Brian McDonald
Watertown,MN
Summary
I am Proven leader with a track record of enhancing team performance and customer satisfaction.
During my time as General Manager of Flamez Tobacco we opened a total of nine locations. Because of my time with Flamez I gained an expertise in operations management and problem resolution. Using these skills I achieved significant improvements in efficiency, sales, and overall revenue demonstrating a commitment to results through strategic sales planning, staff development, and an unmatched dedication to the business.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Flamez Tobacco (Kaitytawilinc)
Vermillion, SD
05.2019 - 02.2024
- I was responsible for employee training, and scheduling. I managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details with vendors.
- Developed and implemented strategies that increased sales and profitability.
- Collaborated with city organizations to facilitate positive public outreach and community building. Along with city organizations I also cultivated strategic partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing brand credibility and access to new customer segments.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty to our brand.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Engaged with customers through social media platforms to promote store events and new arrivals, expanding store reach.
- Directed sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently
- Executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share. I also regularly analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular review sessions that boosted team performance and morale.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and walk outs
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Managed all purchasing, sales, and marketing
Hunting Guide
Wings of Watertown
Watertown, MN
09.2012 - 02.2019
- Helped fun the business for the past decade on a part-time basis
- Educated clients on proper firearm handling, and safe practices to prevent accidents during hunts.
- Improved clients' hunting experiences by providing expert guidance and personalized instruction.
- Demonstrated adaptability in guiding diverse groups of clients with varying experience levels on successful hunts.
- Provided comprehensive pre-hunt briefings to clients regarding the plan, the challenges and the saftey procedures to be followed during the hunt
- Contributed to wildlife conservation efforts by adhering to local regulations and promoting ethical hunting practices.
- Developed and maintained strong professional relationships with clients and grew customer retention.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences and grow word of mouth marketing
- Guided groups of up to 20+ people on scheduled outings.
- handled all sales transactions, and scheduled appointments
Sales Associate
Sally Tobacco
Willmar, MN
10.2016 - 05.2018
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engaged customers, and promoted specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges, and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Engaged with customers to build a welcoming store environment.
- Solved customer challenges by offering alternative products and services.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products
- Provided personalized shopping experiences for repeat customers by remembering their preferences and offering tailored recommendations.
Laborer/Framer's Helper
Sawdust Construction
Watertown, MN
06.2014 - 08.2015
- Worked part-time when needed for the past several years
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and job sites
- Expanded personal skill set through continuous learning of new techniques, tools, and equipment related to laborer tasks.
- Completed a through site cleanup at the end of each workday
- Built decks, framed houses and learned general building processes ranging from and including basic layout, framing wiring drywall and trimming.
Education
Associate of Arts - Humanities
Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN05.2018
High School Diploma -
Watertown Mayer High School
Watertown, MN05.2015
Timeline
General Manager
Flamez Tobacco (Kaitytawilinc)
05.2019 - 02.2024
Sales Associate
Sally Tobacco
10.2016 - 05.2018
Laborer/Framer's Helper
Sawdust Construction
06.2014 - 08.2015
Hunting Guide
Wings of Watertown
09.2012 - 02.2019
Associate of Arts - Humanities
Ridgewater College
High School Diploma -
Watertown Mayer High School