Top-Performing Sales Professional Seeking New Opportunity

KAREN QUAM
Winnetka, IL 60093
(312) 316-2926
karenquam@yahoo.com

Versatile sales and business development leader with expertise in B2B and Trade
markets — I bring extensive experience driving business growth through strategic B2B sales
and building strong relationships with Interior Designers, Architects, Builders, Developers and
Corporate Clients. In my most recent role, I built a $900K+ project pipeline in less than 12
months, while a prior position saw me increase revenue by 200%. My career spans a variety of
product categories and includes high-value residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
Tenacious and results-driven, I excel at uncovering opportunities, closing deals, and consistently
exceeding targets in both B2B and trade markets. My success stems from a passion for connecting
with clients and delivering measurable results.

WORK EXPERIENCE
The Shade Store; Chicago, IL
Manager, Trade Business Development (1/2024 - 12/2024)
(The Shade Store is the largest producer of custom window treatments made in the USA)
• Hired a second time - previously worked for the Shade Store (2013 - 2019)
• Mentored a team of 18 Design Consultants across five Shade Store locations while building a
$900K project pipeline focused on trade client acquisition for 2024.
• Conducted extensive outreach efforts, including heavy cold calling, prospecting, and email
campaigns, leveraging company marketing initiatives to generate leads & build relationships.
• Executed a rigorous schedule of professional in-person presentations to large and small
groups of designers, resulting in new relationships and high-value projects.
• Utilized KPI reporting to analyze performance metrics and develop actionable plans to capitalize
on sales opportunities and strengthen trade client engagement.
• Enhanced The Shade Store!s presence in the design community by hosting high profile
events and parties, and securing memberships and participating in organizations such as
ASID, NEWH, AIA CRAN, and ICAA Midwest Chapter.

Lampert Group, LLC; Chicago & Nationwide
Director of Business Development/ Entitlement Planning Role (2019 - 2023)
(Lampert Group is a nationwide permit expediting business for construction projects)
• Netted ~200% growth in company revenue within the first 18 months by cold calling primarily
• B2B sales with fortune 500 retailers, restaurant chains, hotels, developers, architectural firms.
• Yielded significant increases in the volume of clients and projects by crafting and executing
targeted business development plans that tapped into high-potential markets.
• Pivoted during the pandemic by targeting different sectors such as medical facilities, cell
phone towers, vehicle resellers, truck stops, and fueling stations.
• Entitlement Planning Role included spearheading project designs, consultant teams, the jurisdictional
application process, and overall entitlement strategies for commercial shopping
center remodel projects.
• Forged and leveraged strategic relationships with city, county, and state jurisdictions nationwide
in order to advocate for and secure project approvals.
• Maintained accountability and determined project milestones to drive project approval process.
• Communicated critical project information to clients, and led resolution with project teams for
issues that arose throughout the process.

The Shade Store; Chicago, IL
Showroom Manager, Design Consultant (June 2013 - Feb 2019)
Sales Leader ($1million+/yearly) for Merchandise Mart Showroom.

KQ Studio; Newport Beach, CA & Chicago, IL
National Sales Manager, Rep for small tile manufacturers (Aug 2012 - Dec 2013)

Material, Bespoke Stone & Tile; Newport Beach, CA
Architectural Outside Sales & Business Development (Jan 2011 - Aug 2012 )
Fully vertical nationwide natural stone producer/retailer.

NOTABLE EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO 2011
Ann Sacks Tile & Stone Inc., Chicago Showroom Manager
Waterworks, Atlanta & Chicago, Showroom Manager
Waterworks, Winnetka, Sales Associate focused on Business Development

EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI Bachelor of Science, Art, Studio Art

TECHNOLOGIES, CERTIFICATIONS, AFFILIATIONS, & AWARDS
Technologies: Microsoft Office, CRM Software including Salesforce, Basecamp, Monday.com
Zoom Info, etc
Certifications: Certificate, Applied Project Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Affiliations: Institute for Classical Art & Architecture (ICAA), Project Management Institute (PMI),
ASID, NEWH
Awards: Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, 2003 Most Profitable Showroom Award
Waterworks, Bath Design Contest, Semifinalist, 2x