Ashley DeShazo

• Transferred to a higher-volume store and assisted the management team with meeting sales goals.
• Demonstrated a higher level of animal care and exceeded expectations in shrink/profit within the first two months of employment.
• Managed an animal care team and guided partners through various tasks, ensuring all tasks were completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Worked with the Assistant Store Manager and the General Manager to handle and run store events, manage a retail team, and meet district expectations.
• Coordinated with the District General Manager and corporate personnel to assist other store locations with animal emergencies.
• Worked closely with veterinary partners, and maintained healthy, respectable business relationships with local veterinary practices.
• Maintained healthy and friendly relationships with recurring customers, working to solve problems with habitat setups, care, and answering general questions.
• Balanced department costs and successfully utilized a budget to ensure all necessary supplies were stocked for smooth operations.
• Utilized ordering software to check on hands and make smart ordering decisions based on demand, in stocks, and shrink risks.
• Drafted and submitted performance reviews for myself and the team on a quarterly basis.
• Gained experience conducting interviews, hiring, coaching, and occasionally firing employees in a respectful and professional manner.
• Identified areas for improvement and implemented new processes to enhance overall company quality and performance.
• Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
• Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
• Developed and executed operational plans for peak seasons, ensuring scalability and adaptability.
• Evaluated employee performance through regular feedback sessions.
• Trained, mentored and motivated employees to maximize team productivity.
• Managed inventory control, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels for operational needs.

• Achieved minimum presentation standards for departments by utilizing planograms and available habitat space, while also keeping stock new and interesting.
• Organized and priced clearance merchandise for department by following guidelines and making judgement calls.
• Managed inventory levels, controlled supply, and reported budgeted expense rates by monitoring of sales and localized customer interest.
• Analyzed inventory management data for department and made recommendations for improvement by cycling new live merchandise to keep guest engagement.
• Ensured the health, safety, and wellbeing of numerous exotic animals, while following established protocols.
• Worked in relation to local veterinary practices and received clearance to administer medications and procedures as needed with vet guidance.
• Participated in sales events by utilizing signage, guest engagement campaigns, and prepping livestock.
• Completed monthly shrink reports and significantly lowered overall shrink in all live animal departments by 28%, achieving higher clearance for purchasing animals in the company's tiered system.
• Handled sales, returns, relinquishments, and adoptions of live animals.
• Directly managed Aquatics Specialists and supported leaders in other departments when applicable.
• Prepared for and scored high (90-95/100) on DGM, District, and Corporate walks.
• Partially responsible for managing a store safe, pulling and pushing tills, and making deposits regularly.
• Was trusted with a corporate card to buy store essentials when needed.
• Offered each customer top-notch, personal service to boost sales and customer satisfaction as reflected in store reviews.
• Utilized upselling techniques to promote additional products, increase sales, and ensure future business with guests.
• Trained and supervised new employees for position specific roles.

• Maintained strong customer relations both in person and through digital means
• Cultivated preexisting customer accounts handed down from higher management
• Founded new customer accounts through communication and product discussions
• Quoted, placed, tracked, and closed out orders for clients, both large and small
• Answered email inquiries and phone calls punctually and directly
• Worked with a small team of two to cover sales from multiple inside accounts, including Pool Corp, CarMax, Altria, and Virginia Tourism
• Helped prepare for tradeshows, showrooms, and customer discussions
• Worked frequently in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Drive related software
• Kept track of stock and inventory, both within the company store, as well as keeping an eye on inventory movement from distributors
• Communicated frequently with blank goods distributors and decorators; worked as an intermediate to solve pricing, stock, and shipping issues
• Resolved product issue through consumer testing
• Collaborated with team of 10 in the development of two successful holiday events (2020 & 2021)
• Assisted in the cycling of inventory by researching the marketplace to find new and exciting items for consumers
• Monitored changing marketplaces through Covid-19 and created sales plans to urge customers back into the store
• Assisted in the creation of an online store and delivery program
• Streamlined the weekly ordering process for items from several different distributors
• Provided shift coverage for company manager
• Standing member of three years with the Archaeological Society of Virginia (ASV)
• Independently received Zoo Med brand certification for the care and keeping of various reptiles, fish, and other exotic animals, ranging from beginner to expert level
• Independently completed the Instinct training program from and received brand ambassador certification.
• Worked diligently to resolve unique and recurring complaints, promoting loyalty, and enhancing operations.
• Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.

• Monitored hundreds of dollars in cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy and reducing discrepancies
• Helped with planning schedules and delegating assignments to meet coverage and service demands
• Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences
• Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies and forecast future needs
• Developed loyal and highly satisfied customer base through proactive management of team customer service strategies
• Set and enforced policies focused on increasing team productivity and strengthening operational efficiency
• Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales
• Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments, planning and coordinating in-house and outsourced resources
• Streamlined the weekly ordering process of merchandise across several distributors, using and mastering the use of each ordering system, cross comparing prices, and watching for deals
• Aided in the creation of a new online shopping system, with the subsequent creation of a new internal delivery department.

Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise and suggested suitable options. Organized store merchandise racks and displays to promote and maintain visually appealing environments. Maintained clean sales floor and straightened and faced merchandise. Helped customers complete purchases, locate items and join reward programs. Promoted customer loyalty and consistent sales by delivering friendly service and knowledgeable assistance. Informed customers of current store promotions to encourage additional sales purchases. Displayed merchandise by arranging in appealing ways to boost sales. Employed strategic tactics such as cross-selling and upselling to drive sales.