Limited-edition achievement recognizing early members of Workfolio
Received one or more promotions within an organization
Endorsed by co-workers or clients
Has had direct reports in an organization
Donates time to philanthropic causes or organizations
Summary
I am driven by the phrase "Just trying to do things right!" This applies to how I treat my team and how I manage the business. Leadership starts and ends by having the best interest of the individual as the focus. Empower the individual and empower the business!
Maximized profits and sales by driving continuous process improvements, improved efficiencies and disciplined cost containment. Leveraged relentless customer focus and analysis to improve service metrics year over year.
Focused the company on enhancing market position, nimble strategies and digital marketing enhancements to compete in a volatile and highly competitive business. Through dynamic executive leadership and cross functional team building, restructured the core of the retail departments to propel with energy and purpose the company to record EBITDA results.
Creative, innovative, collaborative and flexible in navigating through challenges and crisis while driving positivity and performance. Highly skilled at creating and executing initiatives with limited resources and time. Tenacious in pursing and achieving goals. Excel at...
• Managing with agility, flexibility, integration, transparency and alignment • Strengthening business through spend insight • Achieving benchmark operating performance • Creating high performance teams • Maximizing operating ROI
Timeline
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COO / Exec VP, MC Sports
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Chief Merchandising Officer, MC Sports
GMM, Buyer, District Manager, MC Sports
Experience Highlights
STORE OPERATIONS
i FOUND MY PASSION FOR RETAIL WORKING ON THE SALES FLOOR AND IN STORES.
MERCHANDISING
THERE IS NO GREATER THRILL THAN TO BUILD A PRODUCT ASSORTMENT AND WATCH IT SELL!
MARKETING
THE TRANSITION TO DIGITAL MARKETING AND BUILDING OUR OWN LOYALTY PROGRAM WERE CRUCIAL TO OUR SUCCESS
LEADERSHIP
LEADERS LEAD WITH OTHERS BEST INTEREST IN MIND. STRONG TEAMS = STRONG BUSINESS.
Causes
VOLUNTEER COACH
COACHED SOCCER AND BASKETBALL
ANIMAL SHELTERS
PARTICIPATE IN FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL SHELTERS
Interests
CYCLING
I AM AN AVID AND HIGHLY AMATUER CYCLIST. i LOVE ROAD, MOUNTAIN AND FAT TIRE CYCLING.
VEGAN FOOD BLOGGER
I LOVE TO SHARE THAT YOU CAN EAT HEALTHY, PLANT BASED FOODS WITH BIG+BOLD FLAVORS!
Skills
MERCHANDISING
20+
STORE OPERATIONS
20+
LEADERSHIP
20+
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
16
iNVENTORY MANAGEMENT
14
BUSINESS STRATEGY
14
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose your profession?
I started on the sales floor of a regional sporting goods chain with no real plan or thought about a career. It wasn't long before I was hooked. I love the fast paced, competitive nature of retail. I am passionate about 1st in Class customer service driven by empowering, training and motivating teams. I am driven to deliver results based on well thought out and realistic strategic goals, measurements, analysis and strong communication and team buy in. At it's very essence, retail is still basic, but in today's world, you must have a core focus, a strong value proposition, be adaptable to change and provide the level of service and experience your customers deserve. How fun is that!
Who are your main influences?
I never had a true mentor. I certainly was influenced by many different people throughout my career. My goal was to really watch and absorb all the different styles of leadership that I encountered - both the positives and the negatives. I also was captivated early on by the book, "Good to Great". The concept of having the right people on the bus and in the right seats made a lasting impression on me.
Describe your greatest accomplishment.
I am proud of a couple things... 1. I learned early on the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. I also learned that great people need to be challenged, trusted and respected. I am proud that I had many great people stay with me for 20+ years as we built and grew our business. 2. I am proud that I started on the sales floor and worked my way up to COO/EVP of the same company. I survived and thrived under many different leaders, in many different roles and at times, under tremendous pressure. With adversity comes knowledge!
What tools do you use?
Retail is part science and part art. To be successful and to keep your finger on the pulse of the business you need to use many different tools. I relied on data analytics derived from reporting delivered daily to me. These came from JDA Suite, Stratum Data Warehousing and other resources. I also had a strong communication connection to field managerment to get data and information right from the field. In addition to the business data and information, I had a network of industry connections to keep up with new trends and information.
What are you working on right now?
I have read a number of interesting books recently scanning a wide array of different topics related to business and leadership. "Drive" by Daniel Pink and "Rocket Fuel" and "Traction" both by Gino Wickman. These books are about motivation, entrepreneurialism, personnel structure and key components of a solid business. All great reads! I have also started a vegan blog and recipe site. I love to share my knowledge of eating a plant based diet and all the great food that goes along with it.
What are your goals?
I am driven and motivated by the abilty to have influence within a business and with a team of associates. I believe I am best suited for a small to midsized business that is looking to scale its operations for growth. I am excited to bring my skills, experience and leadership developed over a dynamic career in retail to a new organization. I would love to find an organization looking to grow and I would love to help drive a long term strategic plan to get there. I am so excited to get started!
Vegan Blogger & Chef