HEATHER RUHL
North Tustin,CA
Summary
Results-driven and seasoned multi-unit leader with over 20 years of experience in optical sales, operations, and team leadership. Adept at developing high-performing teams that achieve and exceed objectives. Strong advocate for effective communication and training to create an inclusive and motivating workplace. Previously led teams to surpass revenue goals while improving customer satisfaction levels. Skill set includes budget management, strategic planning, and talent development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Manager
PDS Health
Irvine
04.2024 - Current
- Participating in the Regional Manager training program to oversee dental office non-clinical operations.
- Build high-performing teams and guided operations managers to achieve revenue growth.
- Execute strategic analyses to drive sales growth across multiple locations.
- Conduct regional trainings and meetings to improve presentation skills and engagement.
- Identify prospective PDS locations based on geographic and market opportunities.
Multi-Unit Leader
Warby Parker
Newport Beach, CA
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Oversaw multiple locations, surpassing year-over-year performance metrics.
- Drove growth and sales in Vision Services through partnerships with ODs.
- Managed annual revenue of approximately $11.5 million, achieving monthly volumes from $750K to $3M.
- Launched PC model in 13 Independent OD locations within 10 weeks.
- Facilitated effective communication through weekly calls and store visits with teams.
- Increased KPIs to achieve monthly, quarterly, and yearly targets, securing bonuses for teams.
- Executed succession planning initiatives to cultivate talent for future leadership roles.
Store Leader / Vision Services District Support Lead
Warby Parker
Newport Beach, CA
04.2019 - 06.2022
- Led successful opening of Warby Parker's flagship location in Orange County with fully new team.
- Achieved top three store sales and KPIs during first year while serving as District Vision Services Lead.
- Developed personalized training plans to promote several team members within the organization.
- Created Independent Optometrist process and training materials for district-wide implementation.
- Navigated team through COVID-19 store closure and established new protocols for reopening.
Store Manager
Forever 21
Mission Viejo, CA
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Generated over $6 million in annual sales with a team of 65 employees in a 90,000 square foot facility.
- Drove overall store earnings by enhancing top-line sales and managing controllable contributions.
- Collaborated with District leaders during walk-throughs to ensure operational consistency.
- Rebuilt Stock, Visual, and Operations Teams through effective communication and accountability.
- Transformed store metrics and KPIs within four months, achieving positive year-end comps.
Store Manager
Fresh Cosmetics Boutique - LVMH
Costa Mesa, CA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Achieved monthly sales targets through strategic initiatives and community engagement in flagship location.
- Turned the business around to consistently meet sales plans within two months of assuming the role by maximizing team performance through targeted coaching and training sessions.
- Established local customer base via outreach and in-store events, generating incremental sales.
- Streamlined operations with corporate partners to enhance efficiency and increase productivity on sales floor.
- Coached team daily on key metrics and product knowledge to deliver personalized guest experiences.
Senior Product Manager/Buyer
LUXOTTICA
Foothill Ranch, CA
06.2011 - 09.2015
- Analyzed financial data for multiple product flows while overseeing increased brand portfolio in sun and optical eyewear.
- Participated in corporate finance activities, including preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements.
- Managed budget development and forecasting to align with overall financial objectives.
- Oversaw inventory management and assortment selection to optimize product availability.
- Developed unique product assortments to enhance customer appeal and differentiate from competitors.
- Collaborated with senior leadership on marketing strategies related to product branding and seasonal promotions.
- Devised business practices that accounted for 75% of total sunglass and optical frame sales, achieving 15% annual revenue growth.
- Researched, negotiated, and purchased inventory while adhering to forecasts and budget constraints.
Assistant Buyer/Merchandiser
LUXOTTICA
Foothill Ranch, CA
01.2008 - 05.2011
- Managed logistics for sun and optical brand assortments to optimize operational efficiency.
- Ensured vendor compliance with contract agreements and timely inventory deliveries.
- Facilitated acquisition of Optical Shop of Aspen by Oakley, Inc. through strategic support.
- Assisted senior leadership in purchase order management across 23 locations.
- Executed inventory purchasing and devised exit strategies for non-profitable brands.
- Established best practices and procedures, including schematics for in-store merchandising.
- Guaranteed effective merchandising strategies to drive sales and enhance turnover.
Regional Manager
LUXOTTICA
Southern California
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Managed 12 locations while coaching employees on best practices and performance standards.
- Communicated product knowledge, financial expectations, and approved orders and returns with store associates.
- Collaborated with financial management team to ensure accuracy of financial data and inventory.
- Organized store events to promote new product launches, enhancing sales and visibility.
- Educated store managers on company initiatives and marketing strategies to drive engagement.
- Facilitated discussions with store managers to align on goals and share best practices.
- Defined exemplary customer service standards to motivate employees towards exceeding sales targets.
- Opened 13 new locations, overseeing staffing, lab setup, and product assortment decisions.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CAAssociate of Arts - Criminology and Marketing Courses
University of California
Santa Barbara, CASkills
- Leadership and management
- Communication and training
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Analytical skills
- Rapid learning
- Store segmentation and assortment
- Financial planning
- Inventory management
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Regional Manager
PDS Health
04.2024 - Current
Multi-Unit Leader
Warby Parker
06.2022 - 04.2024
Store Leader / Vision Services District Support Lead
Warby Parker
04.2019 - 06.2022
Store Manager
Forever 21
04.2018 - 04.2019
Store Manager
Fresh Cosmetics Boutique - LVMH
01.2016 - 01.2017
Senior Product Manager/Buyer
LUXOTTICA
06.2011 - 09.2015
Assistant Buyer/Merchandiser
LUXOTTICA
01.2008 - 05.2011
Regional Manager
LUXOTTICA
01.2005 - 12.2007
Associate of Arts -
Orange Coast College
Associate of Arts - Criminology and Marketing Courses
University of California