Colby Stewart
Garden City,Ga
Summary
People-focused leader with 16 years of progressive leadership experience in employee relations, performance management, coaching, hiring, onboarding, and organizational development. Proven ability to build high-performing teams, mentor future leaders, resolve complex workplace concerns, and partner with leadership to drive operational success. Recognized for leading organizational change, developing talent, and fostering positive workplace cultures.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Service Manager
Publix
05.2022 - Current
- Lead and develop a team of 70+ associates in a high-volume retail environment, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and exceptional customer service.
- Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train new associates while supporting career development and internal promotions.
- Coach leaders and associates on performance expectations, write and conduct performance evaluations for 70+ associates, and develop improvement plans to drive individual and team success.
- Investigate and resolve associate concerns, maintain confidentiality, and ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures.
- Partner with store and district leadership on staffing, workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational changes.
- Mentor Customer Service Staff and Team Leaders, preparing high-performing associates for leadership roles.
- Manage payroll processing for more than 200 associates while overseeing scheduling, labor planning, and workforce allocation to support operational goals.
- Lead change initiatives, implement new company programs, and communicate organizational updates to associates.
- Analyze operational and workforce trends to identify opportunities that improve team performance, productivity, and the overall associate experience.
Assistant Customer Service Manager
Publix
09.2019 - 05.2022
- Assisted in leading daily operations for a high-volume customer service department, supporting a team of 70+ associates.
- Supervised, coached, and developed associates through ongoing feedback, performance coaching, and on-the-job training.
- Supported recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of new associates while helping build a strong and engaged team.
- Assisted with scheduling, payroll, labor planning, and staffing to meet operational and business objectives.
- Resolved associate and customer concerns through effective communication, conflict resolution, and consistent application of company policies.
- Partnered with store leadership to implement operational initiatives, support organizational changes, and prepare associates for advancement.
Customer Service Team Leader
Publix
02.2015 - 09.2019
- Supervised daily front-end operations while leading cashiers, front service clerks, and customer service staff in a high-volume retail environment.
- Coached and mentored associates on customer service standards, company policies, and professional development to improve individual and team performance.
- Conducted new hire onboarding, completed I-9 employment verification, coordinated pre-employment drug screenings, and introduced new associates to company policies and procedures.
- Processed store payroll, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and timely completion for all associates.
- Assisted with associate training, performance coaching, and development while partnering with department and store leadership to maintain operational excellence.
- Resolved customer and associate concerns through effective communication, sound judgment, and consistent application of company policies.
Customer Service Staff / Cashier / Front Service Clerk
Publix
09.2010 - 02.2015
- Delivered exceptional customer service while resolving customer concerns and ensuring a positive store experience in a high-volume retail environment.
- Processed financial transactions, balanced cash drawers, prepared deposits, and provided money services while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
- Supported front-end operations by coordinating workflow, assisting with service recovery, and helping maintain efficient daily operations.
- Assisted with training and mentoring new associates on company policies, customer service standards, and operational procedures.
- Progressed through multiple roles of increasing responsibility, demonstrating adaptability, accountability, and a strong commitment to professional growth.
Education
Coursework in Biology - Pre-Veterinary Medicine
College of Coastal Georgia
Brunswick, GA12.2013
High School Diploma - undefined
Glynn Academy
Brunswick, GA01.2011
Skills
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Conflict Resolution
- Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
- Policy Interpretation
- Performance Evaluations
- Associate Engagement
- Workforce Planning & Scheduling
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Case Documentation
- Investigations
- Employee Coaching
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Accomplishments
- Earned four promotions over a 16-year career, advancing from Front Service Clerk to Customer Service Manager through demonstrated leadership and performance.
- Coached and developed more than 30 associates who earned promotions into leadership positions.
- Selected by district leadership to mentor newly promoted supervisors and support leadership development across multiple stores.
- Chosen to assist with a new store opening by coordinating associate transitions, training, and operational readiness.
- Selected to transfer to multiple locations to improve department performance, develop leadership teams, and support operational transitions.
- Planned and coordinated district-wide associate recognition events for senior leadership, strengthening employee engagement and celebrating performance across multiple stores.
Timeline
Customer Service Manager
Publix
05.2022 - Current
Assistant Customer Service Manager
Publix
09.2019 - 05.2022
Customer Service Team Leader
Publix
02.2015 - 09.2019
Customer Service Staff / Cashier / Front Service Clerk
Publix
09.2010 - 02.2015
High School Diploma - undefined
Glynn Academy
Coursework in Biology - Pre-Veterinary Medicine
College of Coastal Georgia