Frances (Fran) Iwanicki
Mocksville,NC
Summary
Driven Small Business Owner with excellent business acumen, creativity and leadership skills. Offers advanced experience in developing marketing strategies, identifying business opportunities and generating sales in Customer Service industry. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Dependable retail sales professional with experience in dynamic, high-performance environments. Skilled in processing transactions, handling cash, using registers and arranging merchandise. Maintains high-level customer satisfaction by smoothly resolving customer requests, needs and problems.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Lake Norman Dog Training/ Pawsitive Pet Coaching
03.2003 - Current
- Worked individually with dogs on track for higher-level certifications in obedience and show performance.
- Succeeded in training diverse animals with confident training techniques and trusting relationships.
- Instructed group classes to teach essential obedience commands, fostering well-behaved pets in various settings.
- Instructed and supervised volunteers and staff on proper animal handling procedures.
- Trained animals to respond to specific cues from both owners and handlers.
- Consulted with veterinarians for appropriate behavior modification plans involving medical or psychological concerns among dogs under my care.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Increased client retention by establishing trust and rapport with both dogs and their owners throughout the training process.
- Enhanced dogs'' obedience levels by implementing customized training programs tailored to their specific needs.
- Provided specialized support for service animals and therapy dogs, ensuring their readiness for demanding environments.
- Maintained detailed records of each dog''s progress throughout the duration of training programs, enabling data-driven adjustments when needed.
- Offered remote support through video consultations and follow-up phone calls, ensuring continued progress between in-person training sessions.
- Reduced dog behavioral issues through consistent application of positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted local animal shelters by providing training sessions for rescued dogs, increasing their chances of successful adoption.
- Maintained industry relevance by actively participating in professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on new canine training methodologies and emerging trends.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Proactively identified areas of risk within the organization implemented necessary safeguards mitigating any potential negative impact on the business.
- Demonstrated product presentations to prospective customers to showcase features, benefits and value.
- Evaluated competitors'' offerings to identify gaps in the market for unique selling propositions that attracted new clients.
- Managed client scheduling and billing efficiently, ensuring timely payments and maintaining transparent communication with clients on their financial commitments.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Designed business plan to define concept, short-term and long-term goals and strategies.
Store Manager
Bath And Body Works, Limited Brands
07.2003 - 02.2010
- Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Lead Dog Obedience Trainer
PetsMart
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Educated pet owners on proper handling techniques, canine body language, and effective communication methods to strengthen the bond between owner and pet.
- Advised owners about planned animal purchases or adoptions and potential behavioral needs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.
- Evaluated animals to determine temperaments, abilities and aptitude for training.
- Increased client retention rates through exceptional customer service, empathy towards dog owners'' challenges, and genuine passion for improving human-canine relationships.
- Conferred with owners about methods for continuing training and reinforcing methods taught in classes.
- Promoted a safe and positive learning environment by maintaining clean, organized, and welcoming training spaces for clients and their dogs.
- Boosted community awareness about responsible pet ownership by conducting educational seminars on topics such as bite prevention or household safety measures around pets.
- Maintained up-to-date industry knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars to continuously refine training techniques and methods.
- Offered private consultations for specific behavioral issues such as leash reactivity or resource guarding to address individual challenges more effectively.
- Conducted group classes for puppy socialization, basic obedience, and advanced skills to foster well-rounded canine companions.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Area Training Manager and System Engineer
TIC Enterprises/ Nortel Networks
09.2001 - 03.2002
- Directed field training to enhance participants' skills.
- Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
- Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
- Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
- Negotiated vendor contracts for external training services, maximizing cost-efficiency while maintaining quality standards in program delivery.
- Ensured seamless integration of new systems or process changes within the organization through comprehensive change management plans and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Enhanced user satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving technical issues.
- Customized solutions for unique user requirements while adhering to company policies and industry standards.
- Educated end users on best practices for maintaining system health and preventing future issues.
- Collaborated with vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
- Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
- Responded promptly to incoming sales leads and requests for technical support.
- Assessed the needs of end users to recommend appropriate hardware or software upgrades as necessary.
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
- Bridged the gap between end-users and developers by translating technical specifications into easily understood language.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Mentored junior trainers, providing guidance and support as they developed their own instructional skills and techniques.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Evaluated emerging technologies and recommended appropriate solutions to improve existing infrastructure.
Area Technical and Training Manager
Lucent Technologies Inc
09.1999 - 06.2001
- Analyzed effectiveness of training programs at all levels and recommended updates.
- Mentored junior trainers and instructional designers in best practices for adult learning techniques and curriculum design methodologies.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Communicated project status, delivering audience messages, and change management with clients.
- Enhanced and reconstructed computer systems to increase efficiency.
- Played an instrumental role in the successful completion of numerous high-stakes projects, utilizing strong leadership skills to guide team members through complex challenges and deliver exceptional results.
- Managed efficient teams of up to [Number] employees.
- Installed system updates to address vulnerabilities and reduce security issues.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by motivating team members to strengthen quality and increase productivity.
- Efficiently assisted service workers with problematic transactions to maintain customer satisfaction and quickly rectify issues.
- Shrunk knowledge gaps with ongoing training and close employee mentoring for new and less experienced team members.
- Supervised team of installers and mechanics to complete work on time and to company standards.
- Increased customer satisfaction rates by promptly addressing technical issues and providing exceptional support services to clients.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
Education
Associate of Arts - Journalism, Print
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CTAssociate of Applied Science - Equine Science
Maricopa Community Colleges - Glendale Community College
Glendale, AZSkills
- Client Service
- Project Management
- Professionalism
- Self Motivation
- Organizational Skills
- Written Communication
- Customer Service
- Excellent Communication
- Relationship Building
- Consulting
Timeline
Store Manager
Bath And Body Works, Limited Brands
07.2003 - 02.2010
Owner
Lake Norman Dog Training/ Pawsitive Pet Coaching
03.2003 - Current
Lead Dog Obedience Trainer
PetsMart
08.2002 - 06.2004
Area Training Manager and System Engineer
TIC Enterprises/ Nortel Networks
09.2001 - 03.2002
Area Technical and Training Manager
Lucent Technologies Inc
09.1999 - 06.2001
Associate of Arts - Journalism, Print
Eastern Connecticut State University
Associate of Applied Science - Equine Science
Maricopa Community Colleges - Glendale Community College
Similar Profiles
Jenna HallsJenna Halls
Dog Handler at Pawsitive Dog walking and DaycareDog Handler at Pawsitive Dog walking and Daycare
Kamila Fortes KawaiKamila Fortes Kawai
Private Dog Trainer at Pawsitive Dog TrainerPrivate Dog Trainer at Pawsitive Dog Trainer
Gabrielle BurtonGabrielle Burton
NA at Pawsitive Pet CareNA at Pawsitive Pet Care