Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
CustomerServiceRepresentative
Susan Kate Tabone

Susan Kate Tabone

Warragul,VIC

Summary

Dynamic business leader with extensive experience in customer relations and sales management at Affordable Portable Living. Proven track record of enhancing client satisfaction and driving revenue growth through strategic planning and relationship building. Skilled in financial management and team leadership, fostering high-performing teams that achieve exceptional results.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner

Affordable Portable Living
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
  • Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Kindergarten Director

Education Department
05.1980 - 12.2002

Developed strategies for efficient program execution.

Hiring and Training Staff

Facilitated activities tailored to fulfill children's requirements.

Coordinated successful fundraising initiatives.

Organized activities to enhance engagement.

Facilitated parent-teacher interviews.

Enhanced children's motor skills through engaging activities.

Organized establishment of Kinder Room.

Organized family-oriented events promoting community and involvement.

Delivered comprehensive written reports across various domains.

Coordinated gatherings to enhance team collaboration.

Organized activities to increase engagement and participation.

Owner Director Sales

Affordable Portable Living
04.2023 - Current
  • Provided outstanding service to enhance client satisfaction.
  • Increased revenue through effective upselling.
  • Expanded customer base through cold calling, networking, and relationship building.
  • Increased sales revenue by identifying and targeting high-potential accounts.

Florist Owner/ Director

Blooming Bright Floris
08.2020 - 09.2023
  • Managed daily opening and closing of florist shop to prepare for incoming customers and balance payments.
  • Utilized floral design techniques to craft unique floral arrangements.
  • Transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions, comprising weddings, funerals, and banquets.
  • Ensured store cleanliness and visual appeal by regularly maintaining displays, workspaces, and retail areas.
  • Maintained fresh inventory through proper rotation, storage, and display methods.
  • Worked with customers to determine type of arrangement desired, occasion, and date, time and location for each arrangement needed.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and personalized floral arrangements.
  • Quoted, generated, and processed customer orders to meet specifications and various occasions.
  • Provided customers with care directions for flower arrangements.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through collaborative problem-solving and supportive teamwork among staff members.
  • Developed positive relationships with clients and vendors to boost rapport and trust.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail when assembling bouquets or installations for various settings such as churches or event venues.
  • Developed loyal customer base through attentive service, expert advice, and consistent high-quality product offerings.
  • Boosted team productivity with clear communication, delegation of tasks, and time management skills.
  • Trained staff on proper techniques in arranging flowers and customer service skills.
  • Increased sales revenue with exceptional customer service and upselling techniques.
  • Promoted the business through participation in local events, social media marketing, and community outreach efforts.
  • Recommended appropriate floral arrangements to match theme of anniversaries, weddings and funerals.
  • Reduced waste by accurately estimating materials needed for arrangements and repurposing leftovers in creative ways.
  • Enhanced visual appeal of shop with innovative display techniques, attracting more foot traffic.
  • Trained new staff in art of floral design, raising overall quality of product offerings.
  • Organized workshops for community to foster interest in floristry, enhancing brand visibility.

Prison Officer

Port Phillip Prison
08.2012 - 09.2018
  • Ensured prison security by conducting regular cell searches and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols.
  • Mentored new officers joining the team, providing guidance on best practices for achieving success in their roles.
  • Provided first aid and emergency response services as needed, prioritizing prisoner safety and wellbeing.
  • Improved communication between staff members through regular meetings addressing concerns or sharing updates on prison operations.
  • Developed strong relationships with community organizations to support inmate transition back into society post-release successfully.
  • Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
  • Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
  • Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
  • Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
  • Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
  • Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
  • Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
  • Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
  • Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.

Florist Manager

Colonial Fresh Doncaster
06.2006 - 09.2012
  • Coordinated seasonal displays that highlighted key trends in floral design while driving sales growth.
  • Collaborated with event planners to provide customized floral designs for weddings, funerals, and special events.
  • Supervised daily operations of the store, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organization, and visual presentation.
  • Fostered a positive work environment through clear communication channels among team members.
  • Managed inventory and supply orders, ensuring optimal stock levels for efficient business operations.
  • Established a successful wedding consultation service by understanding couples'' needs and delivering exceptional results.
  • Trained new team members in floral design techniques and customer service skills, resulting in a highly capable workforce.
  • Optimized store layout for better product visibility and easier navigation for customers.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events, ensuring the store remained competitive within the market.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually stunning floral arrangements tailored to individual preferences.
  • Handled complex customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Implemented innovative marketing strategies to attract new clients and grow business revenue.
  • Organized workshops and demonstrations to engage the local community and showcase the store''s offerings.

Sales Manager

Katies Clothing
06.2000 - 06.2000
  • Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
  • Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
  • Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
  • Attended industry events and conventions to expain sales opportunities.
  • Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
  • Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
  • Provided ongoing training and mentorship for junior sales staff, fostering professional development and career growth.
  • Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.

Sales Manager and Window Dresser

Portmans Clothing
05.1997 - 05.2000
  • Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
  • Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
  • Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.

Education

Bachelor Of Primary -

Hawthorn Institute of Traching
Hawthorn, VIC

Skills

  • Customer relations
  • Small business operations
  • Relationship building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Client service
  • Business management
  • Business planning
  • Staff management
  • Marketing
  • Financial management
  • Staff hiring
  • Business development
  • Business marketing
  • Sales leadership
  • Sales management
  • Budget development
  • KPI management
  • Sales strategy development
  • Marketing tactics
  • Hiring and staffing
  • Design coordination
  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Decision-making
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Team leadership
  • Customer service management
  • Effective leader
  • Goal setting
  • Quality assurance
  • Staff training/development
  • Sales strategies

Timeline

Owner Director Sales

Affordable Portable Living
04.2023 - Current

Florist Owner/ Director

Blooming Bright Floris
08.2020 - 09.2023

Prison Officer

Port Phillip Prison
08.2012 - 09.2018

Florist Manager

Colonial Fresh Doncaster
06.2006 - 09.2012

Sales Manager

Katies Clothing
06.2000 - 06.2000

Sales Manager and Window Dresser

Portmans Clothing
05.1997 - 05.2000

Kindergarten Director

Education Department
05.1980 - 12.2002

Owner

Affordable Portable Living

Bachelor Of Primary -

Hawthorn Institute of Traching
Susan Kate Tabone