Kelly Drennen
Build A Bear Workshop Inc
830 Folly Rd, Myrtle Beach,SC
17
years of professional experience
Professional with substantial experience in management, prepared for leadership in high-impact role. Skilled in optimizing operations, enhancing team collaboration, and driving results. Known for adaptability and reliability, with strong focus on safety protocols, resource allocation, and quality control. Expertise in fostering productive work environment, aligning team efforts with organizational goals, and responding effectively to changing needs.
Work History
Chief Workshop Manager
5 Years 9 Months- Managed high-volume operations exceeding 4.5 million
- Recruit, hire and train staff of 45+
- Traveled to multiple workshops to facilitate new openings and management transitions.
- Increased comp sales and drove profit through targeted actions and KPIs
- Trained associates on performance standards, product knowledge, and customer engagement.
- Managed inventory controls, merchandise replenishment, and shrink reduction practices.
- Coordinated visual merchandising updates to enhance brand presentation and drive sales.
- Evaluated employee performance and delivered constructive feedback to enhance skills.
- Evaluated performance metrics regularly, identifying opportunities for improvement and executing corrective actions.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Collaborated with district manager on staffing decisions, operational goals, and associate development
- Provided developmental leadership to build bench strength.
Assistant Workshop Manager
1 Year 9 Months- Directed workshop operations, aligning staffing, merchandising, and guest experience.
- Monitored inventory levels, replenished product displays, and reduced stock discrepancies.
- Coached supervisors on performance expectations, safety practices, and workflow execution.
- Evaluated performance metrics regularly, identifying opportunities for improvement and executing corrective actions.
- Improved workshop productivity by implementing efficient work processes and optimizing team performance.
- Conducted root cause analysis for operational issues, developing effective strategies to prevent recurrence in the future.
- Coordinated daily schedules, labor planning, and task priorities to maintain smooth workflow.
- Promoted to Chief Workshop Manager with a new store opening
Assistant Manager
1 Year 8 Months- Trained associates on guest experience, product knowledge, and selling techniques.
- Partnered with store leadership to manage staffing, scheduling, and workflow priorities.
- Evaluated team performance and provided coaching to improve productivity and sales execution.
- Monitored inventory accuracy, receiving processes, and replenishment to maintain product availability.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Assistant Manager
5 Years 7 Months- Manage high volume outlet store 6M+
- Drove key initiatives to align with sales strategy
- Oversaw operations and inventory management at the store
- Increased comp sales and drove profit through targeted actions
- Recruit, hire and train staff of 40+
- Provided developmental leadership to build bench strength
Owner / Operator
6 Years 6 Months- Monitored daily financial performance, tracking profits and losses
- Developed marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility.
- Merchandising product to maintain vision for store.
- Addressed customer inquiries to enhance service experience
- Responded to customer service issues
- Oversaw store inventory management to ensure product availability
- Ensured compliance with State & Federal regulations
Assistant Manager Operations/ Visual
4 Years 5 Months- Hired, trained and evaluated personnel in sales and marketing
- Leveraged employee strengths to drive sales growth
- Trained and developed new associates on POS system and key sales tactics to improve customer engagement
- Trained and developed new associates on POS system and Key Sales tactics.
- Trained sales stylists on gross margin control, DPT, UPT, and conversion strategies to optimize sales performance
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Forensic Science
Associate of Applied Science - Applied Science
Skills
Operational Leadership
Performance Coaching
Inventory Control
Operational Efficiency
Schedule management
Schedule planning
Time management
Merchandising
Strategic Thinker
Excellent Customer Service Skills
Motivated Team Player
Communication skills
Timeline
Chief Workshop Manager
Build A Bear Workshop Inc
01.2021 - CurrentRead More
Assistant Workshop Manager
Build A Bear Workshop Inc
04.2019 - 01.2021Read More
Assistant Manager
Rue 21
08.2017 - 04.2019Read More
Assistant Manager
Polo Ralph Lauren
01.2012 - 08.2017Read More
Owner / Operator
Bargain Consignments
04.2010 - 10.2016Read More
Assistant Manager Operations/ Visual
Coldwater Creek
11.2009 - 04.2014Read More
Greenville Technical College
Associate of Applied Science from Applied Science
Read More
Ashworth University
Associate of Applied Science from Forensic Science
Read More