John Michels
Vancouver,WA
Summary
Results-driven Store Manager specializing in retail operations, inventory control, and team leadership. Enhanced annual sales performance and increased revenue through strategic merchandising and customer service initiatives. Established effective communication systems to foster accountability and discipline within teams. Focused on achieving operational efficiency aligned with organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Web Designer & Marketing Consultant
Red Meadow Design
Vancouver, WA
02.2024 - Current
- Developed and executed SEO and marketing strategies to increase client online visibility, clarify service offerings, and attract targeted customers.
- Built business and ecommerce websites using Shopify, Squarespace, and BigCommerce, enhancing client digital presence and local market visibility.
- Created tailored messaging and digital marketing systems for small businesses, improving communication and fostering community engagement.
- Trained clients to manage websites independently and maintain engaging customer-facing content, enhancing their online presence.
- Leveraged marketing and community visibility experience to promote local stores and increase donation awareness, aligning customer communication with organizational missions.
Branch Manager
Johnstone Supply
Vancouver, WA
11.2022 - 03.2024
- Surpassed $10M in annual sales by enforcing disciplined operations, enhancing customer focus, and maintaining team accountability.
- Increased house account sales by 15% through improved customer follow-up, relationship building, and localized service execution.
- Directed branch operations, sales execution, and team performance, ensuring efficient daily store flow and customer service excellence for an HVAC wholesale branch serving contractors and trade customers.
- Managed daily operations, prioritizing sales, customer issue resolution, inventory control, vendor coordination, and product availability.
- Led and developed a team of 10 in counter sales, operations, customer service, and branch execution, enhancing accountability and communication.
- Developed and implemented systems for team communication, task ownership, and consistent follow-through to improve operational effectiveness.
- Supported a trade-focused retail and warehouse environment emphasizing speed, accuracy, safety, and customer trust.
- Translated complex product and operational details into clear guidance for customers and staff to optimize merchandising and inventory control.
General Manager
Fish-Field
Tualatin, OR
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Increased revenue 47% year over year through strategic operations management, merchandising optimization, customer experience enhancement, and effective team leadership.
- Managed retail and ecommerce store operations, overseeing employee performance, merchandising, inventory control, and fulfillment to drive revenue growth.
- Reduced stock discrepancies by 50% through rigorous inventory controls, accountability measures, and disciplined process improvements.
- Balanced priorities of product availability, customer service, order fulfillment, and daily store execution to ensure smooth operational flow.
- Refined product presentation and customer-facing sales messaging to assist buying decisions and enhance in-store merchandising effectiveness.
- Led operational improvements in a resource constrained retail environment, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and customer trust.
- Integrated communication tools and streamlined team workflows to boost coordination and responsiveness in daily operations.
Sergeant, Tactical Satellite Communications Operator
U.S. Army
Baghdad, Iraq
09.2007 - 05.2013
- Operated and maintained tactical satellite communications systems for reliable connectivity in high-pressure military environments.
- Executed military operations during two tours in Baghdad, Iraq, ensuring disciplined communication and accountability.
- Leveraged advanced communication tools to ensure secure information flow and enhance coordination among teams.
- Developed strong problem-solving skills to swiftly resolve communication challenges and minimize disruptions.
- Exercised leadership and adaptability to maintain operational judgment during critical situations.
Education
AA - Culinary Arts, French Culinary
California Culinary Academy
San Francisco, CA05-2005
Skills
- Digital marketing
- Customer engagement
- Pricing strategy
- Leadership and problem-solving
- Effective communication skills
- Time management and adaptability
- Customer service excellence
- Inventory management
- Store operations management
Skills - Core Skills
Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Intermediate, Intermediate, Advanced
Timeline
Web Designer & Marketing Consultant
Red Meadow Design
02.2024 - Current
Branch Manager
Johnstone Supply
11.2022 - 03.2024
General Manager
Fish-Field
01.2020 - 05.2022
Sergeant, Tactical Satellite Communications Operator
U.S. Army
09.2007 - 05.2013
AA - Culinary Arts, French Culinary
California Culinary Academy