Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
GeneralManager

Laura Cushing

Pana,Illinois

Summary

Dynamic General Manager with a proven track record at Dollar General Market, excelling in operations management and team building. Spearheaded strategies that drove year-over-year growth and enhanced inventory control. Adept at fostering vendor relationships and resolving complex issues, ensuring high employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager

Dollar General Market
03.2020 - 07.2025
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
  • Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels for uninterrupted operations.
  • Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Traveled across various districts and states to support store restoration to company standards.
  • Participated in numerous conferences to enhance store operations.
  • Achieved progressive improvement in inventory scores annually.
  • Handled office paperwork regularly, ensuring daily, weekly, and monthly completion.
  • Ensured ongoing compliance with environmental standards.
  • Managed all invoices and processed returns efficiently.
  • Managed unloading and stocking of merchandise during scheduled deliveries.
  • Performed daily cleaning and recovery tasks.

Cashier, Stocker, Cook, Delivery Driver

Caseys General Stores Inc
2014 - 2019
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
  • Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
  • Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
  • Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
  • Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
  • Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
  • Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
  • Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
  • Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
  • Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
  • Streamlined checkout process for increased efficiency and reduced waiting times.
  • Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
  • Exceeded productivity goals through consistent attention to detail and organization during busy shifts.
  • Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
  • Facilitated positive shopping experience, greeted customers warmly upon entry.
  • Increased sales of promotional items by informing customers about current offers.
  • Improved efficiency, organized checkout area for optimal workflow.
  • Contributed to clean and safe shopping environment, performed regular sanitation of checkout area.
  • Strengthened team morale and cooperation by assisting coworkers during peak hours.
  • Facilitated smoother checkout process, trained new employees on POS systems.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store policies and procedures, ensuring compliance in all transactions.
  • Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
  • Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
  • Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
  • Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
  • Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
  • Worked with floor team and managers to meet wide range of customer needs.
  • Unloaded, sorted and stocked merchandise according to store layout and product placement.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete stocking tasks during peak business hours, maintaining a well-stocked sales floor.
  • Assisted in conducting accurate physical inventory counts, resulting in improved stock management.
  • Maintained strong communication with supervisors regarding stock levels, upcoming promotions, and potential display changes.
  • Ensured proper rotation of perishable goods to maintain freshness and comply with health regulations.
  • Assisted customers with special requests, enhancing their shopping experience at the store.
  • Followed orders precisely for correct items, sizes and quantities.
  • Volunteered to assist with projects, demonstrating willingness to learn new tasks and increase skill levels.
  • Checked product levels and recommended new purchases.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.

Material Handler

Hydrogear
2013 - 2014
  • Transported inventory items to appropriate locations.
  • Packed items into appropriate containers for shipment.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by following proper safety protocols and conducting regular inspections.
  • Kept storage areas organized, clean, and secure to fully protect company assets.
  • Used hand-held scanners and physical logs to accurately track item movements.
  • Increased productivity, utilizing forklifts and other material handling equipment effectively.
  • Prevented product damage by carefully loading and unloading materials using appropriate equipment.
  • Listened closely during team meetings to gain complete understanding of duties required for each shift, completing priority tasks first.
  • Alerted supervisors and coworkers of hazards and other issues for quick resolutions.

Education

Medical

Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

General Education As Well As Dual Credit Courses

Pana High School
Pana, IL
06.2005

Skills

  • Leadership and team building
  • Problem resolution
  • Operations management
  • Team player
  • Staff training/development
  • Inventory control
  • Schedule management
  • Deadline oriented
  • Strategic planning
  • Performance improvement
  • Vendor relationships
  • Consistently meet goals
  • Recruitment
  • Community outreach

Accomplishments

    Forklift certified

    Food handlers license

    Food management license

Certification

Forklift

Scissor lift

Pallet jack

Food handlers

Food safety

Kitchen management

Timeline

General Manager

Dollar General Market
03.2020 - 07.2025

Cashier, Stocker, Cook, Delivery Driver

Caseys General Stores Inc
2014 - 2019

Material Handler

Hydrogear
2013 - 2014

Medical

Lake Land College

General Education As Well As Dual Credit Courses

Pana High School