Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Donnell Cravens

Detroit

Summary

Results-driven retail operations leader with over 15 years of experience in the cannabis and real estate industries. Specializes in P&L management, strategic site selection, and payroll optimization. Track record of improving operational efficiency and revenue growth through effective team management and innovative problem-solving. Skilled in developing processes that maximize profitability and enhance customer satisfaction.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head of Retail

Pleasantrees
Detroit
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Led multi-unit retail operations, achieving operational efficiencies that drove bottom-line profitability and improved cash flow.
  • Successfully decreased aged inventory by implementing optimized inventory management systems.
  • Developed and executed staffing strategies that enhanced operational flexibility and improved EBITDA margins.
  • Recognized as Top Retailer in Metro Detroit for performance excellence and Customer experience in 2023.

Head of Retail

NOBO
Detroit
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Directed all aspects of retail management, focusing on driving EBITDA growth and improving cash flow through strategic inventory management.
  • Optimized staffing processes to align labor with business needs, improving payroll efficiency and overall profitability.
  • Earned recognition as a leading retailer in Southwest Michigan for consistent operational success.

Vice President of Retail

SOZO Health
Detroit
01.2022 - 12.2022
  • Designed and implemented standardized retail processes that improved operational performance across multiple locations.
  • Achieved significant sales growth in the first quarter, contributing to measurable EBITDA improvement.
  • Developed team training programs focused on payroll management and staff engagement, driving labor cost efficiencies.

Director of Retail Operations

3Fifteen Cannabis
Detroit
01.2021 - 12.2022
  • Managed full P&L accountability across 14 multi-unit locations, driving annual revenue growth of 10-20% through strategic planning and operational improvements.
  • Played a pivotal role in 3Fifteen’s acquisition by Skymint, contributing to a $78M financing deal involving Sundial Growers and Merida Capital.
  • Achieved 20% improvement in payroll efficiency by implementing scheduling tools and labor allocation strategies aligned with sales performance.
  • Established key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve productivity by 15% and elevate customer satisfaction.
  • Led and mentored teams of 200+ employees, improving retention and performance through leadership development initiatives.

Director of Retail Operations

Gage Cannabis USA
Detroit
01.2019 - 12.2021
  • Spearheaded 12+ new store rollouts, coordinating site selection, construction, merchandising, and staffing to ensure on-time openings under budget.
  • Oversaw operations for 12 retail locations, delivering consistent revenue growth through cost controls and process standardization.
  • Conducted site selection analysis to identify high-performing locations, increasing average store revenue by 20%.
  • Implemented lean processes and ERP systems to enhance operational workflows and reduce expenses.
  • Worked closely with finance, legal, and executive teams to ensure a seamless transition to a publicly traded entity.

Director of Operations

Utopia Gardens
Detroit
01.2017 - 12.2019
  • Led the design, construction, and launch of new retail facilities, delivering efficient operations from day one.
  • Partnered with regulators to test and launch Michigan’s first licensed cannabis delivery service, increasing topline sales and market visibility.
  • Delivered consistent growth by managing P&L performance, enhancing payroll efficiency, and developing store managers for future leadership roles.

Education

Master of Business Administration - Finance

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
01.2013

Bachelor of Business Administration - Entrepreneurship

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
01.2010

Skills

  • Retail management and ERP systems
  • Inventory and labor optimization
  • Financial analysis and P&L management
  • Operational efficiency strategies
  • Team leadership and growth planning
  • Microsoft Office Suite expertise
  • Market analysis and GIS proficiency
  • Cash flow management
  • Staff recruitment and training
  • Process improvement initiatives
  • Leadership development programs

Accomplishments

  • Delivered 10-20% revenue growth across multi-unit operations through targeted sales strategies and cost controls.
  • Successfully launched 15+ new stores on time and under budget, driving $20M in revenue growth through real estate site selection and analysis.
  • Improved payroll efficiency by 20%, reducing labor costs while maintaining high performance standards.
  • Recognized as Top Retailer in Southwest Michigan (2022) for outstanding leadership and operational results.
  • Implemented process improvements that boosted inventory turnover and cash flow, enhancing profitability margins.

Affiliations

  • Member, National Retail Federation (NRF)
  • Member, National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Certification

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker, Michigan
  • Retail Leadership Program Graduate
  • Advanced Financial Analysis for Retail Professionals

Timeline

Head of Retail

Pleasantrees
01.2023 - 01.2024

Head of Retail

NOBO
01.2022 - 01.2023

Vice President of Retail

SOZO Health
01.2022 - 12.2022

Director of Retail Operations

3Fifteen Cannabis
01.2021 - 12.2022

Director of Retail Operations

Gage Cannabis USA
01.2019 - 12.2021

Director of Operations

Utopia Gardens
01.2017 - 12.2019

Master of Business Administration - Finance

Wayne State University

Bachelor of Business Administration - Entrepreneurship

Eastern Michigan University

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