Desiree Malek

Results-driven sales leader with 20+ years building high-performing teams, scaling client bases, and closing complex B2B and B2C deals. Expert in full-cycle sales, CRM strategy, lead generation, sales training, onboarding coordination, order entry and order-to-cash execution. Proven ability to manage multiple geographic markets, capture market insights, and maintain disciplined pipeline and operational processes.

Equally important, brings a deep respect for the emotional needs of customers and partners. Throughout career has worked closely with small business owners and families during significant transitions, and prioritizes compassion, active listening, and discretion in every interaction. Combines consultative rigor with empathy—ensuring conversations uncover practical needs while honoring the human side of every decision.

Sales Director/Owner - Food Truck Biz

(2011-01)

• Lead full-cycle sales for turnkey food-truck, grocery, and restaurant packages: qualify leads, deliver presentations, negotiate terms, and close deals
• Manage and coach sales staff on CRM best practices, follow-up cadences, objection handling, and closing techniques
• Create CRM email drip campaigns and multi-touch outreach sequences, improving lead engagement and conversion
• Coordinate financing solutions with multiple lenders to increase affordability and close rates
• Maintain detailed CRM records and sales reporting to inform strategy and forecast revenue
• Managed sales and implementation for turnkey grocery and restaurant delivery businesses; scaled client base to 400+ clients
• Created the entire food truck operation package including trailer purchase, marketing, SEO, social media, licensing, equipment purchase, uniform and logo design, video coaching
• Developed and executed multi-channel marketing and lead-generation campaigns (social, Google Ads, franchise platforms)
• Built and delivered a structured, zealous sales training program that improved team close rates and reduced turnover
• Hired and led teams of 30+ (office and sales); maintained low turnover via performance-based hiring and development
• Produced weekly performance reports and managed lead allocation and ad-budget spend
• Coordinated operational details for client launches—equipment procurement, licensing, and logistics—ensuring accurate documentation and timely delivery
• Performed quarterly profit & loss review and tax preparation

Founder / Sales Manager - Service Check Mystery Shopping Service

(2006-01 - 2011-12)

• Founded and operated mystery-shopping service for restaurants and hotels; managed 25 contracted shoppers
• Sold service contracts and delivered actionable quality-improvement reports to clients; grew and maintained long-term relationships
• Managed scheduling, reporting, and client onboarding; ensured deliverable accuracy and timely execution
• Trained evaluators in respectful client interaction and confidentiality
• Successfully exited the business via sale

Employment Specialist / Grant Writer - Tulare County Office of Education

(1999-01 - 2006-12)

• Secured federal Welfare-to-Work grants and developed hands-on hospitality training curricula
• Built an on-site training restaurant to provide real-world experience and supported employer placements
• Managed employer partnerships, case management, and tax-credit programs to support job placement and employer engagement
• Wrote curriculum for American Fine Dining and Wine training; constructed Work Opportunity Tax Credit programs to incentivize employer hiring

Mt. Whitney

College of the Sequoias