Available to hire
Hello! I’m Karen Atkins, a results-driven sales and account management professional with over 25 years in consumer goods, packaging, and B2B marketing. I excel at building strong client relationships, cross-functional collaboration, and driving category growth across major retailers.
In addition to my corporate experience, I’ve pursued garden design and writing projects, authored pieces for gardening publications, and designed award-winning landscapes, which have sharpened my creative problem-solving and project-management skills.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Work Experience
Senior Sales Account Manager at U.S. Cotton, LLC
December 1, 2020 - February 1, 2022Led sales for major retailers across the U.S.; category management, promotions planning, client services, headquarter presentations and management of 8 brokers. Full P&L responsibility for Rite Aid, BJ’s Wholesale Clubs, Publix, Albertsons, Delhaize, C&S, Boxed, Menard’s and others. Achievements include launching plastic-free 500-count swab packaging at Rite Aid, securing Humana Formulary inclusion increasing medical orders by 73%, reducing brokerage fees by eliminating unnecessary support, and negotiating suspension and repayment of fines for low fill rates.
National Account Manager at WestRock Company
April 1, 2018 - May 1, 202015 Billion Dollar Printing and Packaging Company. Managed Meijer Account, 5 state territory of 145 growers and 4 brokers. Fostered strong relationships with Buyers; led headquarter sales calls. Increased sales 24% first year and 37% second year by repairing frayed relationships and improving SLA performance. Product development included private/own brand and branded stationery products, gift cards, and POS programs. Managed programs for The Home Depot and Walmart for tagging, banners, and in-store signage; launched online ordering platform for Meijer in-store signage/tagging.
National Key Account Manager Ecommerce at Notions Marketing
December 1, 2016 - April 1, 2018World’s Largest Craft Distributor - 3PL Warehousing and Fulfillment. Managed over $20m in E- Commerce Accounts; rebuilt and maintained relationships with JOANN, Petco, BJ’s, and Toys R’ Us. Represented over 1500 brands and 165,000+ SKUs. Revived JOANN account by uploading 25,000+ new items and negotiated/signed partnerships with wish.com, bjws Wholesale Club, Barnes & Noble, Tractor Supply, and Oriental Trading.
Owner at Proper Gardens
June 1, 2004 - December 1, 2016Garden Design and Installation Firm creating period-inspired gardens. Managed a crew and equipment, ran seasonal residential displays, and wrote for gardening publications. Contributed to garden design literature and exhibited in regional garden events; led multiple garden installations including award-winning projects.
Sr. Account Executive B2B & Ecommerce at Radix Communications, Inc.
November 1, 1994 - June 1, 2004Boutique creative, direct marketing, and fulfillment agency. Owned client communications with Buyers and key decision-makers; expanded Sears lines from $73,000 annually to over $10 million; secured additional accounts including Panasonic, Electrolux, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Briggs & Stratton, Sauder, GE, and Kohler, for over $2 million in new annual revenue.
Sr. Presenting Consultant at Synergetics Worldwide, Inc.
November 1, 1992 - July 1, 1994Operations Efficiency Management Consulting Firm. Achieved a 90% Go-Ahead Rate; presented front-end analysis (marketing, merchandising, planning, procurement, sales, customer service) to CEOs of major firms.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Westminster College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1988Qualifications
Industry Experience
Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Wholesale & Distribution
Hire a Writer
We have the best writer experts on Twine. Hire a writer in Cleveland today.