
each of the last eight years with the company. Provided a consultative interior design and product
solution to the A&D community/corporate organizations. Strengths were working with start-up
companies developing furniture standardization programs. POFCO represented the forefront of open
plan office systems and 50 plus lines of high-end furniture lines/lighting/wall coverings/carpeting etc.
AWARDS
“Best in Sales” recognition for All-Steel, Westinghouse and Knoll product lines
EDUCATION
Lasell College, Boston, MA, Bachelor’s Degree, Merchandising - Continued Educational Programs
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
The Lupus Foundation, Bottomless Closet, The Glass Slipper,
Fourth Presbyterian Church Youth Programs
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Associates of Furniture Professionals, ASTD, Furniture Manufacturers, Home Furnishings Professionals,
Office Furniture Professionals, Luxury and Lifestyle Professionals, Interiors, Furniture Design and Retail
Advertising Design Professionals, Chicago Sales Professionals