Christopher Lehne
Watertown,WI
Summary
Enthusiastic management professional with demonstrated success supervising staff and building teams. Proven history of achieving sales goals by monitoring employee performance and coaching staff on effective sales methods. Skilled in solving complicated issues and making proactive operational changes.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Store Manager
The Michaels Companies
Irving, TX
07.2011 - Current
- Managed store organization, maintenance and purchasing functions.
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Resolved customer service issues promptly.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues and difficult customers.
- Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring staff and promoting target products.
- Assisited with store inventories.
Retail Store Owner
Ben Franklin Crafts
Sparks, NV
05.2006 - 07.2011
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Provided financial management through preparation of bank deposits and settlement of sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and services and to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Assessed supplier quality to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational performance.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
- Achieved sales goals and increased revenue and profits through productive strategy development and organizational leadership.
- Employed prompt decision-making and in-depth research to resolve issues.
- Remained up-to-date on current trends and attended industry trade shows and markets to view and order inventory.
- Reconciled daily sales, returns and financial reports in QuickBooks.
- Optimized team hiring, training and performance.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels including producing TV commercial advertising the business.
- Learned and remained updated on statutory requirements and regulations.
- Provided outstanding coaching to employees to boost productivity.
- Produced print strategies such as newspaper ads, social media and television ads to bring in and capture new customer business.
Store Manager
Ben Franklin Crafts And Frame Shop
Sparks, NV
01.1987 - 05.2006
- Managed inventory control, cash control and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge and service requirements.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly budget.
- Coached sales associates on product knowledge by using wide variety of training tools.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Minimized on-site cash with frequent deposits and high accuracy in predicting operations.
- Bolstered sales volume by implementing incentive program and initiating advanced employee training.
- Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
General Manager
Eagle Valley Frames
Carson City, NV
09.1983 - 08.1987
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- 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.
- Reduced costs, managed delivery schedules to improve overall profitability.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
- Assessed reports to evaluate performance, develop targeted improvements and implement changes.
- Reduced corporate risk by managing shrink processes and controlling inventory levels.
- Assessed supplier quality to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational performance.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bonanza Junior/Senior High School
Bonanza, OR06.1983
Skills
- Sales Tracking
- Decision Making
- Customer Service Management
- Human Resources Oversight
- Goal Setting
- Focus and Follow-Through
- Problem Anticipation and Resolution
- Department Oversight
- Training Management
- Budget Control
- Business Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Policy Development and Enforcement
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Employee Motivation
- Staff Scheduling
- Multitasking and Prioritization
- Customer Relations
- Deadline Management
- Calendar Management
- Money Handling
- Layout Planning
- Payroll Administration and Timekeeping
Timeline
Retail Store Manager
The Michaels Companies
07.2011 - Current
Retail Store Owner
Ben Franklin Crafts
05.2006 - 07.2011
Store Manager
Ben Franklin Crafts And Frame Shop
01.1987 - 05.2006
General Manager
Eagle Valley Frames
09.1983 - 08.1987
High School Diploma -
Bonanza Junior/Senior High School