KATERINA BRUNOVA
Thomasville,NC
Summary
Proficient in managing fast-paced retail operations, driving team performance, and elevating customer service. Strong organizational and technical skills ensure efficient inventory management and adherence to company standards. Bilingual in English and Czech with a solid understanding of Slovak, fostering effective communication across diverse teams.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail General Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
Salisbury, North Carolina
07.2025 - Current
- Directed daily operations, improving customer service and elevating staff performance.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain product availability and minimize shortages.
- Implemented training programs for new hires to ensure compliance with company standards.
General Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
Hagerstown, Maryland
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Oversaw daily operations of travel stops and retail outlets.
- Analyzed financial reports to identify operational efficiencies.
- Managed staff schedules and performance evaluations.
- Implemented training programs for new employees.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
Operations Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
Toms Brook, Virginia
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed daily operations of travel stops and retail environments.
- Oversaw staff scheduling and ensured adequate coverage at all locations.
- Streamlined daily operations for multiple travel stop locations.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize service and efficiency.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability and reduce waste.
Special Needs Bus Driver
Frederick County Schools
Winchester, VA
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Transported students with special needs to and from school, ensuring their safety and well-being during transit.
- Monitored student behavior to foster a supportive and positive environment on the bus.
- Conducted regular safety checks on the bus to maintain compliance with safety standards before each route.
- Maintained a valid commercial driver's license B class.
General manager
Pilot Travel Centers
10.2016 - 05.2019
- Conducted business analysis and P&L management, identifying key opportunities for profitability.
- Oversaw 24/7 operations to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Managed operations of travel center, ensuring efficient service in fast food restaurant and fueling services.
- Trained and developed associates, improving overall team effectiveness and service quality.
Store Manager
Dollar Tree, Inc
08.2013 - 10.2016
- Hired and trained assistant managers and associates, fostering skills development and team cohesion.
- Merchandised product areas creatively, resulting in increased sales.
- Executed company planners and sales strategies to maximize revenue.
- Managed freight and productivity to enhance inventory turnover and streamline stock replenishment.
- Ensured compliance with audit standards while overseeing store operations to maintain integrity and accountability.
Inventory Manager
WIS International
05.2012 - 07.2013
- Ensured inventory integrity and accuracy through regular audits and checks.
- Streamlined inventory processes for various retailers, improving operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with store and district management to align on inventory objectives and enhance overall inventory performance.
- Recruited, trained, and managed inventory team members to uphold high performance standards.
Inventory and Pricing Manager
Petco
04.2011 - 05.2012
- Ensured pricing and inventory accuracy, optimizing stock levels to maximize sales potential.
- Managed merchandising strategies, developing appealing product displays to attract customers.
- Promoted products and created sets to enhance customer engagement and increase sales.
- Oversaw store operations to maintain efficient workflow and high standards.
- Supervised and trained associates to improve team performance and service quality.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to foster loyalty and satisfaction.
Retail Operations Manager
WelchAmerica, LLC
12.2009 - 08.2010
- Established retail locations nationwide to strengthen market presence.
- Hired, trained, and evaluated staff to uphold high operational standards.
- Supervised staff training to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Coordinated staff meetings to enhance collaboration and communication.
- Monitored system performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Assisted in retail website development to boost customer engagement.
- Maintained databases and filing systems for efficient information management.
Skills
- Inventory management
- Financial analysis
- Safety compliance
- Staff training and development
- Team leadership
- Customer service excellence
- Problem solving
LANGUAGES
English and Czech, basic Slovak and Spanish
Accomplishments
- Development of successful teams in demanding environment
- Branch compliance audit preparation
- Monitoring and evaluating staff training system
- Retail location establishment and management
- Cash loss prevention/balancing training
- Property maintenance and repair
- Vendor management and collaboration
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Volunteer Service: Orlando Food Pantry
- Red Cross Volunteer Coordinator after 9/11 in NYC
- ESL class assistant
- Habitat for Humanity
Timeline
Retail General Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
07.2025 - Current
General Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
01.2023 - 07.2025
Operations Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
10.2021 - 01.2023
Special Needs Bus Driver
Frederick County Schools
08.2019 - 10.2021
General manager
Pilot Travel Centers
10.2016 - 05.2019
Store Manager
Dollar Tree, Inc
08.2013 - 10.2016
Inventory Manager
WIS International
05.2012 - 07.2013
Inventory and Pricing Manager
Petco
04.2011 - 05.2012
Retail Operations Manager
WelchAmerica, LLC
12.2009 - 08.2010