Amelia Hanners

Co-Founder and Operations Manager

Company Overview:

• Co-founded a successful wholesale business based in a home garage with a startup budget of $500, initially focusing on phone chargers and accessories.
• Expanded operations into the smoke shop industry within the first year, establishing a customer base across Kansas and Missouri.
• Successfully launched a retail location within the first year in Lawrence, KS, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Achievements:

• Grew the business from a small operation to directly supplying approximately 50 stores across Kansas and Missouri within the first year.
• Initiated partnerships with gas stations and smoke shops, leading to a significant customer network in Lawrence, KS, and Kansas City, MO.
• Launched a website and utilized social media platforms for effective marketing, contributing to business growth during pandemic-related closures.

Expansion and Diversification:

• Opened a second retail location in North Kansas City, MO, in September 2022.
• Diversified the product range by adding vaping products to the smoke shop inventory, expanding the customer base and increasing sales.
• Engaged with the EDM and music festival community in 2023, establishing a presence at major events such as Breakaway Kansas City, Boulevardia KC, Impakt Music Festival KC, and Lawrence Pride Parade, introducing new products like fans, pashminas, and other accessories to cater to the EDM market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managed customer relations, vendor relationships, and inventory management, ensuring a seamless flow of products and high customer satisfaction.
• Oversaw stocking, merchandising, inventory counting, and event planning, demonstrating strong organizational and logistical skills.
• Conducted employee training and led marketing initiatives to promote business growth and brand awareness.
• Performed multiple roles within the startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving capabilities.

Skills and Competencies:

• Expertise in business development, customer engagement, and retail operations.
• Strong communication skills, both with customers and vendors, enhancing business relationships and fostering growth.
• Proficiency in event planning and coordination, with experience in expanding into new markets through community events and partnerships.

• Provided exceptional customer service by greeting customers, answering questions, and offering recommendations on alcoholic beverages.
• Operated the cash register and processed sales transactions, including cash, credit card, and digital payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Verified customer age and identification in accordance with state laws and company policies to ensure responsible alcohol sales.
• Maintained store cleanliness and organization, including restocking shelves, arranging displays, and monitoring inventory levels to ensure adequate stock.
• Supported store management in receiving deliveries, conducting inventory counts, and reporting discrepancies or damages.
• Handled customer complaints and issues, resolving them promptly and escalating to management when necessary.
• Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets, maintain a safe work environment, and improve overall store efficiency.

Key Achievements:

• Consistently exceeded sales targets through upselling and cross-selling techniques.
• Assisted in planning and executing promotional events, leading to increased foot traffic and sales during those periods.

• Assisted servers in setting up tables for guests.
• Organized food orders and ensured accuracy of items served to customers.
• Ensured that all orders were correct before leaving the kitchen area.
• Cleaned and sanitized work areas throughout shift including counter tops, floors, equipment.
• Checked all dishes before delivering them to ensure quality standards were met.
• Performed daily pre-shift side work duties such as restocking supplies, polishing silverware.
• Double-checked meals placed in window against customer tickets for accuracy.
• Memorized dining room floor plans and understood seat number system.
• Gained broad base knowledge in restaurant operations, both front-of-house and back-of-house.