KELLI NIXON
Pontiac,MI
Summary
Results-driven retail and operations leader with a proven track record of driving year-over-year sales growth, improving execution, and developing high-performing teams across Home Depot and Kalamazoo Garden Solutions. Demonstrated Diamond-level performance earned at Home Depot with a current Kitchen Designer role (since July 2024). Known for consistent specialty results, cross-functional leadership, and strong customer experience delivery across kitchen design, flooring & décor, and multi-store merchandising environments. Trusted, adaptable leader who brings stability, accountability, and results in fast-paced settings.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kitchen Designer
Home Depot
Rochester Hills, MI
08.2022 - Current
- Promoted into Kitchen Designer in July 2024 based on sustained specialty performance, reliability, and leadership readiness.
- Delivered end-to-end customer consultations, translating needs into customized kitchen design and product solutions.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, timelines, and customer satisfaction.
- Cross-trained and cross-covered Service Desk, Deliveries, Garden, Pro Desk, and Appliances, ensuring operational continuity during staffing gaps and peak periods.
- Completed Department Supervisor Training, demonstrating readiness for expanded leadership responsibility.
- Served as Team Depot Captain/Co-Captain for three years, supporting associate engagement and community initiatives.
- Acted as Associate Committee Lead, coordinating recognition programs, team events, and morale initiatives.
- Coached and mentored associates to strengthen sales confidence, service quality, and performance consistency.
Merchandiser → Lead Merchandiser
Kalamazoo Garden Solutions
Kalamazoo, MI
03.2017 - 06.2022
- Progressed from Merchandiser to Lead Merchandiser, assuming multi-location leadership and associate development responsibilities.
- Led operations through three peak summer seasons, including a COVID-impacted season, maintaining standards across seven assigned stores and supporting an eighth location.
- Onboarded, trained, coached, and mentored team members on product care, visual standards, and operational best practices.
- Supported consistent year-over-year sales increases through improved merchandising execution, seasonal planning, and store standards.
- Developed displays recognized in weekly supplier presentations and earned Merchandiser of the Month for leadership and cross-location support.
- Oversaw replenishment processes, ensuring timely restocking of displays based on sales data analysis, increasing sales by 25% over previous years.
- Analyzed customer feedback and sales metrics to refine product assortments and maximize seasonal promotions.
Dispatcher
Byers Wrecker Service Inc.
Rochester, MI
12.2000 - 03.2004
- Scheduled and dispatched multiple drivers while managing multiple phone lines to ensure timely service delivery.
- Oversaw communication between drivers and clients, enhancing service reliability.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local law enforcement for streamlined operations, keeping response times within 20 minutes.
- Built and maintained professional relationships with customers and partners, across 3 counties.
- Streamlined operational processes to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Office Manager
Apple Realty, Inc.
Pontiac, MI
08.1998 - 08.2005
- Managed complex executive calendars, ensuring optimal scheduling and prioritization of appointments.
- Created and produced the office newsletter.
- Oversaw Veterans Administration account management and billing.
- Executed operational requirements by scheduling and assigning administrative projects while expediting work results.
- Created and maintained databases and spreadsheets that improved inventory management.
- Regulated progress on deals from listings and accomplished complex closings left in escrow.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining the confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
Education
Associate of Arts - Psychology, Minor: Business
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ05-2012
Real Estate Pre-License Training - Real Estate
Future Technology And Training
Waterford, MI11-1999
Skills
- Retail & Operations Leadership
- Specialty Sales: Kitchen Design, Flooring & Décor
- Customer Experience & Relationship Management
- Team Coaching, Training & Development
- Sales Performance & Execution
- Multi-Department Operations & Coverage
- Inventory, Merchandising & Visual Standards
- Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Problem Solving & Decision-Making
Accomplishments
- Enhanced organization visibility through volunteer-led initiatives.
- Increased volunteer engagement through implementation of innovative marketing and recruitment strategies.
- Supervised volunteers and coordinated placement based on department needs and volunteers skills.
Certification
- Building Blocks Training - June 2024
- Administrative AssistantsTraining - Dec 1998
Timeline
Kitchen Designer
Home Depot
08.2022 - Current
Merchandiser → Lead Merchandiser
Kalamazoo Garden Solutions
03.2017 - 06.2022
Dispatcher
Byers Wrecker Service Inc.
12.2000 - 03.2004
Office Manager
Apple Realty, Inc.
08.1998 - 08.2005
Associate of Arts - Psychology, Minor: Business
University of Phoenix
Real Estate Pre-License Training - Real Estate
Future Technology And Training
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
Diamond-level performance earned – Home Depot, Specialist of the Month – 14-time recipient (7× Specialist, 6× Kitchen Designer), Regional Online Sales Recognition – 2–3 times, Regional RVP Award, Associate of the Month – 2 times, Merchandiser of the Month – Kalamazoo Garden Solutions
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
- Clear, confident written and verbal communication
- Strong organization and time management
- Ability to prioritize in fast-paced, customer-facing environments
- Adaptable, solution-oriented, and steady under pressure