BRANDI HOCHHAUSER
Bronx,NY
Summary
Retail manager and trainer with over 20 years of experience in customer service and team development. Demonstrates a strong commitment to building relationships and developing talent, resulting in collaborative and productive work environments. Proven track record of enhancing sales performance and strengthening teams through strategic initiatives, mentoring, and hands-on leadership.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
STORE LEADER
Leap
11.2023 - Current
- Lead store operations to ensure high customer satisfaction and efficient daily workflow.
- Implement strategies that increase sales and improve overall team performance.
- Develop and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative environment that has resulted in multiple internal promotions.
- Execute in-store events in partnership with brand teams and external vendors.
- Support recruiting, hiring, and training efforts across various stores within the Leap platform.
SALES LEADER, RETAIL & CUSTOMER SERVICE
American Girl Place
09.2011 - 11.2023
- Lead teams to optimize workflows and enhance sales through strategic customer engagement.
- Resolve customer concerns by adapting policies when appropriate, improving satisfaction and retention.
- Enhance team performance through consistent feedback and coaching, contributing to measurable sales growth.
- Deliver exceptional customer service that promotes brand loyalty and repeat business.
- Support strategic initiatives aimed at improving sales metrics and team effectiveness.
STUDIO MANAGER / DISTRICT TRAINER
JCPenney Portrait Studio
01.2007 - 03.2011
- Lead district-wide hiring and onboarding initiatives, developing customer-focused teams across multiple studio locations.
- Directed daily studio operations, overseeing staffing plans, scheduling, and workflow coordination to maintain service quality standards.
- Monitored employee performance and productivity, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to operational expectations.
- Strengthened long-term customer relationships through consultative, needs-based service approaches that supported sustained business growth.
- Reinforced operational best practices and supported equipment upkeep to drive consistency and continuous improvement across studios.
STUDIO MANAGER / DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINER
Sears Portrait Studio
10.2002 - 01.2007
- Supported district-wide implementation of digital photography systems, guiding teams through technology adoption and workflow changes.
- Provided hands-on training and coaching to staff on digital photography processes, customer interaction, and service execution.
- Coordinated daily studio schedules and task assignments to support efficient operations.
- Supervised staff performance to ensure service accuracy, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
- Engaged customers through targeted consultations to understand needs and deliver personalized photography experiences.
- Supported equipment maintenance and operational best practices to promote continuous improvement.
Education
High School Diploma -
Columbus High School
Bronx, NYSkills
- Performance Management
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Relationship Building
- Problem Solving
- Operations Management
- Staff Development
- Time Management
Timeline
STORE LEADER
Leap
11.2023 - Current
SALES LEADER, RETAIL & CUSTOMER SERVICE
American Girl Place
09.2011 - 11.2023
STUDIO MANAGER / DISTRICT TRAINER
JCPenney Portrait Studio
01.2007 - 03.2011
STUDIO MANAGER / DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINER
Sears Portrait Studio
10.2002 - 01.2007
High School Diploma -
Columbus High School