DON KUKLA
Ebensburg,PA
Summary
Dynamic retail leader with a proven track record at Dunham’s Sports, driving sales growth and operational excellence. Expert in P&L management and team building, I transformed underperforming stores into high-performing locations, achieving significant sales increases and fostering a culture of accountability and exceptional customer service.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Tractor Supply Company
Latrobe, USA
01.2025 - Current
- Lead all aspects of store performance including P&L management, team engagement, customer experience, operational execution, and community connection.
- Delivered +14% sales growth vs. prior year and +8% above plan, outperforming district and company benchmarks.
- Achieved #1 credit performance in the district by strengthening consultative selling and team education.
- Transformed team engagement from 78% to 93% through leadership visibility, coaching, accountability, and recognition.
- Built a high-performing team culture focused on ownership, operational standards, and exceptional customer service.
- Established customer-first culture, leading to consistently high customer service scores.
- Promoted following successful completion of Store Manager in Training program, demonstrating readiness for leadership role.
Store Manager in Training
Tractor Supply Company
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Completed accelerated leadership development program, enhancing operational standards, safety protocols, merchandising execution, and customer service expectations.
- Finished program ahead of schedule, demonstrating commitment to professional growth and readiness for increased responsibilities.
- Managed inventory levels and organized stockroom for efficient access.
- Trained new team members on store policies and customer service standards.
- Assisted with daily store operations and ensured smooth workflow.
Senior District Manager
Dunham’s Sports
, USA
01.2016 - 10.2024
- Led the company’s highest volume district for 11 consecutive years including oversight of 4 of the top 15 stores.
- Developed store leadership teams, enhanced sales performance, and executed operational plans to achieve district objectives.
- Provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for a multi-store district across Pennsylvania markets.
- Developed strong leadership pipelines through intentional recruiting, mentorship, and leadership coaching.
- Cultivated accountability and operational excellence within district leadership teams, resulting in improved team effectiveness.
- Led 11 new store openings and facilitated 28 additional store launches, ensuring successful integration into the district.
- Maintained one of the strongest safety records in the company.
Store Manager
Dunham’s Sports
, USA
04.2003 - 01.2016
- Turned around underperforming location, increasing sales from –4% to +6% above plan within one year.
- Reduced shrink by 50% through implementing operational accountability and loss prevention practices.
- Partnered with the Pennsylvania Drug Task Force to dismantle a regional theft ring.
- Built high-performing teams by recruiting, mentoring, and developing leadership skills.
Assistant Manager
Dunham’s Sports
, USA
04.2001 - 04.2003
- Achieved strong operational execution and elevated customer service standards.
- Oversaw daily store operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
- Managed staff scheduling to optimize team coverage during peak hours.
- Trained new employees on product knowledge and customer service protocols.
- Executed store operations, merchandising strategies, and team leadership, enhancing retail leadership skills.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
St. Francis University
LorettoSkills
- P&L management
- Client management
- Visual merchandising
- Operational execution
- Strategic planning
- Team building
- Leadership development
- Employee training
- Coaching others
- Effective communication
Accomplishments
2025 Store Manager of the Year - Tractor Supply Region 5
Timeline
Store Manager
Tractor Supply Company
01.2025 - Current
Store Manager in Training
Tractor Supply Company
10.2024 - 12.2024
Senior District Manager
Dunham’s Sports
01.2016 - 10.2024
Store Manager
Dunham’s Sports
04.2003 - 01.2016
Assistant Manager
Dunham’s Sports
04.2001 - 04.2003
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
St. Francis University