Operations & Retail Leadership Executive

HOWARD POLLACK

516-***-**** ********@*****.*** 10035 53rd Way S. 2202, Boynton Beach FL 33437

PROFILE SUMMARY

RETAIL & BUSINESS OPERATIONS EXPERT

“Delivering Excellence in Customer Solutions and Operational Success”

Accomplished professional with a robust background in executive leadership, strategic negotiation, and project management. Proven expertise in driving operational excellence across diverse sectors, including retail, e-commerce, and customer service. Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, optimize inventory and supply chain processes, and implement integrated marketing strategies. Adept at managing complex projects from conception through execution, with a focus on enhancing customer experience and leveraging technological advancements. Skilled in coordinating industry events and trade shows to stay at the forefront of market trends. Committed to delivering cost-effective solutions and achieving business growth through innovative practices and strategic partnerships.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Leadership: Expertise in guiding teams and organizations towards achieving their goals through effective leadership.

Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to manage strong client relationships, fostering loyalty and driving business growth.

Operational Excellence: Skilled in creating procedures that enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve overall performance.

Performance Management: Proficient in optimizing individual and group performance, setting goals, and providing actionable feedback.

Quality Assurance: Track record of achieving high standards of quality in service delivery, positively impacting business outcomes.

Training & Development: Experience in designing and executing training programs to enhance team skills, motivation, and productivity.

Goal Setting & Achievement: Ability to set clear, measurable goals and develop strategic plans to achieve them.

SKILLS HIGHLIGHTS

Executive Leadership & Team Management

Strategic Negotiation & Contract Management

Advanced Project & Operations Oversight

Integrated Marketing & Brand Strategy

Customer Service & Experience Management

E-commerce Strategy & Technological Integration

Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization

Event Coordination & Trade Show Analysis

Business and Retail Operations Management

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

FULFILLMENT & CUSTOMER SERVICE

Amazon - Whole Foods, Boynton Beach, FL (2019 – 2021)

Efficiently fulfilled Prime customer orders, ensuring accurate and timely preparation for delivery.

Expertly selected and packaged items within Whole Foods, optimizing the process for rapid one-hour or two-hour delivery windows.

Provided seamless support for customer orders, coordinating both delivery and pickup services.

Enhanced customer satisfaction by meticulously shopping for everyday goods across the store.

Played a key role in maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency in a fast-paced fulfilment environment.

TRANSPORTATION

JFS Weisman Center, Boca Raton, FL (2019)

Safely transported participants for various programs, including sightseeing, field trips, and community events.

Coordinated and executed efficient pick-up and drop-off schedules for senior citizens involved in social service programs.

Facilitated access to recreational and cultural activities, contributing to the overall well-being of senior participants.

Provided compassionate assistance to senior citizens during outings, ensuring their comfort and safety.

Demonstrated reliability and dedication in supporting the centre’s transportation needs.

CONSULTANT

New York, NY (1996 – 2011)

Transformed store layouts for Hayman and Sumner NYC, Write Impressions Merrick, NY, and Ivy League Stationers NYC, enhancing customer flow and boosting in-store engagement.

Optimized daily operations by selecting, training, and supervising staff, leading to increased productivity and streamlined workflows.

Led the development, upkeep, and administration of e-commerce websites, resulting in improved online presence and more effective inventory control.

Managed the entire catalog production process, from product selection to layout, collaborating closely with vendors and design firms to produce compelling catalogs that drove customer interest and sales.

Developed comprehensive scripts, manuals, and procedures for customer service reps and logistics teams, significantly improving service efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Advised on and executed successful advertising campaigns across print, direct mail, and online channels, including the strategic selection and budgeting of Google AdWords, which enhanced brand visibility and market reach.

Coordinated and executed year-round email marketing campaigns for multiple websites, driving consistent customer engagement.

Played a key role in researching and integrating new products, software, hardware, and phone systems, ensuring the stores remained competitive and up-to-date with industry trends.

THE DAILY PLANNER

Plan A Day Enterprises, Upscale Stationers NY (2003+)

Successfully sourced and manufactured private-label leather products in China, overseeing quality control, packaging, and logistics.

Designed and executed the production of "Daily Planner Leather" products, ensuring adherence to high standards of craftsmanship.

Streamlined the importation and distribution of European stationery products for retail, catalog, and online sales.

Produced high-quality digital and physical catalogs, leveraging advanced internet technologies for business growth.

Collaborated on targeted advertising campaigns, optimizing Google AdWords and email marketing strategies to drive sales.

REPRESENTATIVE

Swedish Office Product Manufacturer, USA & North America Sales

Successfully represented a leading Swedish office product manufacturer across the USA and North America, driving retail and wholesale sales growth through strategic partnerships and targeted market expansion.

OWNER & OPERATOR - Plan A Day Enterprises

The Daily Planner, New York, NY

Acquired and revitalized "The Daily Planner," transforming it into a thriving mail-order catalog and internet business specializing in dated products and unique stationery items.

Pioneered the company’s shift towards e-commerce, expanding the product line’s focus to cater to a growing online market.

Enhanced marketing efforts by increasing catalog mailings from one to three times per year and leveraging Google Analytics to optimize online campaigns, resulting in significant growth in internet sales.

Directed the production of 48-page catalogs, supervising all aspects of content creation and design, and successfully transitioned to digital catalogs to broaden reach.

Established a full-fledged shipping and receiving department, negotiating favorable rates with UPS, FedEx, and USPS; later outsourced fulfilment to a third party to streamline operations.

Led the regular updating of the website in collaboration with the graphic design team, ensuring user-friendly access, enhanced web mobility, and improved e-commerce functionality through advanced keyword advertising.

Proactively researched and introduced new products, attending trade shows worldwide to stay ahead of industry trends.

OWNER & OPERATOR - Upscale Stationers, Ltd

Lincoln Stationers, New York, NY

Expanded Lincoln Stationers fivefold by relocating to a prime corner location at 63rd St. and Broadway, significantly increasing store visibility and customer traffic.

Modernized and diversified the store's product mix, introducing high-demand items that resonated with the upscale customer base.

Secured financing from American Greetings, successfully incorporating their product line into the store’s offerings, boosting sales and customer satisfaction.

Designed and constructed a two-level, 6,000-square-foot upscale stationery department store, meticulously sourcing all materials and overseeing construction, including flooring, lighting, fixtures, and system layouts.

Developed specialty departments within the store, including social and business printing, commercial stationery, greeting cards, and gift wrap, along with a dedicated Crane’s stationery section, fine pens, and a Montblanc boutique.

Innovated the checkout experience by implementing Apple iMacs as registers with integrated point-of-sale inventory software, enhancing transaction efficiency and inventory management.

Managed and trained a team of 30 employees across a seven-day schedule, overseeing all store operations, purchasing for all departments, and curating visually appealing product displays in the prominent Broadway-facing windows with seasonal updates.

TRADE SHOWS ATTENDED

Participated in premier trade shows including the New York International Gift Fair, Accent on Design, Museum Source, At Home Housewares Market, and New York Stationery.

Attended global industry events such as the Frankfurt Trade Fair Messe, Milan Chiba Cart (invited by the Italian Chamber of Commerce), Spring Fair in Birmingham, and regional office product shows.

Explored new markets and sourced products at specialized events, including the Travel Luggage and Leather Show, Ad Specialty ASI regional/national shows, NAMTA Art Materials, China Import Export Fair in Guangzhou, and Hong Kong Gift Premium Stationery Fairs hosted by HKTDC.

Developed and manufactured “Daily Planner Leather” products in China for catalogue e-commerce and retail.

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF ARTS - City University of New York

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