Ruben Benavides

Sales and Operations Manager

2019 – 2024

• Directed the process of driving & achieving sales goals in both domestic and international channels. • Created and managed the B2B portal, account utilization, order processing and platform support. • Owned strategic forecasting and annual sales plan for the wholesale channel & growth opportunities. • Managed the seasonal buying process and maintained inventory levels in-line with sales projections. • Communicated with all operational levels to execute sales objectives and overall business initiatives.

Inside Sales Rep.

2017 – 2019

• Maintained strong relationships with accounts via consistent communication, travel and service. • Activated new and re-activated dormant accounts by identifying and overcoming challenges. • Executed order pre-book & in-season sales utilizing sales tools and incentives to achieve sales goals. • Closely managed order file and worked with allocation and shipping dept. when shipping orders. • Managed account sales, style bookings and trend analysis reporting thru-out the organization.

Inside Sales Rep. (FMF Apparel)

2013 – 2017

• Maintained strong relationships with accounts via consistent communication, travel and service. • Activated new and re-activated dormant accounts by identifying and overcoming challenges. • Executed order pre-book & in-season sales utilizing sales tools and incentives to achieve sales goals. • Closely managed order file and worked with allocation and shipping dept. when shipping orders. • Managed account sales, style bookings and trend analysis reporting thru-out the organization.

Crew Member

2012 – 2013

• Operated register’s, communicated with customers, bagged groceries and thanked them for shopping. • Stocked the sales floor following deliveries and throughout the day maintaining shelves. • Continually maintained a clean sales floor at all times before, during and after closing hours. • Enhanced the customers shopping experience by explaining products and locating items. • Maintained a productive work day and helped fellow crew members to accomplish our stores goals.

Department Head

2010 – 2013

• Drove department sales goals and customer service standards within the golf and tennis department. • Ensured sales floor was stocked, merchandised and recovered according to operational guidelines. • Provided customer service and product knowledge in support of sales and customer satisfaction. • Worked with associates across departments to provide a high level of customer service. • Communicated with coworkers and management in support of department goals and performance.

General Manager

2007 – 2009

• Managed 2 store locations in Visalia & Fresno; with a combined staff of 25 associates and managers. • Achieved 20% of chain sales revenue while managing Visalia & Fresno in 2007 & 2008. • Increased Mainland - Visalia’s location dollar per transaction ratio by 3%, highest in chain. • Directed minimizing store operational cost in payroll, energy consumption & maintenance. • Retail chain of stores growing from 8 to 10 stores; adding 2 new locations in 2008.

Inside Sales Rep. | East Coast

2006 – 2007

• Managed sales process via account prospecting, cultivated orders and increased distribution. • Prospected new accounts, booked trade show appointments, line showing, ordering and networking. • Coordinated and staffed marketing and sales events to created company presence and support sales. • Facilitated sales by contacting leads and reporting to the sales team outcomes and opportunities. • Processed returned merchandise, order entry, retailer applications & maintained sample line.

Sales Rep. Merchant Services

2005 – 2006

• Sold online and retail credit card processing for merchants with up to $50,000 annually volume. • Networked with Bankers, Business Banking Specialist, Sales Rep’s & Resellers creating sales leads. • Consulted merchants with technical credit card processing procedures & service inquires. • Supported marketing campaigns for online and retail merchant services to drive sales activations. • Utilized knowledge of online credit card service processing when communicating with merchants.

Microsoft Excel

General Studies

Master of Business Administration

2024 – 2027

Bachelor of Arts

Minor