Jewel Simonson
Washington,MO
Summary
Motivated and creative business professional bringing over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience. Dedicated and personable with extensive experience in managing administrative and sales operations and personnel. Well-versed in training, educating, motivating and supporting staff members. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Artisan/Designer
Shabby Boutique (Self Employed)
1999.08 - Current
- Create graphic design for stationary, business cards, websites, furniture decoupage paper, scrapbook paper, prints and more.
- Upcycle or recycle objects of lesser value into high end items for resale.
- Imagine new uses for found items.
- Source items to repurpose into high end decor.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts and costs.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Create print and online advertisements to bring in new customers.
- Networked with other businesses to attract new customers.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
Owner/Operator/Designer
Factory Of Horror
2015.03 - 2018.09
- Managed creative and technical attributes to ensure customers enjoyed the show.
- Costume design.
- Set design.
- Made prosthetics and masks for optimal scares.
- Makeup artistry.
- Construction of rooms built from the ground up.
- Technical support for props and other electronic devices found throughout the haunt.
- Cooked meals for all employees on the nights we were open.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Trained and developed team members.
- Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and payroll to handle financial needs.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Created print and online advertisements to bring in new customers.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
Bounty Hunter/Professional Bondsman Agent
Peak Bail Bonds
1999.08 - 2006.09
- Filed paperwork and paid bonds to court, providing prompt jail release for defendants.
- Located, apprehended and returned suspects to court or jail after missed court appearances.
- Processed payments from defendants to secure bonds.
- Assessed defendants' background and to repay bail bonds.
- Attended court to confirm attendance of each defendant at scheduled times.
- Built and established relationships with clientele to improve future business opportunities.
- Developed and maintained database of financial records for clients.
Shift Manager/Lead Delivery Driver
Pizza Hut
1996.10 - 2003.06
- Completed rush deliveries on tight timetables to satisfy customer needs.
- Communicated customer complaints, requests, and feedback to company management for swift resolution.
- Completed on-time deliveries by choosing best and most efficient routes.
- Updated dispatchers frequently to convey changes such as route issues or weather delays potentially impacting delivery schedules.
- Interpreted maps and followed written and verbal directions.
- Worked scheduled hours as required and took on available shifts during holidays, when others called off and busy periods.
- Expedited deliveries to meet customer deadlines and requirements.
- Maintained upbeat, positive attitude in busy, customer-focused environment.
- Operated vehicle safely in highly congested areas with no traffic violations.
- Read maps, followed oral, and written instructions and used GPS technology to make deliveries.
- Managed customer inquiries and complaints in polite and professional manner.
- Delivered orders to customer doorsteps and business offices.
- Verified accuracy of all deliveries against order receipts.
- Followed corporate procedures to maintain company and customer data confidentiality.
- Expanded delivery areas to acquire new customers and increase revenue.
- Went door to door and business to business to bring in new customers and increase revenue.
- Always maintained a professional appearance and attitude.
- Counted all registers daily and made cash deposits.
- Did inventory audits regularly.
- Prepped food.
- Maintained cleanliness throughout the store.
- Helped where needed without being asked to do so.
- Worked register and made safe drops whenever needed.
- Encouraged fellow employees to maintain a positive and professional attitude to create a pleasant environment for customers which in turn increased revenue.
Store Manager
Brown/Wohl Shoe
1988.12 - 1993.03
- Managed two shoe stores simultaniously; Castleby Shoes in Chesterfield Mall as well as Regal Shoes in South County Mall.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, safety and cleanliness.
- Developed and implemented successful staff incentive programs to motivate employees.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Education
High School Diploma -
Washington High School
Washington, MO05.1988
Skills
- Attention to Quality
- Articulate Communication
- Photographic Editing
- Client Engagement
- Sustainable Design
- Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
- Environmental Sustainability
- Process Improvement
- Social Media Digital Marketing
Accomplishments
All of my creativity and artisan skills are self taught. I enjoy trying new things and expanding my horizons. I love to learn and take direction well. With everything I do I put all of everything I can give into it no matter what it is. My grandparents taught me, "do things right the first time", "treat others how you want to be treated" and, " if you are not going to do it right then don't do it all". Those mottos have carried with me in life, taught them to my children and I still live by them today.
Sewing. cooking, makeup artistry, furniture refinishing, creating custom chandeliers and lighting
Again, I try to find creativity in everything I do. Being creative is a part of me and everything I have learned is self taught, maybe a little help here and there to get me started, but from that help I flourish. Most of my creativity started at a young age such as cooking and sewing out of necessity when I was around 8 years old. I use my face as a blank canvas for makeup and try new ideas or revamp old ones. I love to take old items such as furniture and lighting and make them new again. There is just something about taking something that was meant for the trash and giving it a new life or creating from scratch that speaks to me.
Timeline
Owner/Operator/Designer
Factory Of Horror
2015.03 - 2018.09
Owner/Artisan/Designer
Shabby Boutique (Self Employed)
1999.08 - Current
Bounty Hunter/Professional Bondsman Agent
Peak Bail Bonds
1999.08 - 2006.09
Shift Manager/Lead Delivery Driver
Pizza Hut
1996.10 - 2003.06
Store Manager
Brown/Wohl Shoe
1988.12 - 1993.03
High School Diploma -
Washington High School
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