Ryan Best

Customer-focused professional transitioning into IT support, bringing 8+ years of technology sales and customer service experience across the Apple and Microsoft ecosystems. Skilled at diagnosing customer needs and explaining technology to non-technical users in plain language, with hands-on experience tracking and resolving customer requests through CRM/lead-management platforms and delivering both on-site and remote technical support. Currently pursuing CompTIA A+ certification with hands-on study of networking, hardware, and operating-system fundamentals.

Product Specialist at Apple Inc. (2021-07 – Present)

• Diagnose customer technology needs and match Apple products and services (iPhone, Mac) to the right solutions for consumers and businesses.
• Cross-trained at the Genius Bar, providing hands-on hardware and software troubleshooting and diagnostic support alongside sales floor responsibilities.
• Resolve account and software issues on the sales floor — including Apple ID/password recovery and email setup — as a fast alternative to Genius Bar wait times.
• Provide on-site, in-person technical guidance to non-technical customers, explaining product features, specifications, and setup in clear, everyday language.
• Troubleshoot and resolve customer questions on device setup and basic use, helping customers get comfortable with new hardware and software.
• Track and manage business-to-business (B2B) leads and customer requests, coordinating follow-up appointments.

Sales & Education Support Associate at Microsoft (2018-02 – 2021-07)

• Provided on-site technical guidance for Microsoft hardware and software, helping customers select products and resolve setup and product questions.
• Tracked and managed customer inquiries and leads using Microsoft's internal CRM/lead-management software; continued remotely in education sales after Microsoft closed its retail stores in 2020.
• Sold products and services to K-12 and higher-education institutions; scheduled and led training workshops for students and faculty, building familiarity with education-sector technology needs.

Sales Associate at Clarks Shoes (2016-05 – 2018-02)

• Delivered customer service, processed transactions, and maintained accurate inventory while consistently meeting sales targets.

B.S. in Communications Media (Concentration: Graphic Design) – Fitchburg State University (2019-12)