Tracy Schloesser
Full name: Theresa Ann Schloesser (known as Tracy)
Cell number: 0824528617
Date of Birth: 21 November 1964
Email: sloshed@mweb.co.za
Marital status: Married with two children (25 and 20)
Covering Letter
You might well wonder why I want to change jobs at this stage of my life, but I am keen to have a
complete change from print media sales. I have a great skill set and feel I would be an asset to any
company. Remember too that “older” people don’t job hop like young people do, plus I come with a
wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience that is invaluable. So - before you toss my CV on the
“unsuitable” pile - I encourage you to read to the end to see what I can offer you.
While I studied Public Relations when I left school, I ended up spending most of my working life in the
print and digital media sales and client service fields. Over the years, I have watched the media and
marketing industry evolve and have regularly upskilled myself to stay abreast of all the changes. I am
more of a nurturing sales person with very strong client relationships rather than a hard core “sales
hunter”. Being a team player is one of my assets, but I also have many years of experience in managing a
portfolio and my own time effectively as well as managing people who report in to me. I am also a detail
orientated person with excellent organisational skills and am both loyal and hard working. The ability to
present to clients comes naturally to me - both to large and small audiences, and also to varying levels of
authority within companies. I work well with people and passing on my own knowledge and skill set to
those reporting in to me, is also important to me. While I am very much a team player, I am also very
proactive in suggesting better ways of doing things so that the team can run more efficiently and more
effectively.
In addition, I am fit and healthy and seldom take sick leave from work. While I do believe that a work/life
balance is very important to general well-being, I am not scared of hard work either. In short, I believe I
would be an asset to your company and look forward to hearing from you.
Personal Interests
I believe that having hobbies and interests outside of work keeps one grounded and balanced. Exercise is
a key part of that, so you will find me on most days hitting the tarmac in our neighbourhood for an early
morning Powerwalk with good music. It’s when I do my best thinking too and it gets me motivated for the
day. I love being outdoors in general, so camping is also a huge win for me – anything to escape the
hustle and bustle of noisy city life.
I am also an avid reader and belong to a book club of wonderful like-minded women. Music is very
important to me and although I listen to a wide selection of music – I definitely have a strong leaning to
the eighties. Travel is also important to me and while I have been lucky enough to have travelled fairly
extensively, my travel bucket list just keeps growing. I am also a big foodie and love nothing more than
cooking up a storm for my book club ladies or a dinner party with friends. Socialising is key to keeping me
happy.
I realised a few years ago that I have a talent for humorous writing and starting writing about my holidays
on Facebook. Then, at the start of lockdown, I realised that it might help others to keep laughing so
started writing a column called “Corona Chronicles”. This is still currently on Facebook but I am now
adding a blog as well.
I believe that each day is a fresh start and always start it with an open, positive mindset. But when days
get challenging, there is nothing like a laugh over a glass of wine with a good friend to get me relaxed. I
am an empath and consider myself a caring friend to many people, but am equally as blessed to have
them in my life.
Work Experience
BUSINESS UNIT HEAD: Blue Chip Clients (February 2019 –Current)
SPARK MEDIA – A Division of Caxton & CTP Ltd (previously known as NAB)
Primary duties
I currently have one Key Account Manager reporting in to me in our Business Unit, but at one stage
managed two people.
Managing my own portfolio of clients, including the entire Massmart Group (Makro, Game,
Builders), JD Group, Midas, Ultra Liquor, Spar Inland, etc. I have the largest portfolio of the entire
sales team of thirteen people with a target of over R90 million – which is nearly 20% of the total
company revenue.
Retention and growth of my existing client base by offering quality client service to ensure clients’
needs are met.
Monitor and manage business KPI’s for the person in my team as well as training and mentoring
any of the more junior sales people.
Oversee all account administration – including presenting to clients at boardroom level and also
managing annual negotiations with Blue Chip clients.
Having an advanced understanding of developments within the South African advertising industry,
and using this knowledge to assist with account management.
Briefing in proposals and presentations to our marketing services team to both acquire and retain
accounts.
Regular client entertainment (where applicable).
Working closely with the Sales Director and other Exco members to look at new opportunities.
Assisting with the compilation of the QBR.
Review portfolio targets and revenue commitments and guide my team in the management of their
portfolios
Create fiscal sales targets for myself and my team in conjunction with the Sales Director
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER (February 2009 – January 2019)
SPARK MEDIA – A wholly owned division of Caxton/CTP Ltd (previously known as NAB)
Spark Media represents over 150 Community newspapers around South Africa and in Africa.
Primary Duties
Selling multi-platform media solutions (i.e. both print and digital) to client direct and their
advertising agencies.
Managing the largest portfolio in the company
Monitoring and tracking spend of the major clients I managed, i.e. Massmart Group, Midas, etc.
Presenting relevant Spark Media and industry research and products to clients and agencies.
Annual negotiations with regular clients on spend for the next fiscal.
Building and maintaining relationships with clients.
Diagnosis meetings with new clients and having strong listening skills.
Constant in-house training on the range of print-based products we represent.
Sold our digital media products for over two years, i.e. Linked in, Guzzle, All 4 Women, Local News
Network, etc.
Proficient in Excel, Powerpoint and Word
.
BOOK KEEPER AND ADMINISTRATION (March 2008 – January 2009)
JUKSKEI PARK, FOURWAYS AND DOUGLASDALE PHARMACIES
Reference: Lisa Bekker, Cell: 01613 243 5472 (now in Canada)
Primary Duties
Assisted with account administration for their group of three pharmacies
Managed debtors’ statements
SALES REPRESENTATATIVE (June 2002 - February 2008)
ALLCOPY PUBLISHERS
Primary Duties
The company is based in Cape Town and published a range of high school textbooks and
personalized school diaries.
I worked from home and ran their sales for the West Rand and Central areas of Gauteng.
I was instrumental in growing the personalized diary market extensively for the company.
I was self-driven and was accountable for achieving my monthly targets.
CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER
PRODUCT MARKETING SERVICES – A division of Primedia (October 1999 – May 2002)
Reference: Cathy Wallis, Cell: 0836269813
Primary Duties
Managed the township distribution and marketing of large FMCG clients e.g.Tiger Brands and
Cadbury.
Analysed data and presented cycle reports to clients.
Proposed new activities for clients’ brands and new product launches.
Travelled to different townships around South Africa with clients to monitor their projects.
SALES REPRESENTATIVE/KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER/NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
CAXTON MAGAZINES, AND NAB (March 1989 – July 1999)
Reference: Marga Collings, Cell: 0832649799
Primary duties
Started in the Durban office working on national sales for the four Caxton magazines (1989 –
1995).
Moved to Joburg and worked on Caxton Community newspapers (NAB) servicing key retail
accounts (1995 – 1998).
Promoted to National Sales Manager for Caxton Magazines and shortly thereafter was part of the
reverse takeover with Republican Press (1998 -1999). I was instrumental in the whole transition
process and merging of the sales teams.
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
NASIONALE MEDIA -Port Elizabeth (May 1987 –February 1989)
Primary duties
Worked as a direct sales representative on PE Express and Oosterlig newspapers
Serviced existing direct clients and cold canvassed for new ones
FIELD AUDITOR
A C NIELSEN -Port Elizabeth (January 1985 –April 1987)
Primary duties
Collected market research data
Learnt how to analyse raw data and presented information to small local branches of national
companies
Education
January 2016 – February 2016 Red & Yellow
Digital Sales Course Certificate
September 2013 – November 2013 Quirk Education (through University of Stellenbosch)
Digital Marketing Course
January 1988 – June 1988 Port Elizabeth Technikon
School of Management: Salesmanship Certificate
January 1983 – November 1985 Port Elizabeth Technikon
National Diploma in Public Relations
January 1978– November 1982 Clarendon Girls High School (East London)
January 1976 – December 1977 Clarendon Girls Primary School (East London)
January 1970 - December 1975 Maris Stella Primary School (East London)
(Proof of any of the above qualifications can be provided upon request)
Other References
Parmeshan Moodliar
Former Digital Sales Manager – Spark Media
Cell: 0832334181
Michelle Vahl
Former Sales Manager – Spark Media
Cell: 0828756970
