People Developer Mentor & Coach High Achiever Sales Driver
Resume:
Michelle Bender, ABOC
Le Center, MN 56057
Professional Summary
Over twenty years of experience leading multi-unit retail teams to exceed in sales associate development, customer relations and bottom-line growth.
Proven track record as results-driven leader and coach, who is committed to interpersonal relationships, team building, quality performance and professional operations.
Skilled communicator functioning at all professional levels. Highly practiced in establishing confidence and rapport among store teams, business partners and customers.
Organized and productive with superior time management abilities in prioritizing, delegating, completing multiple tasks. Detail-orientated to maintain a smoothly functioning workplace.
Experience
Feb 2020 – Nov 2022
Shopko Optical
Minneapolis, MN
Regional Manager
Led operations and employee relations for 22 Shopko Optical locations in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Northern Iowa that exceed $20 million in annual sales. Directly supported 16 General Managers and a Market Manager.
Delivered 34.8% Sales Comps in 2021, ranked #1 Region 9 of 12 months in 2021.
Delivered 72% exam conversion & 32% multiple pairs to lead the Brand in 2021.
Recruited, onboarded, coached and developed General Managers. Supporedt the training and development of Opticians.
Prepared and led training for General Managers and store associates.
Ensured engagement and accountability in delivering superior customer experience and driving overall sales performance within the Brand.
Supported the recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding of Doctors of Optometry. Directly supported 28 Optometrists.
Modeled and influenced collaborative conversations with Optometrists.
Supported onboarding and training of 8 new Regional Managers joining the Brand.
Supported implementation, set up and training for the Digital Optometrics telemed exams within the Brand.
Supported and led the RM field team in the absence of VP of Sales.
Developed, implemented, and ensured execution of new operational processes and procedures.
Ensured merchandising and marketing strategies were executed within the Brand.
Researched real estate for new store growth & acquisitions.
Oversaw logistics and planning for new stores, acquisitions, remodels & relocations.
Jan 2017 – Feb 2020
Luxottica Retail
Minneapolis, MN
Senior Regional Sales Manager
Led operations and employee relations for 125 Sears Optical locations in 25 states that exceed $65 million in annual sales. Directly supported 3 Regional Managers and 2 Market Managers.
Recruited, onboarded, coached, and developed Field Managers. Supported the training and development of Store Managers, Licensed Opticians and Sales Associates.
Prepared and led training webinars for store and field associates.
Ensured engagement and accountability in delivering superior customer experience and driving overall sales performance within the Brand.
Supported the recruiting, negotiating sublease agreements and onboarding of Independent Doctors of Optometry in 25 states.
Modeled and influenced collaborative conversations with Optometrists.
Developed, implemented, and ensured execution of new operational processes and procedures.
Ensured merchandising and marketing strategies are executed within the Brand.
Built collaborative relationships within the Sears host environment.
Oversaw logistics and planning for store remodels & closures.
Regional General Manager
Led Managers & Independent Doctors of Optometry for 25 Target Optical locations in Minnesota that exceeded $22 million in annual sales.
Achieved an 8.6% sales comp increase in 2018.
Awarded the Highest Guest Count Award (112%) in 2018.
Earned the Highest Multiple Pairs Award (18.9%) in 2018.
Oversaw all logistics for 13 remodels completed within a 6-month timeframe in 2018.
Recruited and developed a Store Manager, who was promoted to a Zone Project Supervisor for the West Zone after 1 year with the Brand.
Supported doctor partner in expanding from 2 to 8 sublease locations within metro area.
Recruited 60 store associates/leaders within the first 90 days in role.
Improved employee engagement and reduced turnover over 2 years.
Dec 2008 – Jan 2017
Visionworks
Minneapolis, MN
Territory Director
Led Retail, Lab & Employed Optometrists operations of 14 store locations in Minnesota, North & South Dakota that exceeded $16 million in annual sales.
On boarded 12 newly hired or promoted Territory Directors for placement within the company.
Coordinated and executed the logistics of 28 store re-branding remodels within 5 states.
Obtained my American Board of Opticianry Certificate in 2011.
Developed Basic Optics & Lensometry training guides certification for District Technical Manager to lead and support within both Minnesota territories.
Territory ranked in top 3rd of company 5 out of 8 years.
Territory was ranked #3 for overall performance in 2010.
Awarded March Madness Champion in 2010.
Placed in top 7 performers during March Madness for 3 out of the 8 years with the company.
Sept 2004 – Nov 2008
Luxottica Retail
Minneapolis, MN
Regional Sales Manager
Led Managers & Independent Doctors of Optometry for 17 Sears Optical locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas that exceeded $10 million in annual sales.
Served as a Brand liaison for my peers on a Project Panel for Luxottica Retail Licensed Brands.
On boarded 6 newly hired or promoted Regional Sales Managers for placement within the Brand.
Ranked as #1 Region within Midwest Territory for polarized sun sales 2005-2008.
Received the “Setting Clear Expectations”, “Encourage the Heart” and “Celebrate Together” aw/ards in 2007.
Ranked as #1 Region in sales for the Brand in 2006
Developed recruiting guide for Midwest Territory.
Served as the Regional Gift of Sight Captain for the Midwest Territory.
Education
1991-1993
College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, ID
Major
Accounting
References
References are available on request.
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