Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Laura Brown

Cushing

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Acosta, adept in operations management and relationship building. Excelled in strategic planning and vendor management, boosting sales through innovative merchandising strategies. Skilled in team leadership and performance management, consistently achieving goals with attention to detail. Enhanced customer relations and operational efficiency, driving significant profitability improvements.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Area Manager

Acosta
06.2022 - 10.2025


  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Enhanced product visibility by developing strategic merchandising plans.
  • Achieved sales growth through effective inventory management and promotional activities.
  • Analyzed sales data to inform merchandising decisions and maximize profitability.
  • Improved customer experience, optimizing store layout for ease of navigation and product discovery.
  • Implemented visual merchandising strategies to attract and retain customers.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to align promotional activities with merchandising plans.
  • Established relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and conditions.
  • Spearheaded seasonal merchandising campaigns to maximize sales opportunities.
  • Implemented innovative visual displays that captured attention and boosted sales significantly.
  • Evaluated merchandise assortment regularly to ensure alignment with consumer preferences and demands.
  • Increased sales by developing and implementing successful merchandising strategies.
  • Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.

Retail Department Manager

HOBBY LOBBY Retail Stores
06.2016 - 05.2020
  • Maintained a visually appealing department layout that effectively showcased products and enticed customers to make purchases.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing customer concerns promptly.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards throughout all aspects of department operation.
  • Collaborated with other department managers to develop cross-functional promotions that drove store-wide sales growth.
  • Implemented loss prevention measures that significantly reduced instances of theft or damage within the department.
  • Improved stock management processes by implementing an accurate tracking system that minimized discrepancies between physical inventory counts and recorded data.
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally and diplomatically, ultimately turning dissatisfied shoppers into loyal patrons.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Developed comprehensive sales forecasts based on historical data analysis which allowed for better planning of inventory levels and seasonal adjustments.

Greenhouse Assistant

Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall
05.2014 - 08.2014
  • Managed inventory of supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and potting materials to ensure adequate stock for ongoing operations.
  • Optimized plant propagation by experimenting with different growing mediums and techniques.
  • Provided support during harvest season by carefully collecting and packaging produce for distribution or sale.
  • Increased crop yield through diligent pruning, pinching, and training of plants.
  • Facilitated successful propagation through skilled seed sowing, transplanting, and rooting cuttings.
  • Conducted soil testing and analysis to determine proper nutrient levels for optimum plant growth.
  • Collaborated with research teams to test new growing techniques, resulting in improved crop production methods.
  • Maintained cleanliness of the greenhouse facility by regularly clearing debris and sanitizing workspaces to prevent disease spread.
  • Improved overall plant health by identifying and addressing pest issues promptly.
  • Supported research initiatives by collecting data on plant growth rates under various conditions using scientific protocols established by project managers.
  • Maintained accurate records of planting schedules, fertilization routines, and other essential tasks for optimal greenhouse management.

Retail Department Manager

HOBBY LOBBY Retail Stores
05.2005 - 04.2011
  • Maintained a visually appealing department layout that effectively showcased products and enticed customers to make purchases.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing customer concerns promptly.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards throughout all aspects of department operation.
  • Collaborated with other department managers to develop cross-functional promotions that drove store-wide sales growth.
  • Implemented loss prevention measures that significantly reduced instances of theft or damage within the department.
  • Improved stock management processes by implementing an accurate tracking system that minimized discrepancies between physical inventory counts and recorded data.
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally and diplomatically, ultimately turning dissatisfied shoppers into loyal patrons.
  • Developed comprehensive sales forecasts based on historical data analysis which allowed for better planning of inventory levels and seasonal adjustments.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.

Education

Associate of Science - Horticulture Business

Northern Oklahoma College
Stillwater, OK
05-2026

Bachelor's Degree - Horticulture Business

Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
05-2026

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Relationship building and management
  • Systems and software expertise
  • Territory management
  • Vendor management
  • Profit maximization
  • Sales minded
  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Leadership skills
  • Team leadership
  • Customer relations
  • Policies and procedures
  • Team development
  • Project management
  • Goals and performance
  • Goal setting and performance metrics
  • Performance management
  • Strategic planning
  • Operations
  • Business and operations analysis
  • Negotiation
  • Policy enforcement
  • Decision-making
  • Productivity improvements
  • Action plans
  • Sales forecasts

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Area Manager

Acosta
06.2022 - 10.2025

Retail Department Manager

HOBBY LOBBY Retail Stores
06.2016 - 05.2020

Greenhouse Assistant

Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall
05.2014 - 08.2014

Retail Department Manager

HOBBY LOBBY Retail Stores
05.2005 - 04.2011

Associate of Science - Horticulture Business

Northern Oklahoma College

Bachelor's Degree - Horticulture Business

Oklahoma State University

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