Austin Tolman
Green Bay,WI
Summary
Professional managerial candidate with deep understanding of operational excellence and team leadership. Proven ability to drive growth and enhance productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management. Emphasizes collaboration and adaptability to meet organizational goals, showcasing excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager (GM)
Vern’s Cheese
Green Bay, WI
02.2025 - 12.2025
- Designed and launched a high-end specialty retail concept from the ground up, leading store layout, customer flow, merchandising strategy, and selection of finishes including wall colors, tile, and fixtures to create a premium brand experience.
- Curated and managed full inventory strategy, balancing margin, quality, and local sourcing; built and maintained dozens of relationships with regional producers, vendors, and B2B partners.
- Oversaw complete store buildout and opening, collaborating with contractors and ownership while developing all operational systems, policies, and procedures from zero to full operation.
- Created and integrated an in-house deli/charcuterie program, expanding revenue streams, enhancing customer experience, and differentiating the brand within the market.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and led staff, establishing performance expectations, goal setting, scheduling, and ongoing development in a fast-paced retail and food environment.
- Directed daily operations and back-of-house functions, including ordering, inventory control, vendor negotiations, cost management, and compliance.
- Planned and executed in-store events and private B2B initiatives, driving community engagement, brand loyalty, and incremental revenue.
- Managed POS and inventory systems, fluent in Thrive Inventory Systems and Clover POS to track sales, optimize stock levels, and support data-driven decisions.
- Ensured regulatory compliance and food safety standards, maintaining certifications in Food Safety Management and Alcohol/Tobacco Sales.
- Directed operational strategies to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Managed cross-functional teams to streamline production processes and reduce waste.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize losses.
Operational/Sales Lead
Smoke Out Candles LLC
Wisconsin
01.2017 - 08.2023
- Scaled a candle operation from small-batch production to global distribution through hands-on manufacturing, process refinement, and execution under pressure.
- Played a key role in product formulation and production standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and repeatability at high volume.
- Drove national and international B2B sales growth by securing wholesale and distribution partnerships.
- Represented the brand at high-volume trade shows and markets nationwide, generating significant revenue and long-term accounts.
- Built and retained high-value customer relationships through reliability, product knowledge, and uncompromising follow-through.
- Consistently worked extended hours across production, sales, and fulfillment to meet demand while protecting product integrity and brand trust.
Chief Operating Officer
Smokin’ Glass LLC
Green Bay, WI
01.2015 - 08.2023
- Achieved promotion to partner from part-time associate within eight years by driving operational excellence and delivering reliable results.
- Managed comprehensive retail operations for seven high-volume locations, focusing on staff development, financial accuracy, inventory integrity, and regulatory compliance.
- Facilitated B2B relationship development and national sales travel to enhance brand presence.
- Instituted comprehensive procedures and accountability measures that contributed to sustainable growth and strengthened team trust.
- Streamlined supply chain processes, resulting in reduced lead times and improved product availability.
- Oversaw financial planning and analysis, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives and profitability targets.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions that increased operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
- Developed performance metrics to monitor operational success, driving accountability throughout the organization.
- Spearheaded operational strategies to enhance efficiency and drive growth across all business units.
Outside Sales Representative
Charter Communications
Green Bay, WI
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Door to door Sales Representative.
- Conducted face-to-face residential sales for Spectrum Internet, TV, and mobile services in assigned territories.
- Built trust quickly with homeowners through transparent communication, needs-based recommendations, and ethical sales practices.
- Educated customers on service options, pricing, and promotions while ensuring full understanding before close.
- Consistently met or exceeded weekly activity and sales goals through disciplined prospecting and follow-up.
- Managed rejection professionally, maintaining persistence, composure, and a positive brand representation.
- Accurately documented customer interactions and orders in CRM systems in compliance with company policies.
- Collaborated with supervisors and team members to improve pitch quality, objection handling, and customer experience.
- Represented Spectrum with integrity in high-pressure, unscripted environments requiring accountability and self-motivation.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key clients to drive sales growth.
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and trends.
Team Lead/Manager
Jimmy John’s
Bellevue, WI
06.2014 - 01.2016
- Customer relations, staff/scheduling management
- Meeting industry and franchise standards
- Exceeding daily sales goals
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Mentored team members, fostering skills development and promoting a collaborative work environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Preble High School
Green Bay, WI, USSkills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Staff management
- Training and development
- Inventory control
- Customer relationship management
- Verbal and written communication
- Motivation
- Exceptional interpersonal communication
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 50+ staff members.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Supervised sales team to monitor sales activity and goal achievement.\
- Co-created and developed a candle company from ground-level to global distribution.
Certification
- ServSafe Alcohol Certification April 2025 to December 2027
- Food Safety Manager Certification
- Food Handler Certification
- Driver's License
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
General Manager (GM)
Vern’s Cheese
02.2025 - 12.2025
Outside Sales Representative
Charter Communications
04.2019 - 04.2020
Operational/Sales Lead
Smoke Out Candles LLC
01.2017 - 08.2023
Chief Operating Officer
Smokin’ Glass LLC
01.2015 - 08.2023
Team Lead/Manager
Jimmy John’s
06.2014 - 01.2016
High School Diploma -
Preble High School