Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Van Houghton

Lisle,IL

Summary

Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Whitmore Ace Hardware
03.2023 - 09.2023
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.

General Manager

Kin-Ko Ace Hardware
08.2014 - 03.2023
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.

Manager

Weldon Hardware
10.2009 - 07.2014
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.

Manager

Bruce's Home Center
10.1991 - 10.2009
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
  • Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
  • Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive.
  • Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.

Sales Associate

Zee's Home Center
07.1986 - 10.1991
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
  • Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
  • Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
  • Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
  • Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
  • Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
  • Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
  • Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
  • Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
  • Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
  • Managed efficient cash register operations.
  • Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
  • Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
  • Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
  • Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.

Sales Associate

Stebbins Hardware
06.1980 - 02.1985
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
  • Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
  • Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
  • Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
  • Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.

Education

Certificate - Women in Trades

College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL
08.2007

High School Diploma -

Carl Schurz
Chicago, IL
06.1980

Skills

  • Manage Budgets
  • Staff Development
  • Market Growth
  • Sales Activities
  • Customer Service
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Staff Training
  • Cost Management
  • Microsoft Windows

Timeline

General Manager

Whitmore Ace Hardware
03.2023 - 09.2023

General Manager

Kin-Ko Ace Hardware
08.2014 - 03.2023

Manager

Weldon Hardware
10.2009 - 07.2014

Manager

Bruce's Home Center
10.1991 - 10.2009

Sales Associate

Zee's Home Center
07.1986 - 10.1991

Sales Associate

Stebbins Hardware
06.1980 - 02.1985

Certificate - Women in Trades

College of DuPage

High School Diploma -

Carl Schurz

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