AUDREY YUST
HOUSTON,TX
Summary
Results-driven manager with expertise in revenue growth through sales strategies and process optimization. Increased sales and profit margins using data analysis and market research. Enhanced project management and team productivity through effective communication across teams and executives. Seeks to leverage managerial skills and business acumen to drive sustainable growth while maximizing employee engagement and performance.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales and Design Manager - General Manager
California Closets
Houston, TX
11.2019 - 09.2025
- Advanced to general manager in 2022
- Managed entire local business, overseeing all aspects of operations and strategic direction.
- Directed operations, P&L, sales, revenue growth, market penetration, production, and customer experience across showrooms and production facilities.
- Identified challenges and opportunities, implemented strategies to enhance efficiencies, driving growth and profitability while managing teams, budgets, and ensuring compliance with KPI's and brand standards.
- General Manager of a 10M closet and cabinetry business servicing Greater Houston and surrounding cities along the Gulf Coast.
GENERAL MANAGER
REJUVENATION INC
Houston, TX
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Hired, trained, and developed over 20 personnel for management and sales roles, enhancing team capabilities and performance.
- Managed $2+ million specialty retail store, fostering productivity through strong client relationships with trade and end consumers.
- Achieved average conversion rate of 25%, exceeding the goal of 16% through targeted sales strategies.
- Ensured all internal and external customers receive exemplary customer service and received a positive store/brand experience.
- Achieved average monthly shop score of 95%.
- Responsible for all aspects of store P&L, including payroll and controllable expense goals, operations, inventory levels, and visual merchandising standards.
- Store achieved positive contribution within 3 months.
- Planned events and gave presentations in the showroom, as well as conducted outreach to the trade, to increase brand awareness and value of new products.
- Trade sales increased to 40% of total store sales versus a goal of 30%.
- Trained and led team in conducting in-home design services, delivering tailored solutions in furniture placement, design boards, fabric selection, lighting, and accessories.
- Increased to 3% of store sales.
- Analyzed showroom assortment to maximize sales based on trends.
- Increased overall lighting sales to over 40% of sales.
- Opened the 1st Houston showroom.
Showroom Director
TIPLER Group
Houston, TX
02.2017 - 09.2018
- Responsible for planning and execution of showroom opening in April 2017.
- Partnered with vendors to establish competitive pricing and enhance showroom margin.
- Cultivated relationships within design industry and with end users to elevate brand visibility.
- Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, and motivating new design team.
- Developed strategic business plan to build business for both showroom and design office.
- Managed operations, inventory controls, and visual implementation to optimize showroom performance.
- Performed presentations in the showroom and conducted outreach to prospect for new clients.
- Hosted monthly events and created a monthly newsletter to increase brand awareness.
- Planned, promoted, and participated in design center events, including spring and fall market.
- Created innovative window displays to enhance visual appeal of showroom.
- Designed and executed showroom assortment.
- Managed all aspects of purchasing and invoicing processes across 350+ vendor lines.
- Planned and organize vendor presentations and product training for team.
- Liaised with local receiver for smooth delivery process and maintained inventory at remote warehouse.
- Assisted design team with sourcing, selections, design boards, and pricing from 350+ vendors.
- Managed a luxury, multi-line furniture and home furnishings showroom including an interior design office, servicing the trade, hospitality, and the end consumer for a multi-million dollar company.
Showroom Manager - Houston
Baker Furniture - Kohler Interiors Group
Kohler, WI
06.2006 - 01.2017
- Managed corporate training for new management hires, ensuring effective onboarding and skill development.
- Developed detailed training manual for new hires, enhancing onboarding process and consistency in training.
- Oversaw luxury furniture and accessories showroom operations, driving sales to trade and end consumer markets.
Coordinator - Assistant Manager - General Manager
Pottery Barn
San Francisco, CA
05.2001 - 05.2006
- Advanced to general manager in 2004, overseeing daily operations and team management.
- Managed Pottery Barn in Houston, TX, ensuring effective store operations and customer satisfaction.
District Manager
Store of Knowledge
Houston and Dallas, TX
07.1998 - 04.2001
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance performance across multiple store locations.
Education
1 Year at College or a Technical or Vocational School -
San Jacinto Community College
Houston, TXSkills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Customer experience
- Design management
- Market analysis
- Sales strategy
- P&L management
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Client relationship management
- Effective communication
- Employee training
- Inventory control
- Brand development
- Strategic planning
- Marketing
- Design evaluation
- Client relations
- Project leadership
- Design software proficiency
- Manufacturing processes
- Budgeting oversight
- Design mentoring
- Strategic thinking
- Strategic partnership development
- Brand management
- Team building
- Team collaboration
- Interpersonal skills
- Schedule management
- Vendor management
- Financial management
- Excellent communication
- Revenue forecasting
- Teamwork
- Analytical skills
- Business development
- Problem-solving
- Operations management
- Organizational skills
- Process optimization
- Reliability
- Financial Management
- Operations Oversight
- Sales and Marketing
- Strategic Planning
References
Available on Request
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: 1
Timeline
Sales and Design Manager - General Manager
California Closets
11.2019 - 09.2025
GENERAL MANAGER
REJUVENATION INC
09.2018 - 07.2019
Showroom Director
TIPLER Group
02.2017 - 09.2018
Showroom Manager - Houston
Baker Furniture - Kohler Interiors Group
06.2006 - 01.2017
Coordinator - Assistant Manager - General Manager
Pottery Barn
05.2001 - 05.2006
District Manager
Store of Knowledge
07.1998 - 04.2001
1 Year at College or a Technical or Vocational School -
San Jacinto Community College