Kari Ann Huffman
Glen Burnie,MD
Summary
With a deep love for animals and people alike, I am a hardworking, kind, intuitive, and professional employee who constantly works to better herself and learn continuously. My team feels safe, empowered, and knows they can expect consistency, kindness and clear/transparent communication under my leadership.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
District Manager
The Sudsy Puppy
Anne Arundel County, MD
11.2024 - Current
- Led district operations to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty across three locations and a mobile grooming van.
- Worked in tandem with the owner of the company to continually improve operations across the business
- Acted as a "Manager of Managers" with six salon managers and assistant managers as my directs, with a total of 48 to 50 employees at a time
- Developed strategic sales initiatives, driving revenue growth through targeted marketing efforts.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve overall productivity.
- Mentored managers in best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
- Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
- Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for salon managers, pet stylists, schedulers, kennel technicians, and client care representatives, resulting in improved employee performance and customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced company reputation through community involvement, developing partnerships with local organizations and participating in charitable events.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify trends, optimizing store procedures and inventory management.
Grooming Salon Manager
The Sudsy Puppy
Crofton, MD
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring high standards of grooming and customer service.
- Trained and mentored staff on grooming techniques and best practices.
- Implemented inventory management systems to streamline supply orders and reduce costs.
- Developed marketing strategies to enhance store visibility and attract new clients.
- Established schedules for staff, optimizing workflow efficiency across shifts.
- Conducted performance evaluations, fostering professional growth among team members.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining positive client relationships and loyalty.
- Developed comprehensive employee training programs for enhanced grooming techniques and customer service skills.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients through excellent communication skills and personalized attention to their pets'' needs.
- Increased revenue by expanding services offered, including specialty grooming treatments and pet pampering packages.
- Ensured compliance with all industry regulations, maintaining proper licensing and certifications at all times.
- Managed client complaints or concerns promptly and effectively, upholding the salon''s reputation for excellent customer care.
- Maintained a calm, professional demeanor when dealing with challenging situations or difficult animals, ensuring minimal disruption within the salon environment.
Assistant Salon Manager
The Sudsy Puppy
Crofton, MD
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Managed daily salon operations, ensuring optimal workflow and staff productivity.
- Trained and mentored junior stylists, enhancing service quality and team performance.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to increase client retention and engagement.
- Resolved customer complaints efficiently, fostering a positive salon environment and client satisfaction.
- Supported Salon Manager with administrative tasks such as staff and client scheduling to ensure smooth operations.
Project Coordinator
Clevershot Limited UK
Harrogate, United Kingdom
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Managed weekly Monday morning meetings with the team to organize and delegate everyone's individual tasks for the week, then holding them accountable throughout the week
- Assessed, monitored and reported on work progression
- Was in charge of updating and tracking client list, including when contact was made with each client, what was said, and adding contact details
- Worked on lead generation to continually keep new clients flowing in
- Kept on top of current clients to ensure all are happy, needs are met, and that future projects are being asked of us
- Kept track of timesheets for each employee
- Was in charge of bringing wellness ideas into the workplace
- Did admin work such as recording notes from each team meeting, summarizing and sending out in email form to the team
- Used marketing tools such as Mailchimp and Streak to continue with lead generation
Pet Stylist
Petco Grooming Salon
Honolulu, Hawaii
05.2016 - 06.2018
- Became skilled in grooming dogs of many different breeds, sizes, temperaments and needs, to their breed standard cut (including fine-tuning scissoring skills)
- Learned to safely shave down matted dogs and provide comfort/recommend products and suggest a schedule to ensure the dog's health moving forward
- Provided excellent customer service, taking the customer's specific and detailed requests into consideration
- Built a client base of 150+ request customers after a 6 month period
- Worked to then rebuild a new client base at a new salon in a different state
- Became skilled in reading dog's body language to determine how best to approach each groom
- Cared for shears, clippers and other grooming tools, including keeping my area and common areas tidy and sanitary
- Built lasting connections with clients and coworkers through our shared passion and love of animals
Grooming Assistant
Petco Grooming
Honolulu, HI
02.2014 - 12.2016
- Assisted in the thorough check-in/check-out process of each animal
- Made and received phone calls to book grooming appointments
- Bathed, brushed, and blow dried dogs in a safe and detailed manner
- Trimmed and buffed dog's nails, cleaned inside ears and expressed glands when requested
- Became apt at using the computer and scheduling system to book and keep track of appointments for multiple groomers
- Provided excellent customer service to pet owners and considered every request carefully with the pet's safety and comfort at the forefront of every decision
- Kept grooming salon and reception area clean and tidy
- Cleaned and disinfected kennels and common areas to reduce spread of illness from infected animals.
Lead Childcare Worker
Dumbell Fitness
Honolulu, HI
05.2011 - 11.2015
- Planned and organized daily activities for up to 35 children aged 2-12
- Cared for children's safety by remaining attentive and sympathetic to their needs
- Ensured that colleagues were achieving their duties as appointed and in a timely manner
- Acted as first contact for any parent's questions or concerns
- Fostered positive relationships with children and encouraged them every step of the way
- Communicated with parents and family members of students in a positive and constructive way
Education
High School Diploma -
Radford High School
Honolulu05-2011
No Degree - Liberal Arts
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HISkills
- Hardworking
- People/animal skills
- Leadership skills
- Recruiting and hiring
- Strategic planning
- Customer service
- Training and coaching
- Attention to detail
- Intuitive
- Compassionate
- Great work ethic
- Team Player
- Experienced
- Confident
- Reliable
Timeline
District Manager
The Sudsy Puppy
11.2024 - Current
Grooming Salon Manager
The Sudsy Puppy
10.2023 - 11.2024
Assistant Salon Manager
The Sudsy Puppy
04.2023 - 10.2023
Project Coordinator
Clevershot Limited UK
09.2022 - 02.2023
Pet Stylist
Petco Grooming Salon
05.2016 - 06.2018
Grooming Assistant
Petco Grooming
02.2014 - 12.2016
Lead Childcare Worker
Dumbell Fitness
05.2011 - 11.2015
High School Diploma -
Radford High School
No Degree - Liberal Arts
Leeward Community College
Interests
VOLUNTEER WORK
, Dec 2017 — Jun 2018 Volunteered grooming services once monthly to animals at the
Maryland SPCA; cleaning them up, de-matting/shaving if needed,
trimming their nails and readying them for adoption
Baltimore