Benjamin L. Edwards Jr

PO Box *****

Grosse Pointe, MI 48236

313-***-****

acgby8@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE

A position of responsibility in management.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent team building skills, communication skills, organizational and team building skills.

Community relations, customer service oriented, computer competent.

EXPERIENCE

Manager, Direct Sales Community Outreach

WCE LLC dba Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

02/2012 to 10/2013

Responsible for community related events and contacts related to bringing new business into the

company. I worked independently at remote locations performing health screenings also worked

with Project Healthy Living on behalf of the company reaching out to the local community.

President & CEO

Co /Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

02/2011 to 02/2012

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of company within guidelines set up

by a board of directors. Planned directed and coordinate operational activities at the highest level

of management with the help of subordinate executives and managers.

Interim President & CEO

Co /Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

02/2010 to 02/2011

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of company within guidelines set up

by a board of directors. Planned directed and coordinated operational activities at the highest level

of management with the help of subordinate executives and managers.

Executive VP of Retail Operations & Sales

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

04/2005 to 02/2011

Worked at the pleasure of the President & CEO, my direct duties were but not limited to:

Developing relationships with frame and lens companies for the purpose of purchasing products of

the best possible quality at the best available price point to best serve the needs of the corporation

and our customers. Responsible for the hiring and training of staff for our (18) eighteen-store

operations throughout S.E. Michigan, Grand Rapids and Ohio. Developed and implemented

incentive programs. Handled all aspects of the retail operation. Traveled to vendor shows.

Executive Director of Operations

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

09/2003 to 04/2005

Worked at the pleasure of the President & CEO, my direct duties were but not limited to:

Developing relationships with frame and lens companies for the purpose of purchasing products of

the best possible quality at the best available price point to best serve the needs of the corporation

and our customers. Responsible for the hiring and training of staff for our (18) eighteen-store

operations throughout S.E. Michigan, Grand Rapids and Ohio. Developed and implemented

incentive programs. Handled all aspects of the retail operation. Traveled to vendor shows.

Manager of the 8 Mile Dequindre Retail Office

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

07/2002 to 09/2003

Managed the largest and top grossing retail office. Under my tenure the office had the highest retail

sales ever. I was selected to travel to vendor shows and training out of state. Duties were but not

limited to: managing staff and Doctors, making sure company policies and objective were followed;

the best possible customer interactions were a daily expectation. Prepared schedules, payroll,

handled discipline and positive reinforcement of employees.

Manager of the New Center Retail Office

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

11/2000 to 07/2002

Selected to Manager this new retail location in the heart of Detroit. I was selected to travel to

vendor shows and training out of state. Duties were but not limited to: managing staff and Doctors,

making sure company policies and objective were followed; the best possible customer interactions

were a daily norm. Prepared schedules, payroll, handled discipline and positive reinforcement of

employees.

Promoted to Manager of the Livonia Retail Office

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

06/1995 to 11/2000

Managed this location that was under performing and was a major part of turning it into our only

Superstore with a lab. Sales increased, as did customer satisfaction. I was selected to travel to

vendor shows and training out of state. Duties were but not limited to: managing staff and Doctors,

making sure company policies and objective were followed; the best possible customer interactions

were a daily expectation. Prepared schedules, payroll, handled discipline and positive reinforcement

of employees.

Assistant Manager Farmington Hills Retail Office

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

08/1994 to 06/1995

Assistant Manager working under a Manager to learn the retail environment and responsibly.

Received journeymen card Bench room Optician

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

03/1991 to 08/1994

Shop Optician / Apprentice learning all aspects of bench room, edger’s, headstone,

and inserts; 60-month apprenticeship program certified by the IUE-CWA 932 Union.

Shop Optician Apprentice

Co / Op Optical, Detroit, Michigan

03/1986 to 03/1991

Received'journeymen'card'–'Bench'room'Optician.'Completed the apprenticeship program

and became a certified bench room optician.

I'was'selected'to'serve'on'circle'committee'to'represent'the'lab;'this'committee'was'made'up'of'

employees'from'every'area'of'the'operation'to'give'input'from'all'areas'to'improve'working'

conditions.'I'served'for'(2)'two'years.''

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Graduated, College prep, Kettering Sr. High, Detroit, Michigan, 4 Years

N/A, Liberal Arts, Jackson Community College, Jackson, Michigan, 1 / 12

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES

Journeymen Optician, IUE CWA - Union, MI

HONORS, AWARDS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

2011 Men Of Excellence Honoree - Michigan Chronicle

Who's Who in Black Detroit - 2011

Volunteer - Project Healthy Living

Contact this candidate