Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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Kathryn Gardea

Kathryn Gardea

Bulverde,TX

Summary

Dynamic Optical Store Manager with a proven 3 year track record at Walmart, excelling in optical sales and relationship building. Achieved a remarkable 24.3% increase in sales revenue through targeted marketing and exceptional communication. Licensed by ABO-NOCE, and NCLE, I foster strong client relationships while ensuring HIPAA compliance and delivering high-quality optical care.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Optical Store Manager

Walmart
10.2022 - Current
  • Monitored industry trends to stay current with new products, technologies, and best practices in eye care management.
  • Developed interpersonal relationships with local optometry and opthamology offices to increase Dr. referrals to our optometry.
  • Mentored employees in product knowledge and sales techniques to increase individual performance.
  • Increased sales revenue by an average sales increase of 24.3% YOY FY 2023-2025. by developing targeted marketing campaigns and promotional events.
  • On track FY to do a 27% increase in sales FY 2026.
  • Maintained accurate financial records, including budgets, sales reports, and expense tracking for informed decisionmaking.
  • Fostored relationships with retail managment to increase output of optical accessories on retail floor leading to a 78.2% increase YTD on accessory sales.
  • Successfully exceeded sales metrics YOY FY 2023-2025.
  • Display enhanced teamwork capabilities by managing multiple opticals within the San Antonio and surrounding areas in managment absences.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Ensure HIPAA compliance to protect PHI and lead to a safe environment.
  • Led the San Antonio market in associate promotions with a 57% increase in associate licensing.

Lead Optician

Walmart
07.2021 - 10.2022
  • Developed customized solutions for patients with unique vision challenges, increasing access to high-quality optical care within the community.
  • Implemented marketing initiatives to promote new products and services, contributing to increased revenue by 23.12% in the first fiscal year.
  • Increased sales of premium lenses by educating customers on the benefits and features of advanced lens technology. Increased overall premium lens sales by 47.23% in the first year.
  • Acted as a liaison between ophthalmologists and clients, facilitating clear communication regarding treatment plans and any necessary follow-up appointments.
  • Became an acting Optical Store Manager starting July 2022-October 2022 assuming all managerial responsibilities.

Education

Healthcare Administration

Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH
10-2022

Associate of Arts - Kinesiology

Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, TX
07-2021

Skills

  • Optical sales
  • ABO-NOCE licensed optical dispenser
  • Excellent communication
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Strategic networking skills
  • Active Listening
  • Expertise in clinical consultations
  • Product Education
  • HIPAA Certified- Current

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with team of 15 in the development of a sales and marketing calendar to increase customer outreach and overall optical sales metrics.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Achieved a 74.3% accessory sales growth YTD through effectively demonstrating interpersonal skills within the retail space.
  • Achieved staggering 27% sales increase first year as manager by collecting data and correcting discrepencies with accuracy and efficiency.

Certification

  • Licensed ABO-NOCE (American Board of Opticianry) - September 2024-2029
  • Licensed NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) - December 2024-2029

Timeline

Optical Store Manager

Walmart
10.2022 - Current

Lead Optician

Walmart
07.2021 - 10.2022

Healthcare Administration

Southern New Hampshire University

Associate of Arts - Kinesiology

Northwest Vista College