Jim Varagona

*** ************ ***., **. *****, MO 63111 cell 314-***-****

abjjmy@r.postjobfree.com

Creative and knowledgeable team player with 8 years of retail experience in

customer service, sales, training, and merchandising. 2 years of retail

management experience. Skilled in dealing with the public in a wide variety

of situations. Proficient in social media.

July 2007 to October 2009 InkStop Maplewood, MO

Store Manager- Ensured that associates performed duties to company

standards and beyond through training in operations and product

knowledge. Counseled associates on opportunities and commended

achievements. Handled store scheduling and payroll as well as customer

service issues. Gave customers a personal experience tailored to their

needs to secure their business for life. Processed RTVs, transfers, and

performed ongoing auditing to ensure optimal performance from staff.

. Trained new managers and associates of other locations and mentored

them through their transition.

. Effectively trained the staff on product protection plans, improving

the customer experience resulting in a 100% increase in plan sales.

. Consistently ranked 2nd out of 14 stores in market in sales and

remained near top of district of 60+ stores in sales during 2008-

2009.

. Helped store achieve 150% of budgeted goal for first two quarters open.

. Spearheaded and organized company's local involvement in KidSmart's Push

for Pencils school supply drive, which increased exposure of our brand as

well as collected 6,000 school supplies for needy local children.

. Secured bulk sale customers which accounted for 30% of net dollars for

2009.

October 2006 to July 2007 Growing Family Portraits Saint Louis, MO

Photographer- Photographed children (from newborn) and their families in

their homes throughout Saint Louis and a 100 mile radius.

. Sold Early Years packages for future visits with company to achieve a

ranking in the top 25% of the company.

. Solicited referrals for prospective clients increasing business for our

office and accounting for 50% of referrals received from a staff of 5

photographers.

. Trained new hires in the field to fine tune their timing and technique,

as well as develop an effective sales approach.

July 2006 to October 2006 Cox Auto Trader Maryland Heights, MO

Field Photographer- Followed daily routes based on locations of customers.

Took photos of customers' vehicles and advised them on anything necessary

to complete ad, such as wording, photo sizing, and timeframe. Collected any

payment and wording for ads.

October 2005 to June 2006 J.V. Folsom Saint Louis, MO

Retail Service Representative- Inspected various Home Depot stores' garden

departments to see that cross merchandising and merchandising was according

to plan. Provided reports, including photos, of stores indicating progress

or lack thereof. Merchandised various product lines to make them more

shopable and set according to given plan-o-grams.

March 2005 to September 2005 The Scotts/Miracle Gro Co. Saint Louis, MO

Merchandiser- Maintained products during the lawn care season in various

Home Depot stores by cleaning area, creating product displays, and properly

signing and labeling items.

November 2001 to January 2005 Target Saint Louis, MO

Electronics Sales Specialist (Level 2)- Assisted customers with shopping

experience by answering questions and troubleshooting. Worked in depth with

customers in Electronics department to fit their individual needs based on

short, informal consultations. Operated cash register on daily basis and

worked with Asset Protection to educate associates on proper security

practices and awareness. Frequently intercepted bad checks and illegal use

of credit cards with this knowledge. Set salesplanners, ad signage and

displays. Trained co-workers on product knowledge in area. Promoted to

Specialist after two months on salesfloor.

BA in Media Communications, Webster University, 2005

. minor in Political Science

. GPA of 3.41

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