Kevin Duke
Austin,TX
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Hardlines Manager
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Austin, TX
09.2023 - Current
- Coordinated seasonal merchandise transitions smoothly while adhering closely to deadlines.
- Supported overall company initiatives by participating actively in store-wide initiatives and events.
- Contributed to overall store profitability by effectively managing labor costs within the hardlines department budget constraints.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, ensuring swift resolution of issues while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Improved Firearms audit score from 75% to 97%
- Lead Team Sports department to win national baseball sales contest with a 39% sell through from prior year
- Successfully decreased shrinkage and increased sales in department
Footwear Team Lead
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Austin, TX
03.2022 - 09.2023
- Handled escalated customer complaints with diplomacy, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Implemented staff training programs to improve product knowledge, resulting in increased sales figures and enhanced customer experience.
- Continuously monitored competitor activities within the market space to identify opportunities for improvement within our own operations.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by fostering a positive work environment, implementing regular performance evaluations, and providing growth opportunities.
- Management responsibility for Softlines Sales and actively participates in the personnel decisions of team members, including but not limited to, employee selection, training, discipline, termination and development.
- Actively participate in floor walks with Regional Vice President, District Manager and Store Director to create plan to make changes based on feedback provided during walks
- Increased sales in Softlines 4.2% with a decrease in shrinkage by 2.3%
- Lead Footwear department to win national sales contest with Brazos Boots with an overall 85% sell through
Footwear Team Lead
Academy Sports + Outdoors
New Caney, TX
10.2019 - 03.2023
- Mastered footwear products and industry trends and applied expertise to generate maximum customer satisfaction.
- Provide guidance when need to Footwear Team members to ensure that exceptional customer service is priority
- Assists manager with daily planning of operational tasks assigned to store
- Promoted twice in six months and asked to be part of the Manager in Training Program
- Enhanced visual merchandising standards by creating eye-catching displays and ensuring proper product placement.
Supervisor
Witt O'brien's
Houston, TX
09.2017 - 10.2019
- Florida Panhandle Hurricane Michael relief
- Washington County, FL, Supervised 30-40 monitors daily tracking vegetative debris removal from county roads and right of way
- Implemented Supervisor Zone Management plan for more efficient time management and better monitor coverage
- Reviewed monitors daily paperwork
- South Florida Hurricane Irma relief
- Homestead, FL, supervised 30-40 monitors tracking vegetative and C&D removal from city roads and walkways. Supervised incoming and outgoing debris from dump site.
- North Miami Beach, FL, supervised 30-40 monitors tracking vegetative and C&D removal from city roads and walkways. Supervised two dump sites to completion of project. Met with city officials to discuss schedule of project.
- Key Biscayne, Fl, supervised 10-20 monitors tracking vegetative and C&D removal from city roads. Supervised 4-6 monitors for canal/waterway debris removal
- Miami, FL, assisted Project Manager with documentation and inventory of supplies. Transported supplies to storage facility in Alabama
Sales Director
Arcis Golf
Conroe, TX
06.2013 - 09.2017
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with a focus on fostering long-term relationships, consistently addressing client needs, and providing exceptional service
- Created innovative sales strategies through monitoring and evaluating market trends and competitive offerings.
- Utilized consumer trends to shape sales approaches.
- Developed and booked the first multi-year contract for the club
- Increased membership over 20%
- Produced live music and themed events to help revenue during slow season
President/Owner
Dukeman Productions Inc.
Houston, TX
11.2005 - 09.2017
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Managed multiple teams: develop training materials and schedule for onboarding training camp and communicate with each team's event/venue director.
- Conducted try-out and training sessions for all performers
- Coordinated all schedule for client functions (approx. 5-10 events month) within NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL sports industries, in addition to private corporate events.
- Created and developed Texas Rangers Six Shooters entertainment squad to entertain crowds during downtime (inning breaks and pre-game)
- Worked with professional organizations such as NHRA, MLB, NHL, NBA. Texas Rangers, Houston Texans, Houston Astros.
Master Club Fitter
Golfsmith
Houston, TX
06.2011 - 07.2013
- Supported a positive work environment by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and assisting peers as needed.
- Provided personalized club fittings (approx. 6/day), fitting swing to appropriate line; Certified Master Club fitter for Titleist, Ping, Callaway, Taylor Made, Mizuno, Cobra.
- Asses clients needs and determine appropriate product to improve golf game; provide problem resolution and guidance to golf players of varying skill levels
- Generated $253,000 in revenue in a 6 month period: Leveraged social media to foster relationships with client base and encourage repeat business
Vice President
Sports Magic Team
Houston, TX
02.2005 - 11.2005
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Accountable for business outside of Florida, Client development, relationship management.
- Created new types of fan entertainment during inning breaks, TV timeouts, etc.
- Worked for professional teams and organizations such as Chicago Bulls, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Orlando Magic, George Strait, Chevy Truck.
Sales Manager
Magnolia Hotel
Houston, TX
02.2004 - 02.2005
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Generated $1,000,000 in revenue during the first 10 months.
- Booked first complete sell out of property
- Booked first National Contract with Chase Bank
Event Coordinator
Houston Astros Baseball Club
Houston, TX
01.2000 - 02.2003
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX1991
Skills
- Store operations
- Merchandising Strategies
- Performance Analysis
- Promotional planning
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Computer Skills
- Team Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Staff Management
- Strategic Planning
Affiliations
- Theta Chi Fraternity
Timeline
Hardlines Manager
Academy Sports + Outdoors
09.2023 - Current
Footwear Team Lead
Academy Sports + Outdoors
03.2022 - 09.2023
Footwear Team Lead
Academy Sports + Outdoors
10.2019 - 03.2023
Supervisor
Witt O'brien's
09.2017 - 10.2019
Sales Director
Arcis Golf
06.2013 - 09.2017
Master Club Fitter
Golfsmith
06.2011 - 07.2013
President/Owner
Dukeman Productions Inc.
11.2005 - 09.2017
Vice President
Sports Magic Team
02.2005 - 11.2005
Sales Manager
Magnolia Hotel
02.2004 - 02.2005
Event Coordinator
Houston Astros Baseball Club
01.2000 - 02.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Art
Sam Houston State University