Brandon J. Haugabook
Houston,TX
Summary
Results-driven retail executive with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience across multi-unit and single-unit operations. Proven record of sustaining financial growth, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence in fast-paced environments. Expert in talent acquisition and development, sales forecasting, labor and cost control, visual merchandising, and customer experience strategy. Recognized for strong business acumen, analytical decision-making, and people-first leadership.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Retail
The SSA Group
04.2025 - Current
- Provide multi-unit leadership across three onsite retail locations, leading, coaching, and supervising top talented leaders to ensure consistent execution of financial performance, staffing models, merchandising standards, and client expectations.
- Partner closely with the Regional Manager to strengthen client relationships, provide strategic leadership support, and align retail operations with contractual, brand, and operational expectations.
- Collaborate with Buyers to plan, track, and manage inventory and Cost of Goods (COG) across multiple locations, optimizing margins and driving profitability.
- Strategically manage payroll and controllable profit by optimizing coverage models, on-call utilization, and department-level labor planning to consistently meet budget targets across all units.
- Establish performance standards to achieve sales growth, per-cap targets, and controllable budget goals while minimizing operational costs across all locations.
- Champion SSA EXTRA Guest Service standards, ensuring consistent delivery of elevated guest experiences through manager coaching and accountability.
- Implement, audit, and continuously improve operational systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Assess and adjust daily operational priorities based on weather, events, and client needs to maintain service excellence and operational readiness across all locations.
- Drive innovation across departments by introducing new operational strategies, efficiencies, and process improvements that scale across the multi-unit operation.
- Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture while advancing community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and company-wide priorities.
General Manager
Starbucks
06.2023 - 04.2025
- Lead, recruit, hire, train, and develop a team of 30+ partners while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and inclusion.
- Drive consistent achievement and over-performance of monthly sales goals through upselling strategies, featured food and beverage programs, and elevated customer engagement.
- Reduced controllable costs by improving labor efficiency, minimizing overtime, and implementing waste-reduction initiatives.
- Execute daily operational standards related to food safety, health compliance, and brand execution.
- Develop partners through coaching, performance feedback, and succession planning to support individual growth and team success.
- Strengthen community connections by integrating the business into local initiatives and partner-led engagement efforts.
- Lead with urgency and consistency, ensuring standards are upheld throughout all dayparts.
General Manager / District Manager in Training (DMIT)
Ross Dress for Less
06.2019 - 06.2023
- Oversaw daily operations for 8 high-volume retail stores, ensuring operational efficiency, brand standards, and customer satisfaction.
- Coached and developed Store Managers and Assistant Managers across all aspects of sales performance, operational execution, and people leadership.
- Led district-wide recruiting efforts nationally, supporting staffing needs and succession planning initiatives.
- Assessed leadership talent to identify development opportunities and directly impact store and district performance.
- Provided senior-level guidance on customer escalations, HR matters, risk management, and operational challenges.
- Implemented district strategies aligned with financial goals, payroll optimization, and operational excellence.
- Championed a culture of high customer service standards, accountability, and consistent execution.
District Manager
Rue21
04.2015 - 06.2019
- Directed a district of 10+ high-volume retail stores with annual sales exceeding $70M.
- Built, coached, and retained high-performing Store Managers, Assistant Managers, and emerging leaders to achieve sales and profitability targets.
- Led succession planning, talent mapping, and leadership development for key store leadership roles.
- Drove consistent execution of customer service standards, merchandise presentation, and operational compliance.
- Partnered closely with Loss Prevention to reduce shrink and increase awareness through training and accountability.
- Established and enforced a “zero-tolerance” shrink culture, ensuring strict adherence to LP standards across all locations.
- Implemented district-level initiatives to improve financial results, customer experience, and operational performance.
Skills
- Multi-Unit & Store Operations
- Talent Acquisition & Development
- Sales Growth & Forecasting
- Labor & Cost Control
- Customer Experience Strategy
- Visual Merchandising
- Shrink & Loss Prevention
- Coaching, Engagement & Accountability
- Operational Standards & Compliance
Timeline
Director of Retail
The SSA Group
04.2025 - Current
General Manager
Starbucks
06.2023 - 04.2025
General Manager / District Manager in Training (DMIT)
Ross Dress for Less
06.2019 - 06.2023
District Manager
Rue21
04.2015 - 06.2019