Wendi Russo
TV Host, Jewelry and E Commerce Sales Expert at iMedia Brands, Inc.- Claim this Profile
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Topline Score
Bio
Donna T.
Wendi is a Rockstar! I worked with Wendi at ShopHQ and ShopNBC, and she worked on many of the Beauty programs. She connects with the customer, understands what the customer needs and wants, knows how to help the customer with his/her buying decision, and they trust her. She is a pleasure to work with, a real professional and loves what she does!
Kristine Davis
Wendi is so much fun to work with! Her spirit & passion is undeniable & her energy is contagious. I worked with Wendi for 7 years and admire her authenticity & strength.
Nancy Kunkle
Wendi is a Star. I worked with Wendi at ShopNBC (aka Evine) where she was a high grossing on air host on a team of 17+ hosts. What makes Wendi successful? She connects with her viewers, engaging them emotionally, giving them concise sales information and builds their trust. Wendi knows how to adapt to the inevitable things that happen on live TV; she follows her producers cues and tosses to others to keep a good flow. And she keeps it fun; on camera and off but always professional. Speaking of the camera . . Wendi knows how to work the camera; she has an excellent voice tone and appearance every time so her viewers want to watch. I would hire her again and highly recommend her to others considering doing so!
Donna T.
Wendi is a Rockstar! I worked with Wendi at ShopHQ and ShopNBC, and she worked on many of the Beauty programs. She connects with the customer, understands what the customer needs and wants, knows how to help the customer with his/her buying decision, and they trust her. She is a pleasure to work with, a real professional and loves what she does!
Kristine Davis
Wendi is so much fun to work with! Her spirit & passion is undeniable & her energy is contagious. I worked with Wendi for 7 years and admire her authenticity & strength.
Nancy Kunkle
Wendi is a Star. I worked with Wendi at ShopNBC (aka Evine) where she was a high grossing on air host on a team of 17+ hosts. What makes Wendi successful? She connects with her viewers, engaging them emotionally, giving them concise sales information and builds their trust. Wendi knows how to adapt to the inevitable things that happen on live TV; she follows her producers cues and tosses to others to keep a good flow. And she keeps it fun; on camera and off but always professional. Speaking of the camera . . Wendi knows how to work the camera; she has an excellent voice tone and appearance every time so her viewers want to watch. I would hire her again and highly recommend her to others considering doing so!
Donna T.
Wendi is a Rockstar! I worked with Wendi at ShopHQ and ShopNBC, and she worked on many of the Beauty programs. She connects with the customer, understands what the customer needs and wants, knows how to help the customer with his/her buying decision, and they trust her. She is a pleasure to work with, a real professional and loves what she does!
Kristine Davis
Wendi is so much fun to work with! Her spirit & passion is undeniable & her energy is contagious. I worked with Wendi for 7 years and admire her authenticity & strength.
Nancy Kunkle
Wendi is a Star. I worked with Wendi at ShopNBC (aka Evine) where she was a high grossing on air host on a team of 17+ hosts. What makes Wendi successful? She connects with her viewers, engaging them emotionally, giving them concise sales information and builds their trust. Wendi knows how to adapt to the inevitable things that happen on live TV; she follows her producers cues and tosses to others to keep a good flow. And she keeps it fun; on camera and off but always professional. Speaking of the camera . . Wendi knows how to work the camera; she has an excellent voice tone and appearance every time so her viewers want to watch. I would hire her again and highly recommend her to others considering doing so!
Donna T.
Wendi is a Rockstar! I worked with Wendi at ShopHQ and ShopNBC, and she worked on many of the Beauty programs. She connects with the customer, understands what the customer needs and wants, knows how to help the customer with his/her buying decision, and they trust her. She is a pleasure to work with, a real professional and loves what she does!
Kristine Davis
Wendi is so much fun to work with! Her spirit & passion is undeniable & her energy is contagious. I worked with Wendi for 7 years and admire her authenticity & strength.
Nancy Kunkle
Wendi is a Star. I worked with Wendi at ShopNBC (aka Evine) where she was a high grossing on air host on a team of 17+ hosts. What makes Wendi successful? She connects with her viewers, engaging them emotionally, giving them concise sales information and builds their trust. Wendi knows how to adapt to the inevitable things that happen on live TV; she follows her producers cues and tosses to others to keep a good flow. And she keeps it fun; on camera and off but always professional. Speaking of the camera . . Wendi knows how to work the camera; she has an excellent voice tone and appearance every time so her viewers want to watch. I would hire her again and highly recommend her to others considering doing so!
Credentials
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Benefit Auctioneer Specialist
National Auctioneers AssociationSep, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Accredited Jewelry Professional
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)Feb, 2007- Nov, 2024
Experience
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iMedia Brands, Inc.
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United States
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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100 - 200 Employee
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TV Host, Jewelry and E Commerce Sales Expert
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Aug 2021 - Present
On air Guest Expert for Shop HQ Channel representing Italian Jewelry educating viewers on the manufacturing process and sharing Style and trend tips! On air Guest Expert for Shop HQ Channel representing Italian Jewelry educating viewers on the manufacturing process and sharing Style and trend tips!
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RUSSO ENTERTAINMENT LTD
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United Kingdom
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Retail Office Equipment
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Fundraising Specialist and Benefit Auctioneer
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Sep 2019 - Present
Collaborate with Charities to create fundraising events that engage donors, build relationships and increase donations through virtual and live events. Emcee, Event planning, Auctioneer, Ringman and Volunteer. Trained by the National Auctioneers Association as a Benefit Specialist and Graduate of the Worldwide School of Auctioneering. Collaborate with Charities to create fundraising events that engage donors, build relationships and increase donations through virtual and live events. Emcee, Event planning, Auctioneer, Ringman and Volunteer. Trained by the National Auctioneers Association as a Benefit Specialist and Graduate of the Worldwide School of Auctioneering.
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The Winners Way
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Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
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Sales Trainer and Career/ Life coach
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Sep 2011 - Present
Establish trusting relationships with clients while helping them plan concrete steps towards their career aspirations and goals. Guide clients through strengthening their weaknesses and building upon their strengths through one-on-one and group consultations. Help clients identify personal goals, interests, talents and experiences to explore potential charity work and career paths. Assist clients in job searching techniques- social media platform development, image, communication skills, leadership through body language, resume writing and successful interviewing practices. Teach clients leadership skills to gain confidence and train in professional development Provide mentoring and skills development guidance to Dress for Success, executives and mid career, high school students, and college graduates looking for direction in their career path. Show less
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HSN
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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On Air Jewelry Guest Expert
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Jul 2020 - Jul 2021
Utilizing her 16 years of on air experience and jewelry training with the Gemological Institute of America, Wendi is the brand Ambassador for the premiere of Dieci Gold and jewelry concepts on HSN Home Shopping Network. Her expertise in Italian Jewelry from her 18 years of traveling to Italy to enjoy her husbands native land and her love of all things that sparkle is shared with HSN Networks' Nationwide audience. Utilizing her 16 years of on air experience and jewelry training with the Gemological Institute of America, Wendi is the brand Ambassador for the premiere of Dieci Gold and jewelry concepts on HSN Home Shopping Network. Her expertise in Italian Jewelry from her 18 years of traveling to Italy to enjoy her husbands native land and her love of all things that sparkle is shared with HSN Networks' Nationwide audience.
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iMedia Brands, Inc.
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United States
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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100 - 200 Employee
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On Air Sales Leader/ TV Host / Social Media Marketing
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Jun 2004 - Jan 2020
A continuation of my 16 year career in sales for home shopping industry. On Air Sales penetrating 50 million homes presenting a variety of product categories with Shop HQ formerly known as Shop NBC/ EVINE. Skilled Trainer for Media and corporate sales- Responsible for preparation, strategizing and collaborating with on air team of producer, buyers, directors, guest and crew. Top producer in sales in beauty, jewelry & fashion categories, engaging with customers by creating a successful following as an expert and influencer on social media. Hosted and marketed shows with Celebrities including Vanessa Williams, Marc Bouwer, Carson Kressley, Real Housewives Countess Luanne De Lesepps, Gretchen Rossi, Lisa Vanderpump, Paula Deen, Suzanne Somers, Morgan Fairchild, Kaliah Ali, Holly Robinson Peete, Karen Fairchild, Captain Sig, Todd English, Dr. Rey, Dr. Terry Dubrow, Betsey Johnson & Carol Alt. Show less
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On Air Sales Executive
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Jun 2004 - Mar 2018
On air television sales personality with nearly 12,000 hours of live TV Sales seen in over 70 million homes nationwide. Presentation expert in consumer goods to a National audience selling thousands of products in 4-6 minutes with over $40 M in sales. Top producer in female based products. Hosted Fashion shows with top dollar launches- highest Dollars per Minute in the category and the most new customers. Top producer in jewelry category with Silver, Gold and Gems. Host Wendi’s Beauty Favorites show using expertise in the beauty industry. Wendi is an Accredited Jewelry Professional, Certified Graduate Diamond Grader & Graduate Colored Stone Grader from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA. Show less
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HSN
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Sales Expert with Amara Jewelry
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2018 - 2018
Presented Pearl Jewelry line to over 80 million homes with successful high end fashion pearls working with top hosts in the industry-- as told by producer on first show "I've worked in this industry for a long time and you're the best guest I've ever worked with!" Presented Pearl Jewelry line to over 80 million homes with successful high end fashion pearls working with top hosts in the industry-- as told by producer on first show "I've worked in this industry for a long time and you're the best guest I've ever worked with!"
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Mrs. Minnesota United States 2010
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May 2010 - Jun 2011
Representing and promoting the Mrs. United States pageant through 85 statewide appearances, charity involvement with Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Wishes and More and Ronald McDonald house, website and blog promotion and contestant recruitment. Wendi’s platform is Mentoring and has been a mentor, speaker and ambassador with Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Aces and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Representing and promoting the Mrs. United States pageant through 85 statewide appearances, charity involvement with Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Wishes and More and Ronald McDonald house, website and blog promotion and contestant recruitment. Wendi’s platform is Mentoring and has been a mentor, speaker and ambassador with Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Aces and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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BASF
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Germany
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Chemical Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Territory Sales Rep Upper East Side Manhattan
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2000 - 2002
Educating Cardiologists, GP's and Gastroenterologists on the upper East side of Manhattan on the our estrogen replacement therapies, anti-hypertensives, gall stones and blood pressure medicines. Covered a territory of 250+ doctors Educating Cardiologists, GP's and Gastroenterologists on the upper East side of Manhattan on the our estrogen replacement therapies, anti-hypertensives, gall stones and blood pressure medicines. Covered a territory of 250+ doctors
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Pitney Bowes
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United States
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Software Development
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700 & Above Employee
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Sales Rep
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1988 - 1990
Facsimile sales Facsimile sales
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Education
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1987 - 1991
University of Vermont
B.S., Business Administration -
2007 - 2015
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
AJP (Accredited Jewelry Professional) from GIA ; Diamond Graduate; Colored Stones Program Graduate, Gems, Diamonds and Jewelry -
2002 - 2004
UCLA
Certification, Broadcast Journalism -
1989 - 1990
University of Connecticut
Master's degree, Business -
UCLA
Broadcast Journalism -
2007 - 2010
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
Accredited Jewelry Professional, Colored Stones Grader and Diamond Grader, Watchmaking and Jewelrymaking
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