Entrepreneurially minded leader with expertise in operations, project management, strategic planning, client relations, and talent development. My unwavering focus on training and coaching coupled with my “lead by example” style has led to year-over-year revenue growth with the successful nurturing of partnership sales programs. With a keen eye for identifying emerging opportunities and implementing innovative and efficient strategies, I am committed to ensuring operational effectiveness and driving exceptional performance.

Key Skills

Strategic Alignment and Implementation Sales and Marketing Project Managing Standard Operating Procedures Client Relationships Solutions and Efficiencies Growth Objectives Innovator Loss Prevention Team Management and Coaching Business Objectives Metrics Aligning Cross-function teams Collaboration

Key Accomplishments

•Delivered $2.6M in Op Income (+26% to profit plan) by leading seven (7) active partner programs while creating business cases for additional partner programs last fiscal year (2022).

•Sourced and negotiated a contract to test a new apparel brand partnership to be sold within 21 DSW locations, resulting in increased basket size +$25, trip frequency, loyalty, $ sqft +$400 and a roll out to more stores. Opened 100 additional apparel shops in 2022; developed efficiencies and plans for 120 additional shops to be opened in 2023.

•Executed a grocer partner program, initially resulting in the opening of seven (7) DSW shops within the grocer’s locations.

•Following the success of grocer partner programs, added footwear programs to 200 additional grocer’s locations within a year.

•Created and vetted out new partnership multiple business cases resulting in two (2) contracted all store programs and $1.5M in Op Income.

•Introduced and implemented shoe repair program to 500+ DSW store locations in a 6-month period yielding two (2) customer return visits resulting in $2M+ incremental sales.

•Managed an exclusive sneaker partner program and opened shop-in-shops in 2 DSW flagship stores generating +$180k in incremental sales in the initial 3 months of operation.

•Created a wholesale DSW program resulting in three (3) successful orders with the Army Air-force Exchange Supply.

•Exited from partner closing down with 183 stores delivering $3.4M of Op Income (+70% to the profit plan).

Professional Experience

Designer Brands, INC. DSW, Columbus, OH September 2001 - March 2023

An American company that sells designer and name brand shoes and fashion accessories, owns the Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) store chain, and operates over 500 stores in the United States and an e-commerce website.

Professional Experience (Cont’)

Senior Director, Initiatives and Operations (July 2016 - Present)

Partnered with internal & external executives (Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, Operations) to develop strategies, negotiate contracts, & create efficiencies to deliver goals and sales metrics. Managed annual sales budget of $155M, profit budget of $31M, and capital expense budget of $500K. Additional responsibilities included:

•Directed commercial and special projects for Designer Brands.

•Managed 350 shoe departments in three retail businesses (Gordmans, Stein Mart, and Frugal Fannies) with approximately 5-15 direct and 3-25 indirect field reports.

•Oversaw a dedicated merchant, planning, allocation, field, operations, and marketing team.

•Created new brick and mortar digital business partnership program, building and nurturing relationships with clients.

•Developed and coached a team of 38 through programs focused on continuous operational efficiencies and collaborative learning environments.

•Initiated and managed external partnerships with DSW stores with all internal and external stakeholders; negotiated contracts with partners.

•Lead and administered marketing, content feedback, and loss prevention functions for assigned divisions.

•Provided tools, methods, and resources to ensure business and district store growth.

•Prepared and conducted divisional and training management conferences.

•Oversaw creation and distribution of weekly newsletter to three client businesses that details activities, actions, recognition, and best practices.

Key Accomplishments

•Grew efficiencies and profitability by $150K by realigning division through staff management.

•Increased sales by $20M by launching new client shoe departments in 40 locations during a three-month period; managed team of 40 to create SOP PnP, blueprints, capital orders and installs; and trained 200+ team members.

•Improved sales and execution by five points by streamlining all SOP PnP for ease of shopping.

Regional Business Manager - Leased Business Group (November 2006 - July 2016)

Achieved business goals for a 22-state region that included sales, profit, customer service, shrinkage, payroll, and HR. Directed and maintained operating store standards within the region with approximately six direct reports. Ensured compliance with store operations, SOP manuals, and all local, state, and federal laws.

District Manager - NE, IA, ND, SD, MN & WI (July 2004 - November 2006)

Directed operations for multiple stores throughout a six-state region with accountability for maximizing business results. Built high performance teams through recruiting, coaching, and retention and succession planning.

Store Manager Training Manager - Denver CO (September 2001 - July 2004)

Managed merchandise presentation, operational integrity, optimal staffing, and associate development. Enhanced brand image. Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve business results.

Education Training

Bakersfield College, Bakersfield, CA, 1994 – 1996 Bachelor’s Degree

Professional Training

Situational Leadership 2, February 2017 Gallup Strength Finders, July 2016

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