CHRIS NICOLAOU

• Major Client Acquisitions & Sales Growth: Secured and manage high-profile accounts, including Bunnings and Anaconda, while overseeing relationships with 20+ domestic dealers and global distributors, including Emirates-based Exalto. Directly responsible for 20% of the company's quarterly sales, driving business growth.
• AI & Business Automation:Designed and implemented the Savwinch AI-powered chatbot, revolutionizing customer interactions and sales inquiries.
  Led CRM development, enhancing customer relationship management and sales tracking.
  Integrated Zapier and Mailchimp, automating workflows across sales, marketing, and customer engagement.
  
• Procurement & Financial Management: Oversee purchase orders and foreign currency purchasing, ensuring cost-efficient international transactions.
• Warehouse & Operations Management: Provide hands-on operational oversight, ensuring smooth warehouse management when required.
• Operational Leadership & Training: Completed 12+ months of operations training, ensuring safe, efficient business continuity.

A specialist in AI-driven efficiencies, strategic account growth, and international business management, contributing to Savwinch’s global success and innovation.

• Consistently led store-wide sales performance while working part-time, outperforming full-time staff.
• More than doubled the company's stretch targets in both sales per hour and total revenue generated.
• Recognized as a top performer and highly praised by all levels of management for exceptional sales results and customer service.
• Demonstrated strong product knowledge, upselling techniques, and customer engagement strategies to maximize revenue.
• Contributed to a high-energy sales culture, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and performance.

Proven ability to drive exceptional sales results, exceed targets, and earn leadership recognition.

• Worked directly with ownership and senior management, gaining firsthand expertise in business operations and financial planning.
• Managed client accounts and administrative processes, ensuring seamless service and operational efficiency.
• Developed strategic insights on how to scale and run a financial planning business, preparing for leadership responsibilities.
• Assisted in key business functions, including client communications, financial documentation, and workflow optimization.
• Strengthened problem-solving and decision-making skills, contributing to business growth and efficiency.

Gained high-level industry knowledge, positioning myself to run and grow a financial planning business.

• Completed an intensive two-week experience at Reventon, a leading firm specializing in finance, property investment, financial planning, wealth creation, and accounting.
• Shadowed the CEO, gaining direct exposure to high-level decision-making, business strategy, and financial operations.
• Worked across both finance and business departments, developing insights into investment strategies, wealth management, and corporate finance.
• Observed and assisted with client portfolio management, financial analysis, and strategic planning, deepening my understanding of the industry.
• Gained firsthand knowledge of leadership, business scaling, and operational efficiency from top executives.

An invaluable experience that provided CEO-level insights into financial planning and investment strategy.

• Thrived in a high-pressure, fast-paced kitchen environment, ensuring efficiency and consistency in food preparation.
• Developed strong time management skills, balancing multiple tasks while maintaining quality and speed.
• Adapted to demanding peak-hour operations, consistently meeting performance expectations.
• Demonstrated resilience and teamwork, contributing to a smooth and efficient kitchen workflow.

Proven ability to perform under pressure while maintaining efficiency, precision, and quality standards.