Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Israel Lawrence

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Loves Travel Stops, adept in operations management and team building. Excelled in developing strategies that enhanced sales and profitability, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and employee development. Achieved seamless opening of new locations and significantly boosted customer satisfaction through innovative solutions and effective problem resolution.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Loves Travel Stops
Slippery Rock PA-Watertown, NY
09.2023 - Current
  • Recruited Leadership Team paired with key positions then hourly team members
  • Aligned and updated all levels of leadership on Staffing, Training, and Project Timelines and issues.
  • organized training, set up paired with team, District and Divisional updates on Build Status
  • Successfully facilitated the opening of location 870 without issue. 12/14/2023
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Oversees store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash management, and safety compliance
  • Enhanced store appearance by maintaining cleanliness standards and visually appealing displays that showcased products effectively.
  • implemented daily operating procedures to keep store clean, adequately stocked, and well organized.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, attentive service, and efficient problem resolution.
  • Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
  • Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
  • Answered questions regarding store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Fostered a supportive work environment through coaching sessions, team building activities , and open communication channels for staff feedback.
  • Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employee focused.

Restaurant General Manager

Loves Travel Stops
Slippery Rock, PA
06.2022 - 09.2022

Implementation of proper processes paired with procedures to drive optimal sales, standards, and staffing.

  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.

Restaurant Manager in Training

Loves Travel Stops
Conneaut, OH
05.2022 - 06.2022

Trained on staffing and standards to deliver results.

  • Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
  • Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.

General Manager in Training

Loves Travel Stops
Hubbard, OH
11.2021 - 06.2022

Learned Loves Culture paired with Standard Operation Procedures while facilitating day to day operations.

  • Fostered an atmosphere of continuous learning among team members by encouraging participation in relevant industry workshops or conferences.
  • Established clear communication channels between various departments , facilitating collaboration on projects and initiatives that spanned multiple teams.
  • Monitored financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and making data-driven decisions to optimize profitability.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Managed day-to -day operations, delegating tasks as necessary to ensure smooth workflow within the organization.
  • Oversaw inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels, reducing waste and associated costs.

Community/Homer Fund Captain

Home Depot
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2011 - 06.2021

Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.

  • Planned, designed and scheduled phases for larger projects.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Collaborated closely within senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.

Store Manager

Home Depot
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2009 - 06.2021
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
  • Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
  • Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.

Market Talent and Development Captain

Home Depot
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Developed seasonal specific Market Trainings paired with walk throughs to address opportunities while looking at headwinds and tailwinds.
  • Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training program to increase employee productivity and morale
  • Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Established a culture of continuous learning, promoting professional development opportunities for all employees across the organization.

Market Credit Captain

Home Depot
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2009 - 12.2009
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, resulting in improved knowledge and skill levels among staff.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop credit policies and procedures that minimized financial exposure.
  • Supported business growth objectives by actively participating in strategic planning sessions alongside executive leadership.
  • Resolved escalated client issues diplomatically while maintaining a focus on protecting the organization''s interests.
  • Played an instrumental role in the development of innovative credit products tailored to meet customer needs.

Specialty Manager

Home Depot
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2008 - 12.2008
  • Implemented innovative merchandising techniques to showcase specialty products and attract customers.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and securing high-quality products.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
  • Conducted regular competitor analysis to stay informed on market trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Exceeded sales targets through strategic planning and efficient execution of promotional campaigns.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction by effectively addressing and resolving issues in a timely manner.
  • Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to develop effective marketing strategies for product launches.

Operations Manager

Home Depot
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2007 - 12.2007
  • Implemented innovative visual displays that captured attention and boosted sales significantly.
  • Training and supervised merchandising team members in best practices, improving overall performance.
  • Evaluated merchandise assortments regularly to ensure alignment with consumer preferences and demands.
  • Increased sales by developing and implementing successful merchandising strategies.

Chemical Operation Specialist (54BRAVO)

Army Reserve
06.1997 - 07.2001

Responsible for providing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear subject matter expertise to commanders, staffs, and organizations.

  • Provided support to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) operations.
  • Analyzing, identifying, and responding to CBRN threats, preforming CBRN reconnaissance and detection, and providing technical support to CBRN operations.
  • Provided technical expertise in the use of CBRN protective and detection equipment.

Education

Chemical Operations -

United States Army Reserve
Fort McClellan AL
08.1998

High School Diploma -

Slippery Rock Area High School
Slippery Rock, PA
1998

Skills

  • Leadership and team building
  • Problem Resolution
  • Operations Management
  • Effective leader
  • Training and Development

Timeline

General Manager

Loves Travel Stops
09.2023 - Current

Restaurant General Manager

Loves Travel Stops
06.2022 - 09.2022

Restaurant Manager in Training

Loves Travel Stops
05.2022 - 06.2022

General Manager in Training

Loves Travel Stops
11.2021 - 06.2022

Community/Homer Fund Captain

Home Depot
01.2011 - 06.2021

Market Talent and Development Captain

Home Depot
01.2010 - 01.2011

Store Manager

Home Depot
01.2009 - 06.2021

Market Credit Captain

Home Depot
01.2009 - 12.2009

Specialty Manager

Home Depot
04.2008 - 12.2008

Operations Manager

Home Depot
10.2007 - 12.2007

Chemical Operation Specialist (54BRAVO)

Army Reserve
06.1997 - 07.2001

Chemical Operations -

United States Army Reserve

High School Diploma -

Slippery Rock Area High School
Israel Lawrence