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Katie Mikres
Facilitator|Coach|Instructional Designer

Invest in people. Improve the experience.

Most organizations want a better customer experience: faster responses, more transparency, stronger communication, and a team that delivers with confidence and care. The real issue is investment. Companies ask people to perform at a higher level without giving them the time, training, and energy required to actually get there.

 

Customer Experience

Customers today expect more than transactions. They expect expertise, empathy, and proactive support. They want to feel valued, understood, and guided. That level of service does not come from policies, slogans, or surveys. It comes from people who are educated, equipped, and supported to deliver it.

 

When organizations invest in meaningful development, not just product knowledge but communication, problem-solving, culture, and leadership, employees do more than “do their jobs.” They elevate them. They empower them. And that is what turns everyday interactions into a modern, memorable customer experience.

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Remarkable Outcomes

 

When organizations invest in intentional development, they see meaningful, lasting results:

  • Increased confidence and self-awareness

  • Stronger communication and collaboration

  • Higher engagement, motivation, and morale

  • Improved performance and productivity

  • Enhanced problem-solving and adaptability

  • Better work-life balance and overall well-being

  • Clarity around personal and professional goals

  • Sustainable growth and long-term success

Training & Coaching

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New Sales
Consultant Training

New Sales Consultant training involves a comprehensive sales training program designed to equip your new sales consultants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and processes to be successful. 

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Accountability
Groups

Success doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through consistent action, focused strategy, and accountability. 

Accountability Groups are designed to keep you focused, supported, and moving forward.

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Unlock the Power of Customer Connections

Designed to educate individuals or teams within an organization on strategies, techniques, and best practices aimed at fostering strong, meaningful, and lasting relationships with customers.

Training & Coaching

Engine Check

Service Advisor Training

Effective communication, diagnostic skills, CRM utilization, and ethical upselling. Advisors learn conflict resolution, compliance, and practical scenarios, aiming to ensure exceptional service and departmental success.

Mobile Web Design

Sales Manager Training

Manager training is a focused development program that strengthens leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. It equips managers with the tools they need to lead teams effectively, drive performance, and align their people with organizational goals.

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Core Values - Immersion

Immersion training is a culture-focused experience that aligns employees with the company’s identity, values, and vision. It strengthens connection, consistency, and pride, creating a unified culture that drives performance and exceptional experiences.

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About Me
 

Coaching That Elevates Customer Experience

I bring a wealth of experience as a facilitator, coach, and instructional designer.
At the heart of my work is a deep understanding of the power of customer experience and the people behind it. I believe personal and professional coaching is the most important part of my role. When someone isn’t fully invested in what they’re doing, and their mind isn’t clear and focused on their clients, it becomes impossible to deliver the kind of experience customers truly deserve.
Strong coaching creates clarity, confidence, and connection, which is the foundation of exceptional service.

Behavioral Tools That Build Stronger Teams

I also encourage leveraging behavioral analysis tools such as AVA, Culture Index, and Predictive Index to help organizations hire smarter and coach more effectively. These tools are not only valuable for recruiting and placing the right people in the right roles, they are equally powerful for developing communication, leadership, and performance long after hiring.

 

When individuals understand how they think, work, and collaborate with others, coaching becomes more precise, leadership becomes more empathetic, and teams become more aligned.
With the right insight, organizations don’t just hire talent, they grow it into a better customer experience.

 

Passionate About Growth and Development

I thrive on helping people tap into their potential. Known for my direct, high-energy style, I design and lead workshops that inspire vulnerability, build confidence, and create space for meaningful transformation. I believe growth happens when people feel challenged, supported, and seen, not when they’re simply trained on tasks.

One of the strengths I bring to instructional design is that I write what I train and train what I write. Every program is built with intention, shaped by real-world experience, and grounded in the challenges teams face every day. This ensures that the content is practical, relevant, and deeply connected to how people actually learn, communicate, and perform.

 

Train-the-Trainer

Beyond delivering live training, I also create train-the-trainer programs and toolkits that empower organizations to confidently facilitate my curriculum on their own. These solutions give companies the structure, scripts, resources, and coaching guidance they need to deliver consistent training with lasting impact.

 

I don’t believe in training that checks boxes. I create learning experiences that change the way people show up, lead, and serve, for their team, their customers, and themselves.

 

My facilitation style

Encourages active participation and meaningful connection, empowering individuals to contribute, grow, and succeed. I bring a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence to everything I do.

Off the clock, you’ll find me in the garden, in the kitchen cooking or baking something ridiculously sweet, or unwinding with a good documentary or book. Music is a big part of my life. I love listening to it and going to concerts with my boyfriend whenever we can. At home, I’m happiest spending time with my boyfriend, our two dogs - Charlie, our golden retriever, and Tuhlula our Great Dane. Sundays are all about family and Sunday dinner. 
 

Experience 

September - 2024 - Present

Feldmann Imports

Director of Training & Development

As Director of Training & Development at Feldmann Imports, I recruit, hire, and train new sales consultants while providing ongoing coaching and one-on-one development for both consultants and managers to support growth and performance. I’ve also led service training and facilitated customer panels to deeply understand what customers want and expect. My role combines people development, cultural alignment, and continuous improvement to drive stronger results across the dealership.

January 2024 - August 2024
 

Walser Automotive Group 

Director of Training, Sales & Service

As Director of Training for Sales and Service, I evaluated processes and trainings and redesigned curriculum to reflect this. I conducted needs analysis with key stakeholders to evaluate in-store training to improve knowledge, skills and tools.

2020-2023

Kris Lindahl Real Estate

Director of Training & Development

Designed, developed, and launched a comprehensive six-week sales training program, including weekly one-on-one coaching sessions to strengthen agent performance and skill development. I also led the recruiting and interviewing of scholarship applicants as part of the organization’s talent acquisition efforts. In addition, I built and facilitated a full Kris Lindahl Real Estate Immersion program for both new and tenured agents to align the entire organization on culture, expectations, and shared values.

2019-2020

Ryan Adams Group 

Customer Training Manager

I collaborated closely with Ryan Adams' team to facilitate the transition of traditional, negotiation-based dealerships towards adopting a one-price business model. This was achieved by collaborating with senior leadership to develop sales process and delivering comprehensive training sessions focused on innovative processes and methodologies.

2010-2019

Morrie's Automotive Group

Director of Training

I conducted thorough training sessions for new sales consultants on the one-price sales model. I trained sales, service, and managers on delivering outstanding customer experiences. Instructional design, needs assessments, and collaborating closely with sales and general managers to identify training needs. Crafting and delivering customized training programs was a focal point, accompanied by providing coaching support to salespeople and managers.

Experience 

2009 - 2010

Morrie's Automotive Group

CRM Implementer & Coach

Implemented and managed of Vin Solutions CRM system. Managed data accuracy, and developed strategies aligned with objectives for improved customer engagement. Trained sales consultants, managers and service advisors on CRM usage, analyzed data, and customized the system to meet evolving needs. Additionally, generated reports for informed decision-making, and drove consistent usage. 

2005 - 2009

Morrie's Automotive Group

New Car Manager

Supervised sales operations, managed new vehicle inventory, reported delivery records to manufacturer, maintained CSI scores, analyzed sales performance, provided training and support to the sales team. Collaborated with various departments, planned marketing initiatives, and ensured compliance with dealership policies and manufacturer regulations. 

1999 - 2005

Morrie's Mazda 

Sales Consultant 

Assisted customers in purchasing vehicles by understanding their needs, demonstrating vehicle features through test drives, and negotiating prices and financing options. Possessed extensive knowledge about available inventory, offered exceptional customer service, and handled paperwork efficiently. Met sales targets and provided follow-up support post-sale, ensuring a positive buying experience and contributing to the dealership's sales success.

Certifications

Association for Talent & Development 

Designing Learning - January, 2017

Certified Master Trainer - December, 2013

Certified Coach - December, 2012

Certified Trainer - September, 2011

AVA® 

Certified AVA Analyst 

Culture Index 

Executive Advisor 

Education 

University of Minnesota

Major: Creative Writing 

Minor: Theater Arts 

Address

Chanhassen, Mn 

Phone

612-865-8479

Email

Connect

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  • LinkedIn

Training | Coaching | Speaking

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