Austin Kidwell
Wadsworth
Summary
Top-performing retail leader with 8+ years of progressive experience in high-volume, customer-facing environments. Proven ability to drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and develop future leaders. Certified Training Store Manager with a consistent track record of exceeding KPIs in sales, conversion, labor, and guest satisfaction — committed to building people-first teams that deliver strong results.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Top Talent Retail Manager
Cracker Barrel
02.2024 - Current
- - Lead own unit and influence 5 others across district through site visits and mentoring
- - Drove operational excellence, sales performance, and talent development
- - Promoted 2 shift leaders into management roles; expanded regional leadership footprint
Senior Associate Manager
Cracker Barrel
03.2023 - 02.2024
- - Oversaw sales, labor, and food cost while rebuilding team through strategic hiring
- - Supported onboarding of multiple new GMs and led regional coaching initiatives
Retail Sales Manager
Cracker Barrel
04.2019 - 03.2023
- - Delivered 35%+ sales growth and led a certified training store
- - Mentored 2 managers and supported district performance across multiple stores
- - Recognized for leadership consistency and high-performing team culture
Retail Shift Lead
Cracker Barrel
12.2017 - 04.2019
- - Managed shift-level performance and supported key merchandising initiatives
- - Honed foundational leadership, inventory, and cash management skills
Education
Business Management
Cleveland State University
Skills
- Multi-Unit Leadership
- Sales & Conversion Growth
- Coaching & Talent Development
- Labor & Inventory Optimization
- Training & Succession Planning
- Operational Execution
- Guest Experience Management
- Strategic Planning
Websites
Certification
- Certified Training Store Manager – Cracker Barrel
- Retail Leadership Development Programs – Cracker Barrel
Leadership Philosophy
I believe in being gentle with people and tough on standards. I thrive in metric-driven environments, motivated by clarity, consistency, and high expectations. My leadership is rooted in accountability, strategic thinking, and the belief that people grow best when supported by systems and belief.
Timeline
Top Talent Retail Manager
Cracker Barrel
02.2024 - Current
Senior Associate Manager
Cracker Barrel
03.2023 - 02.2024
Retail Sales Manager
Cracker Barrel
04.2019 - 03.2023
Retail Shift Lead
Cracker Barrel
12.2017 - 04.2019
Business Management
Cleveland State University
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