Bernie Smith
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Performance-oriented sales leader with proven expertise in sales skills management, training and development of people. I am an excellent connector with natural people and relationship building skills. A healthy and positive culture builder that is superior in championing the company initiatives and getting all rowers on board with them. Decision-maker, social, results oriented and relatable to all employees.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Retail Stores, U.S.
La-Z-Boy Inc.
Monroe, MI
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Responsible for Sales and Operations of 43 Retail Stores in 9 Midwest and Western States (Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, Seattle, Idaho, Iowa, Colorado, Las Vegas and LA/San Diego.)
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
- Prepared presentations for board meetings summarizing key developments within the company.
- Assessed employee performance against established benchmarks or targets.
Regional Manager
La-Z-Boy of Arizona/Utah
Phoenix, AZ
01.2009 - 01.2021
- Implemented and trained on Lean Principles for Continuous Improvement on all selling process and operational processes for stores.
- Conducted regular meetings with district managers to discuss sales performance and provide guidance on improvement tactics.
- Established goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and standards of performance for all personnel in the region.
- Provided mentorship and coaching to staff members throughout the region as needed.
- Monitored team progress towards achievement of goals and objectives set forth by executive management.
- Trained staff on product knowledge, customer service techniques, sales strategies.
Store Manager
La-Z-Boy
Glendale, AZ
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Led a team of 20 Sales Associates and 3 Store Designers at the #1 La-Z-Boy store in America in Glendale Arizona.
- Developed strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Recruited, trained and supervised new employees.
- Analyzed financial data to identify areas of improvement.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance reviews.
- Trained and mentored associates to teach daily tasks and procedures.
- Monitored employee performance and identified performance gaps for corrective action.
Sales Associate
La-Z-Boy of Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Finished in top 10 in sales in 3 of my first 4 years with La-Z-Boy of Arizona.
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Assisted customers with product selection, sizing and styling.
- Processed transactions using a point-of-sale system.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Promoted to Assistant Manager within 2 years, and Store Manager within 3.
Education
High School Diploma -
Sunnyslope and Camp Verde
01.1991
Skills
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
- Customer service
- Sales
- Public speaking
- Handling conflict
- Relationship Building
- Working with all levels of employees
- Change Management with Continuous Improvement Process using Lean principles
- Culture building to improve employee retention
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Development
Accomplishments
- Z Leadership Award received twice recognized as the top Leader at La-Z-Boy of Arizona.
- #1 Retail La-Z-Boy Store award for 5 years in a row 2004-2008.
- Highest ever volume for single store of 16 Million in 2005.
- 4 Stores in my Region in Top 10 of all U.S. Stores.
- Improved employee turnover from 60% to 24%.
Certifications Courses
- Graduate of Leadership Breakthrough I and II with Rapport International.
- Studied and practiced Lean Principles and Continuous Improvement for over 12 years.
- Graduate of "Stop at Nothing" with HILS (High Impact Leadership Skills).
- Studied "The Coaching Habit" to learn how to better develop employees to learn their professions versus micro manage them.
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 10/08/1973
Father of 2 girls 19 and 20
Dedicated to fitness and health
Languages
English
Certification
- Rapport International Leadership I and II graduate.
- Certified Predictive Index (applicant assessment) Analyst.
- 12 years study of Lean Principles and application to Retail Sales teams.
Timeline
Director of Retail Stores, U.S.
La-Z-Boy Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2023
Regional Manager
La-Z-Boy of Arizona/Utah
01.2009 - 01.2021
Store Manager
La-Z-Boy
01.2003 - 01.2009
Sales Associate
La-Z-Boy of Arizona
01.1997 - 01.2003
High School Diploma -
Sunnyslope and Camp Verde
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