Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

JOAN SIMMONS

Nottingham Road

Summary

Dedicated to the overall experience and customer service of Gowrie, I strive to make every trip to the golf course a memorable one. My goal is to provide a memorable experience for everyone involved or who visit Gowrie.

Corporate Clients are made to feel at ease from the moment they enquire about an event, as I assure them, that I will guide them along the right path from point A.

Always have a fabulous 'working' relationship with their staff and make them feel special. I am able to communicate with people of all levels.

Overview

48
48
years of professional experience

Work History

CORPORATE GOLF PROMOTIONS/Golf Shop Coordinator

SELF EMPLOYED
10.1983 - 08.2018
  • Started my own Company coordinating Golf Days with large companies like MCC mining, Mercedes, and many more international companies where I organized the entire event from Invites to Black tie dinners.
  • I secured long-term partnerships with major Companies who called on me annually to organize their events
  • At the same time I managed the Germiston PRO SHOP while Phil was overseas for three months at time.
  • I always enhanced the shopping experience by curating a visually appealing retail environment that showcased products effectively.
  • Provided excellent communication with both customers and colleagues, enhancing overall retail experience.
  • Successfully introduced new product lines into the retail space by researching market demand trends beforehand.
  • Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing, enabling competitive retail offerings without sacrificing quality.
  • Trained retail staff on best practices for visual merchandising, enhancing overall store appearance.
  • Supervised creation of high-quality retail fixtures for luxury brands.
  • Increased sales by effectively setting up and maintaining product displays.
  • Managed inventory levels, restocking shelves as needed to maintain an attractive retail space.
  • Designed visually compelling window displays that drove foot traffic for retail clients.
  • Managed a team of retail associates, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged collaboration and productivity.
  • Developed strong relationships with key retail partners, driving sales growth and brand loyalty.
  • Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing retail environment for an enjoyable shopping experience.
  • Elevated brand awareness among both retail staff members and end-consumers through regular training sessions.

Customer Service Manager

AVIS RENT A CAR HEAD OFFICE IN SANDTON
01.1981 - 07.1983
  • Boosted customer retention rates through exceptional problem-solving skills and relationship-building efforts.
  • Reduced customer complaints, proactively addressing issues and implementing effective solutions.
  • Followed through with client requests to resolve problems.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, ensuring their needs were met consistently and promptly.
  • Took ownership of customer issues and followed problems through to resolution.
  • Collaborated with upper management to improve customer service processes and support structures company-wide.
  • Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
  • Facilitated clear communication between departments, ensuring seamless resolution of customer concerns in a timely manner.
  • Created and reviewed invoices to confirm accuracy.
  • Kept accurate records to document customer service actions and discussions.
  • Resolved customer complaints while prioritizing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Branch Manageress

UNIQUE PERSONNEL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
12.1976 - 12.1982
  • Commenced as a receptionist and later managed two of their branches.
  • Hired and trained members staff.
  • Worked directly with the owners of the Company
  • Responsible for all day to day activities and running of a Company
  • Recruited and interviewed Professionals for positions at International Companies.
  • Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
  • Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
  • Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.

Golf and Functions Coordinator

Gowrie Farm & Golf Lodge
03.2018 - Current

CURRENT POSITION.

For the past 6 years I have been at Gowrie Farm Golf Estate assisting in the Pro Shop in all duties etc, doing admin, welcome letters, competitions, newsletters, diary, functions, communication with members, public relations[ meet and greet all customers whether they golfers, or having a snack] research on what other clubs offer, contacting golf groups in SA. and overseas advertising our magnificent club, liasing with Members, Numzaans and Ladies. Even helping out in kitchen when required, assisting Ever with functions and menus. Posting recipes to kitchen. Organizing annual tournaments. eg OTM, Club champs, YTM, Ladies festival, golf days from A-Z, assisting Michaelhouse with all golf requirements, and fit in wherever required.

Skills

  • Organized
  • Consistently meet goals
  • Deadline-oriented
  • Customer service-oriented
  • Project management
  • Quick learner
  • Pleasant personality

Additional Information

Prior to working here at Gowrie, I was employed by Phil Simmons @ Mt Edgecombe Country Club

14 years


* Continued my Pro Shop duties as we ran two extremely busy shops.

* Initiated Junior programs and competitions.

*Organized golf clinics

* Arranged functions.

*Top sales assistant

* Ordered stock.

*Managed staff.

*Assisted all tourists with their needs- accommodation, transport, Doctors etc

*Coordinated all golf events- often two x 120 players on one day [ two courses]

*For the last 10 years at Mt Edgecombe, I introduced Golf tours annually for groups of 30/40 players with partners, to Thailand, Portugal and Skukuza. These proved to be most successful and extremely popular.




Timeline

Golf and Functions Coordinator

Gowrie Farm & Golf Lodge
03.2018 - Current

CORPORATE GOLF PROMOTIONS/Golf Shop Coordinator

SELF EMPLOYED
10.1983 - 08.2018

Customer Service Manager

AVIS RENT A CAR HEAD OFFICE IN SANDTON
01.1981 - 07.1983

Branch Manageress

UNIQUE PERSONNEL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
12.1976 - 12.1982
JOAN SIMMONS