Gabriel Yepes

Working for Van der Dys Jewelry has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Since arriving in The Woodlands, this part-time job has allowed me to explore the fascinating world of fine jewelry and luxury watches. Through my part-time work, I have learned to appreciate the precision, craftsmanship, and history behind each piece, developing a strong passion for horology.

I’ve had the opportunity to learn directly from Richard Van der Dys, a recognized expert in the field, who has taught me about the care, authenticity, and valuation of high-end watches. During my time at the jewelry store, I have gained experience in personalized customer service, presentation of exclusive products, inventory management, and familiarity with prestigious international brands.

This experience has helped me develop a keen eye for quality, aesthetics, and customer service—understanding the importance of building trust and providing an exceptional shopping experience

• Cultivated relationships with customers to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
• Assisted in inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels and organization.
• Executed sales transactions efficiently, maintaining accuracy in cash handling.
• Developed visual merchandising displays to enhance product visibility and appeal.
• Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.

• In 2023, I was hired by Woodforest National Bank, which made this my first formal role in the industry. Early on, I was able to quickly adapt to the bank's culture and effectively engage with clients, focusing on promoting Woodforest products and attracting new business. My initial placement at a branch within a Walmart store provided an ideal learning environment, where I gained valuable insights into the banking industry, particularly in a high-volume, customer-facing setting.
• Within my first year, I was able to achieve recognition as the top performer in my office, despite being the rookie member of the team. This accomplishment reinforced my ability to connect with clients and drive business results. After a little over a year, I was offered the opportunity to transfer to a traditional Woodforest branch. The transition to this new branch has exposed me to a different clientele and work environment, offering a broader scope of challenges and responsibilities. This shift has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the financial services industry and expand my knowledge of business and finance.

My responsibilities as a Retail Banker

• Client Interaction: Bank employees often engage directly with clients, helping them with account inquiries, loan applications.
• Customer Support: Providing assistance in managing accounts, solving issues, processing transactions, and guiding clients on banking products such as savings accounts, checking accounts, revolving lines of credit.
• Handling Deposits & Withdrawals: Processing customer deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, both for personal accounts and business accounts.
• Cash Management: Ensuring sufficient cash levels are available at the branch for customer transactions and managing vault cash.
• Check Processing: Verifying and processing checks, money orders, and cashier's checks.
• Wire Transfers: Facilitating domestic and international wire transfers for customers, ensuring all compliance protocols are met.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all transactions and banking practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Fraud Prevention: Monitoring accounts and transactions for any suspicious activity and reporting potential fraud.
• Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating financial risks associated with loans, investments, and customer accounts.

• Facilitated team activities, enhancing engagement and participation among members.
• Coordinated inventory management, ensuring availability of sports equipment for events.
• Developed training schedules, optimizing practice times for various teams.
• Provided customer service support, addressing inquiries and resolving issues efficiently.
• Implemented safety protocols during events, promoting safe participation for all athletes.
• Trained new associates on operational procedures and customer interaction best practices.