Experience

Cavender's
• United States
• Retail
• 300 - 400 Employee
• Store Manager

  • Oct 2020 - Present


Horsetown Western

• Store Manager

  • Jul 2016 - Oct 2020

  General Manager, Area Manager, Management Recruiter Recruited to manage a unique and extremely popular original location in Marietta (Horsetown West) for this privately owned company – the #1 boot retailer in the southeast – while also overseeing 2 additional stores, including Horsetown East and High Plains Western Wear (up to 40,000 square feet each). Fully accountable for store operations, recruiting, talent management, inventory planning, buying, vendor relations, and much more. Lead a team of 70 employees across the 3 stores, including 2 store managers and 8-10 key carriers. • Increased sales in Horsetown West by 3% in 2016, 3% in 2017, 5% in 2018, and 13% in 2019 • Analyzed category sales in High Plains in 2017 and overhauled the merchandise mix • Increased sales in High Plains by 1% and 5% the last 2 years after finishing at -3% in 2016 • Took over Horsetown East in 2018 – created a plan to re-organize/re-merchandise the entire store • Promoted a new store manager to Horsetown East and drove the store from -5% to +15% • Increased profit, reduced inventory shrink, and managed payroll within budget every year • Maintained very high safety standards with just 1 workers’ compensation claim in 4 years • Developed and promoted 1 new store manager, 3 assistant managers, and 8 key carriers internally • Selected to lead all management recruiting – introduced the company to online & college resources • Recruited 5 new managers and 50+ associates for the company over the first 4 years • Developed several new tools, systems, processes, and programs that rolled out to every store • Led the development of a comprehensive employee handbook (previous one was from the 1970s) • Created a formal performance management system, including verbal warnings and written coaching • Developed social media policies, cell phone policies, and a point-based attendance policy • Designed a seasonal inventory markdown program to clear outdated merchandise Show less



Burlington Coat Factory

• United States
• Retail

• Store Manager

  • Mar 2013 - Jul 2016

  Recruited to rebuild an understaffed and underperforming 30,000 square foot store in Kennesaw. Achieved tremendous results in every area, resulting in a promotion to a significantly larger 100,000 square foot store in Austell in 2015. This location struggled through 5 different managers in the previous 2 years – standards were non-existent, shrink was among the worst in the region, and turnover was high. Led a team of 50. • Achieved significant year-over-year improvement in sales and performance metrics in each store • Increased sales to $6M+ in Kennesaw and $7M+ in Austell – exceeded the sales plan in both stores • Drove customer satisfaction scores in both stores from “underperforming” to “above standards” • Reduced shrink from 3.2% to 1.6% in Austell and from 2.3% to 1.86% in Kennesaw • Awarded the #1 manager rating in the region (20 stores) on the 2015 employee engagement survey • Maintained a high level of morale and retention – recorded the lowest turnover in the region in 2014 • Developed and promoted 2 new assistant store managers and 6 department leads internally • Completed 2 major remodels in the Austell store – completed both on time and below budget • Selected by senior leaders to help recruit, hire, and train full teams for 2 new stores Show less



Barnes and Noble

• United States
• Book and Periodical Publishing

• Bench District Manager/ Regional Training Manager

  • Sep 2003 - Mar 2013

  Recruited by the district manager to open the new 25,000 square foot store in The Avenues at West Cobb in Marietta. Managed that store for 4 years before being promoted to a larger 40,000 square foot, top-volume flagship store in Alpharetta – the district store for North Atlanta and one of the 2 highest-volume locations in the SE region. Oversaw 2 assistant managers, 4 department managers, 1 receiving manager, and 7 leads. • Opened The Avenues at West Cobb store in 2003 – increased sales from $6M to $8M over 4 years • Took over a top-performing Alpharetta store in 2007 – drove sales from $12M to $14M over 6 years • Ranked in the top 10% in the region (100 stores) for customer satisfaction and mystery shop scores • Established a strong team culture – recorded less than 10% annual turnover the last 6 years • Developed & promoted 3 new store managers, 5 support managers, and 8-10 leads for the company • Planned/hosted many VIP book signings and other in-store & off-site events (up to 1200 attendees) • Managed 2 major remodeling projects with no downtime and zero customer complaints • Served as the certified training manager for all of Georgia every year since 2006 • Expanded training oversight to Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee • Facilitated the Situational Leadership program and other training initiatives throughout the region • Provided key contributions in the development of a company-wide training program (1-year project) • Created and tested many training materials, modules, and systems that rolled out nationally • Designed an hour-by-hour sales floor accountability tool that rolled out to the region • Recognized as a high-potential leader – elevated to the district manager bench in 2010 • Traveled across the district/region to conduct store visits with the DM, RVP, and regional HR director • Frequently supported the district manager with inventory prep and seasonal check-off visits Show less



TJ Maxx

• United States
• Retail

• Store Manager

  • Oct 2000 - Sep 2003

  * Responsible for running all operational aspects of a multi million dollars business from hiring, training, merchandising and P&L controls. *In 2000 reduced attrition from 180% in 2000 to 38% winning the regional award for best improved attrition. *In 2000 Increases sales by 300k above plan winning the best improved sales award. * In 2001 increased sales to plan from -4% to +6% to plan during tenure at the East Cobb location. * In 2001 won best customer service rating in region. *In 2003 reduced attrition from 130% in 2002 to 33% in 2003 at the Southlake location winning the best attrition award for the district. Show less


Bed Bath and Beyond
• United States
• Store Manager

  • May 1998 - Oct 2000

Home Place
• Peru
• Utilities
• Assistant Manager

  • Jun 1997 - May 1998

Reading China and More
• Store Manager

  • 1994 - 1997

Welcome Station Grocery
• Store Manager

  • 1990 - 1994

Kmart Corporation
• United States
• Retail
• Department Lead

  • 1985 - 1990