Dolph (Tripp) Nelson, III
Cartersville,GA
Summary
Seasoned Small Business Owner with 25 years of entrepreneurial and management experience. Skillfully creates and maintains professional and loyal relationships with co-workers, staff and clients while managing administrative and sales employees. Comfortable working independently as manager and leader and as collaborative team member. Applies business acumen and experience and exercises decisive judgment to meet and exceed organizational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Sales Specialist
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI Co-Op)
Alpharetta, Georgia
10.2023 - Current
- 2024 Anderson Award Nominee.
- Served on 2025 Impact Committee.
- Depth of knowledge to help outfit, equipment, educate, and inspire customers to a life lived outdoors.
- Trained in Stocking, Frontline, Clothing, and Camping.
- Currently working on Footwear and Action Sports training.
- Shown proficiency in C.O.R.E. Procedures in various departments to help prepare and upkeep store for business.
- Addressed customer inquiries regarding pricing, availability, product information.
- Knowledge in using visual journal to assist visual displays throughout sales area.
- Maintained inventory levels by restocking shelves with merchandise.
- Know how in making price changes to help move clearance merchandise more quickly.
Owner
Nelson’s Furniture & Mattress Mart
Cartersville, GA
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
- Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines.
- Created and implemented marketing and advertising strategies to support revenue goals and promote strategic growth.
- Analyzed financial statements and trends to manage cash flow and make business decisions.
- Managed operations budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable and payroll.
- Reconciled daily sales, prepared bank deposits and assessed financial transaction reports.
- Supervised company social media and marketing efforts to expand brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Interviewed, trained and supervised employees.
Partner
Nelson’s Home Furnishings
Cartersville, GA
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Guided employees to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
- Monitored business trend forecasts and adjusted budgets and operational plans to maximize growth and opportunities.
- Revitalized business plans and realigned company objectives to increase overall profits.
Purchasing Manager
Nelson’s Appliance & Home Furnishings
Cartersville, GA
01.2009 - 12.2013
- Located and vetted vendors, established good relationships and negotiated contracts.
- Identified dead inventory and created solutions for excess liquidation through creative inventory management solutions.
- Tracked and approved procurement plans and inventory levels.
- Conducted market research to determine appropriate pricing.
- Maintained information database related to products and service availability, supplier capabilities and lead times.
Sales Manager
Nelson’s Appliance & Home Furnishings
Cartersville, GA
01.2004 - 12.2008
- Developed sales plans, goals, strategies and objectives to achieve team goals and revenue objectives.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Prepared sales production reports for senior management.
- Reduced process gaps by hiring, supervising and coaching employees on sales strategies and protocols, optimizing performance, growth and profitability.
- Attended trade shows for in-person engagement and network building.
Sales Associate
Nelson’s Appliance & Home Furnishings
Cartersville, GA
05.1997 - 12.2003
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum productivity.
- Worked with fellow sales team members to achieve group targets.
- Increased purchase amounts by cross-selling with similar products.
- Developed trusting relationships with customers by making personal connections.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Religion
Davidson College
Davidson, NC05.1997
Skills
- KPI Management
- Business Leadership
- Sales Promotion
- Decision Making
Hobbies
Outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking. I have recently completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Backpacking 2200+ miles from Georgia to Maine. I started from Amicalola Falls State Park on March 4, 2023 and summited Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine on July 22, 2023.
Past Board Membership
Advocates for Children-Bartow County, GA
Cartersville Schools Foundation
School Governance Council-Cartersville Primary School, Cartersville Elementary School, Cartersville Middle School,
Cartersville High School
Deacon Fellowship-Cartersville First Baptist
Timeline
Store Sales Specialist
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI Co-Op)
10.2023 - Current
Owner
Nelson’s Furniture & Mattress Mart
01.2018 - 12.2022
Partner
Nelson’s Home Furnishings
01.2014 - 12.2017
Purchasing Manager
Nelson’s Appliance & Home Furnishings
01.2009 - 12.2013
Sales Manager
Nelson’s Appliance & Home Furnishings
01.2004 - 12.2008
Sales Associate
Nelson’s Appliance & Home Furnishings
05.1997 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Religion
Davidson College