Karissa Johnson
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Multi-unit leader with 12+ years of progressive responsibility driving revenue growth, talent development, and operational excellence across complex, multi-state regions. Known for building high-performing leaders, scaling lessons-based businesses, and partnering cross-functionally to deliver enterprise results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Regional Director of Sales
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
Jersey City, NJ
08.2024 - Current
- Lead 5 District Managers overseeing 71 stores across the Midwest and Northeast, accountable for $52M in annual sales and services revenue
- Drive performance across product sales, lessons, rentals, and repairs, balancing growth with operational discipline
- Partner with HR and senior leadership to redesign district-level recruiting and talent review processes, strengthening leadership bench and succession planning
- Designed and implemented a regional talent review framework, enabling DMs to coach more effectively and improve accountability
- Co-created the company’s Instructor Communication & Development Program, supporting the largest associate population and influencing enterprise people strategy
Retail District Sales Manage Plus (Pilot)
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Selected for District Sales Manager Plus pilot, operating with expanded regional-level accountability
- Oversaw 14 stores across California and Nevada while supporting a West Coast region spanning WA, OR, MT, and AK
- Ranked #1 Regional Director and Top-5 District Manager company-wide, based on YTD performance metrics
- Partnered with HR to launch the company’s first Instructor Committee, elevating instructor engagement and voice
- Trained and onboarded two District Managers from other regions
- Led region to best-in-company engagement survey participation and results
Retail District Sales Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
05.2021 - 01.2024
- Led 16-store, multi-state district generating $8.8M in sales and services revenue
- Increased active student count by 100%, driving sustainable lessons growth
- Owned district P&L reviews with store leaders to maximize contribution and profitability
- Built and developed diverse leadership teams through consistent coaching, store visits, and KPI-driven reviews
- Developed and piloted district business tools adopted by peers to improve execution and organization
- Supported acquisitions and interim leadership transitions, ensuring operational stability and talent continuity
Retail District Sales Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
11.2018 - 05.2021
- Oversee Long Island, New York, Gold Coast Connecticut District, including 13 stores, opening 3 organics and 1 acquisition, $3.2M in Sales and Services Revenue
- Drive multiple revenue streams including product sales, lessons, rental, and repairs resulting in a +14.7% increase in set sales as well as +26% comp performance in 2019
- Build district community by hiring a team of diverse leaders, developing, and supporting managers to recruit diverse associates and teachers creating a diverse and inclusive culture
- Establish a culture change through communication, active listening, accountability, team engagement, and leading by example
- Nominated and selected to participate in the Women Rise Leadership Cohort in 2019 with an emphasis in development for women leaders across the Guitar Center Enterprise, utilizing the knowledge I gleaned to develop store leaders in our local markets
- Selected to participate in the Teacher Hiring Project, interviewing, and hiring candidates resulting in recruiting over 100 teachers to the Northeast Region in three months
Retail Store Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
03.2017 - 11.2018
- Open organic location in Colorado Springs, CO, 3 Senior Sales Associates, 12 Teachers
- Drive awareness of new store and provided excellent customer service resulting in $100k in sales and 100+ students in less than a year
- Partner with School Services team to increase awareness of the new store through events in school rental nights, instrument demonstrations in schools, community events like Briarfest as well as Colorado MEA show
- Responsible for a smooth transition for a new acquisition in California as an integration specialist by training the team to drive sales, lessons, and operate systems
- Facilitate the development of multiple mangers in person and remotely within the district by conducting new store manager training
Retail Store Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
12.2015 - 03.2017
- Manage the East Mesa, AZ location, 3 Senior Sales Associates, 2 Seasonal Associates, 15 Teachers
- Build store community by hiring a diverse team, developing, and supporting associates by training, counseling, coaching, competing with local stores to drive lesson and sales results
- Manage payroll to reduce cost and maximize profits by scheduling best sales associates during high traffic business hours
- Utilize financial data to target areas of opportunity to grow the business
- Partner with School Services team to increase awareness of the new store through events in school rental nights, instrument demonstrations in schools, community events
Senior Sales Associate
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
07.2013 - 12.2015
- Part Time Associate in Corona, CA, Full Time Associate in Gilbert, AZ, developing rapport with customers to drive sales and lesson sign up results
- Contribute to overall store sales and lesson growth by consistently hitting and exceeding monthly goals
- Illustrate excellent customer service resulting in repeat customers and referrals
- Assist in the development of associates by executing peer training
- Contribute to overall store appearance and operations through maintenance, inventory integrity, along with merchandising upkeep and displays
Skills
- Multi-Unit P&L Ownership
- Revenue Growth & Margin Expansion
- Talent Strategy & Succession Planning
- Regional Operations & Scaling
- Executive Communication & Influence
- Change Leadership & Culture Transformation
- Data-Driven Performance Management
Activities
I enjoy reading or listening to audiobooks. One of my favorite things to do is go whale watching. I have dedicated the last couple of years to traveling out of the country to get my passport stamped. I have two dogs Harlow and Max who enjoy going on long car rides.
Recognition
Big Sister / Big Brother Big Sister, Inland Empire 2022 - 2024, Engagement Panelist / Music & Arts, M&A Live 2023, Hiring & Recruiting Panelist / Music & Arts, Front Row 2023, WOW Award Recipient / Music & Arts 2022, WOW Award Recipient / Music & Arts 2021, Secretary, VP of Membership / Brookhaven 8069 Toastmasters 2020 - 2022, Best New Store 2018 / Best of the Springs - Music & Arts Colorado Springs
Timeline
Retail Regional Director of Sales
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
08.2024 - Current
Retail District Sales Manage Plus (Pilot)
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
01.2024 - 08.2024
Retail District Sales Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
05.2021 - 01.2024
Retail District Sales Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
11.2018 - 05.2021
Retail Store Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
03.2017 - 11.2018
Retail Store Manager
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
12.2015 - 03.2017
Senior Sales Associate
Music & Arts (A Guitar Center Company)
07.2013 - 12.2015