Evan Thompson Skidmore
Bloomington,IL
Summary
Hardworking, detail-oriented, versatile professional with over 20 years of experience. Successfully managed a photography business for over a decade while developing strong leadership and operational skills. Offers managerial training in retail and customer service, with proven strengths in merchandising, cash handling, and team leadership. Adept at using critical and creative thinking to solve problems and streamline workflows without compromising quality. Self-motivated, dependable, and committed to supporting organizational goals through consistent performance and a proactive work ethic.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Cashier, Grocery Clerk, & Deli Worker/Cook
Greentop Grocery
Bloomington, IL
12.2023 - Current
- Delivers excellent customer service while processing transactions, returns, and owner sign-ups
- Maintains product and SKU knowledge to assist customers effectively
- Trains new team members, and ensured the front area meets company standards
- Receives and stocks inventory, including unloading trucks and organizing the receiving area
- Conducts regular date checks and removes expired or spoiled products
- Prepares food in compliance with all safety and sanitation guidelines
- Contributes to recipe development to support product sales
- Maintains a clean and organized kitchen and prep environment
Photographer, Editor, and Freelance Assistant
Evan Skidmore Photography
Chicago & Bloomington, IL
01.2007 - Current
- Collaborates with clients and creative teams to plan and execute photo shoots and post-production workflows that align with both artistic vision and commercial goals.
- Develops creative concepts and designs for studio and on-location photo shoots.
- Supports professional photographers with comprehensive pre-production planning, including lighting setup, equipment preparation and rental coordination, location scouting, scheduling, drafting contracts and proposals, and managing budgets and expenditures to ensure the successful execution of photo shoots.
- Drafts, negotiates, and manages contracts, bids, invoices, and billing with clients and vendors, based on project needs.
- Maintains accurate business and financial records.
- Designs, updates, and maintains a business website, and online client galleries.
- Sets up and manages secure web server access for client proofing and file delivery.
Contract Employee
McLean County Arts Center
Bloomington, IL
12.2019 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with the director and staff to quickly learn and navigate unfamiliar websites and databases
- Migrated data between systems and assisted in the setup and optimization of a new website
- Integrated the member database with the new website to streamline operations
- Authored comprehensive technical documentation and developed a user guide to facilitate the onboarding and effective use of the newly implemented system.
- Photographed and cataloged artwork for archival purposes
Assistant Merchandising Manager
Performance Bicycles
Chicago, IL
05.2013 - 06.2015
- Delivered specialized customer service and product knowledge to support sales and enhance customer experience
- Managed inventory by ordering, processing, and merchandising products according to company standards
- Handled cash flow and assisted with preparing and submitting daily earnings reports to district management
- Sold, assembled, and repaired bicycles, ensuring quality and safety standards were met
- Supported overall store operations and collaborated with team members to achieve sales goals
Sales Associate / Cash & Department Responsible (Assistant Department Manager)
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB
Chicago, IL
06.2011 - 03.2013
- Promoted in 2008 to 'Cash & Department Responsible,' overseeing department operations and cash office duties
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment
- Processed and replenished inventory, ensuring merchandise was well-stocked and organized
- Collaborated with visual merchandisers to implement daily floor changes and seasonal layouts
- Managed visual merchandising and display updates within assigned department
- Performed cash office functions, including drawer reconciliation, deposits, and cash handling procedures
- Supervised and supported sales associates on the floor, ensuring team efficiency and customer satisfaction
- Trained and onboarded new employees, providing guidance on store procedures and customer service standards
Help Desk Technician
Columbia College Digital Printing Lab
Chicago, IL
05.2010 - 12.2010
- Provided technical support for students using Adobe Creative Suite, printing software, and scanning tools on both Mac and PC platforms
- Troubleshot and resolved hardware and software issues related to computers, scanners, printers (including Epson photographic printers), and network systems
- Maintained and repaired digital lab equipment, ensuring consistent functionality and availability
- Created detailed technical reports for management, documenting system issues and resolutions
- Supported web server hosting and control functions, contributing to smooth network operations
- Assisted students with print production, file preparation, and best practices for using Adobe applications
Sales Associate / Cash & Department Responsible (Assistant Department Manager)
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB
Chicago, IL
05.2007 - 08.2009
- Promoted in 2008 to 'Cash & Department Responsible,' overseeing department operations and cash office duties
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment
- Processed and replenished inventory, ensuring merchandise was well-stocked and organized
- Collaborated with visual merchandisers to implement daily floor changes and seasonal layouts
- Managed visual merchandising and display updates within assigned department
- Performed cash office functions, including drawer reconciliation, deposits, and cash handling procedures
- Supervised and supported sales associates on the floor, ensuring team efficiency and customer satisfaction
- Trained and onboarded new employees, providing guidance on store procedures and customer service standards
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Columbia College Chicago
01.2012
Photoshop Certification - CS5 -
Adobe
11-2010
Associate of Arts Degree -
Heartland Community College
01.2006
Highschool Diploma -
Tri-Valley High School
01.2004
Skills
- Customer Service – Strong ability to assist and communicate with customers in fast-paced settings
- Technical Support – Experienced in troubleshooting hardware, software, and connectivity issues on Mac and PC
- Problem Solving – Quick to learn new systems and improve workflows
- Photography & Editing – Skilled in digital photography and Adobe Creative Suite
- Project Support – Able to manage tasks, meet deadlines, and support team goals
- Inventory & Merchandising – Knowledge of ordering, stocking, and visually organizing products
- Team Leadership – Trained and supervised staff; led by example on the sales floor and in creative projects
- Written Communication – Comfortable writing reports, manuals, and business documents
- Website & IT Support – Experience with website setup, member databases, and server access
References
- Doug Johnson, Director, McLean County Arts Center, 309-829-0011, douglas.johnson@mcac.org, Reference for contract IT work and character reference.
- Constantine Vutsas, Manager at H&M and Senior Talent Acquisition Recruiter, Crate & Barrel, Chicago, IL, 773-653-6178, cvutsas@gmail.com, Previous Manager for H & M retail work and character reference.
- Madison Paxton, Front End Manager at Greentop Grocery, 309 826 8652, madison.paxton58@gmail.com
Accomplishments
Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout 2001
Timeline
Cashier, Grocery Clerk, & Deli Worker/Cook
Greentop Grocery
12.2023 - Current
Contract Employee
McLean County Arts Center
12.2019 - 01.2020
Assistant Merchandising Manager
Performance Bicycles
05.2013 - 06.2015
Sales Associate / Cash & Department Responsible (Assistant Department Manager)
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB
06.2011 - 03.2013
Help Desk Technician
Columbia College Digital Printing Lab
05.2010 - 12.2010
Sales Associate / Cash & Department Responsible (Assistant Department Manager)
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB
05.2007 - 08.2009
Photographer, Editor, and Freelance Assistant
Evan Skidmore Photography
01.2007 - Current
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Columbia College Chicago
Photoshop Certification - CS5 -
Adobe
Associate of Arts Degree -
Heartland Community College
Highschool Diploma -
Tri-Valley High School
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