Retail Consultant

• Jun 2020 - Present

General Manager

• May 2011 - Mar 2020

Deploying my sales management and operational analysis skills, I was immediately able to add value and drive sales growth for the company across the central NC region. This involved collaborating with the corporate head office to identify underperforming stores and implementing targeted Performance Development Plans (PDPs) that helped rehabilitate over 10 stores. In this role, I focused on profit and loss (P&L) strategies, tactical merchandising, and team development, but I especially enjoyed project managing the opening of 3 new retail stores and establishing myself as a key influencer for the development of the nationwide Management Training Program for 147 stores. After the organization decided to permanently close all of its locations, I used this as an opportunity to demonstrate my high work ethic. Not only did I collaborate with the liquidator to punctually meet all of the liquidation goals, but I managed to retain all of the full-time employees until the end and be recognized by corporate for my exemplary leadership through this difficult transition. Show less

General Manager

• Mar 2009 - Apr 2011

Building on from my previous management experience, I was appointed to direct the day-to-day operations of a competitive bookstore. I loved connecting with customers and strategizing new opportunities for sales and market growth. My can-do attitude makes me a natural planner and organizer and I excelled when I could proactively resolve issues, launch innovative marketing campaigns, and motivate teams through ongoing training. Other responsibilities included financial management, recruiting, and preparing daily activity reports for senior management. Show less

General Manager

• Sep 2001 - Dec 2008

Recruited to head up the operations and staff management for a 50,000 sq. foot retail store, I specialized in optimizing work schedules, enhancing employee performance levels, and increasing profitability. This role allowed me to enjoy higher levels of responsibility and I was able to contribute valuable competitor information, reformulate pricing strategies, and reduce shrinkage. But one of my favorite responsibilities was training and managing a 5-person team which earned me a reputation as the Subject Matter Expert in leadership development across the region. Show less

General Manager

• Jun 1995 - Aug 2001

As a self-starter, I excelled when placed in a senior management role and helped maximize the business’ profitability. One of my key achievements in this capacity was initiating a positive work culture by identifying talent and assigning specific tasks to each employee, including taking inventory, reconciling cash, maintaining operational records, and engaging with various floor sales activities. I developed an exceptional reputation as a manager thanks to my proactive sales management and merchandising actions which subsequently increased client satisfaction ratings and in-store traffic. Show less

Staff Trainer and Shift Supervisor

• Jan 1985 - Jun 1992

Tasked with overseeing the training and development of staff, I thrived in this customer-facing role and earned the opportunity to spearhead the leadership development program for other supervisors. I partnered with corporate management to modify and improve the existing programs and I was able to leverage my expertise in hosting conferences, creating multi-media training aids, and implementing continuous performance reviews to create targeted training courses based on projected production processes, changes, and other key factors. I believe my authentic relationship building skills and acute attention to detail increased employee satisfaction and customer loyalty rates. Show less