Karen M. Polanco

Queens, NY ***** 917-***-**** ac6rea@r.postjobfree.com linkedin.com/in/kmpolanco

HIGHLIGHTS

Results Driven Sales Maven: Reputation for consistently exceeding sales goals by delivering talented teams, mentoring managers, building bench, effective operational systems, visually stunning merchandising and brand education. Client-Centric Brand Ambassador- Brand steward known for rapidly building best in class client relationship engagement and consultative sales that has lead to growth in KPIS as well as customer relationship program in district. Market Expert- Deep knowledge of trends competition and marketplace. Readily stay attuned of shifts and interpretive of reporting, social media, analysis and client feedback.

Entrepreneurial Leadership- Strong, adaptive, creative collaborator with finely tuned communication skills and an eye for detail. Possess broad experience both on corporate and retail structure to fluidly work with B2B, B2C and direct consumer relationships. Languages: English (Fluent) Spanish (Fluent) Portuguese (Conversational) Technology Profile: iOS & POS Systems Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint & Quickbooks Mac & PC CAREER PROGRESSION

10-2017

07-2018 District Manager

PAPYRUS, New York

• Created new revenue streams through networking and community involvement to create pop up store event opportunities that lead to brand awareness and individual event sales of $5k to $8k.

• Oversee brand education and manage training programs with product, incentives and upgraded software that was implemented across the US to improve client experience and efficiency.

• Spearheaded pilot college internship/career program; success has lead to being program leader across US for company; am a mentor and partner to Area Managers in US. Responsible for creating a talent resource that produces 50% of talent in market.

• Cut payroll costs 20% by scheduling according to market trend, while ensuring the continuation and enhancements of services

• Market leader in testing new product assortment and floor layouts. Lead reinvent projects and presentations throughout region that improved sales by 25%.

• Collaborative collaboration to create and execute with corporate office partners in departments such as Marketing, IT, HR, Finance, Logistics, Construction and Repairs that has led to new store openings, system revitalization and market stabilization.

• Recognized for Leader in Sales and Team Building 2017 for exceeding company target of +5% in overall sales and retention.

• Manage client relationship program with progressive results of an increase in 8% enrollment over last quarter.

• Uplift in conversion rate to 58% from 45% over the past 6 months.

• UPT growth of .10% to goal over last 6 months.

09-2011-

10-2017 Area Manager

PAPYRUS, New York, NY

• Promoted to Area Sales Manager; started with 3 stores which included #1 Volume store in the company and acquired 3 additional stores with growth of 15% overall in market.

• Create, manage and lead pilot for college internship/career fair program ; due to success in implementation and talent retention program model created implemented across all regions in the US for the company.

• Retained zero management turnover; 2014-2016. Developed and promoted 5 managers to growth leadership roles.

• Region's point person to align sales, initiatives and deliver stunning visual presentations.

• Assigned special project with productivity and efficiency by focusing on under preforming stores to middle with reinvents in operations and team in NYC and Connecticut markets.

• In 2017, collaborator for special events that range from artists, writers and photographers in store that generated an average increase of 15% in sales.

• Successfully managed consecutive UPT growth of .8% (2014-2017)

• Streamlined business outreach program and re-engagement of lost customer in coordination with the store operations and marketing department that lead to 35% increase in custom division sales. 08-2008-

09-2011 Flagship Manager

PAPYRUS, New York, NY

• Promoted to Flagship Manager to oversee multi store, complex and fast paced locations.

• Led consecutively 2008-2011 the #1 volume store in the company to 52% EBITDA.

• Developed 10 entry level managers to assistant or store manager level role; promoted to various stores in NYC market.

• Valued for taking ownership of exclusive product launches for the company; piloted test marketing and product and readily gave feedback that impacted sales product purchases for regional market.

• Provided strategic oversight in store operations and P&L responsibility that led to reduction in turnover and supply expenses by 20%. 04-2006

08-2008 Store Manager

PAPYRUS, New York, NY

08-2002

01-2004 Assistant Store Manager

Talbot, New York, NY

1999-

2002 Sales Representative (Commissioned)

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., New York, NY

EDUCATION

2006 Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, New York University NY, NY

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