LAURA MICHELLE POTTER
3 Pepper Burrito, Co.
Fort Myers,FL
18
years of professional experience
Senior retail leader with over 25 years of experience driving revenue growth, operational excellence, and talent development across complex, multi-format retail organizations. Proven leader of $40+ million portfolios, large scale teams and enterprise initiatives overseeing high-volume store operations, leading teams of up to 250 employees. Known for building high-performing leadership benches, optimizing payroll and expense structures, strengthening brand execution, and partnering effectively with corporate stakeholders. Proven expertise in shrink reduction, successfully bringing multiple stores within company shrink standards. Recognized for building inclusive, performance-oriented cultures rooted in accountability, integrity, and respect. Passionate about delivering outstanding value to customers and developing future leaders in retail. Trusted field executive who translates strategy into disciplined execution while delivering sustainable results.
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.
Dedicated retail professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Work History
Owner Relations Property Manager
3 Months- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and streamline service delivery.
- Managed all aspects of resort operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Oversaw staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to build a high-performing team.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts and maintain quality supplies for resort amenities.
- Analyzed guest feedback to identify areas for improvement in services and facilities offered.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
Franchise Co-Owner – Director of Marketing, Management, Operations, Human Resources and Personal Relations
7 Years 6 Months- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring quality and consistency in food preparation and customer service.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes to reduce waste and costs.
- Developed staff training programs, enhancing team performance and service efficiency.
- Implemented marketing strategies that increased brand visibility and attracted new customers.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust operational strategies accordingly.
- Fostered a positive work environment, promoting teamwork and employee engagement initiatives.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
- Oversaw financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
- Mentored employees to improve work performance, promoting professional development and growth within the company.
- Developed a strong company culture, fostering teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
- Cultivated a safe working environment by adhering to workplace safety policies and providing necessary resources for employee wellbeing.
Vacation Rental Office Director
5 Months- Directed daily operations, ensuring seamless coordination among departments and maximizing efficiency.
- Streamlined administrative processes, reducing overhead costs and improving workflow efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and adapt business strategies for competitive advantage.
- Conducted regular facility inspections, identifying potential hazards before they became problematic issues.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries from both internal staff members and external clients or visitors alike.
Director of Vacation Rental Operations ~ VRBO and Airbnb
2 Years 7 Months- Responsible for all operations including but not limited to: booking requests, guest reviews, conflict resolution, cleaning and maintenance scheduling and communications, new listing operations (photoshoot staging, listing documents, check-in/out instruction creations on both platforms), inspections, HOA applications and tenant affairs, and office communications.
Senior District Manager – Mid Atlantic
5 Months- Provided district level leadership for an 8-location, $10 million portfolio, overseeing strategy, performance and execution across multiple retail formats (outlet and full-price/frontline).
- Owned district P&L performance, driving revenue growth, margin discipline, payroll optimization, and expense control in alignment with corporate financial objectives.
- Acted as a primary field executive partner to the corporate office located within the district influencing strategy, piloting initiatives.
- Championed brand integrity and customer experience excellence, ensuring consistent, premium execution across all locations while adapting to district market dynamics.
- Led change management and company rollouts, translating corporate strategy into actionable, measurable store-level outcomes.
Licensed REALTOR
2 YearsSenior District Manager
1 Year 1 Month- Accountable for the largest U.S. district both financially, grossing $20+ million, and geographically with 15 stores, 12 operational and 3 under construction to include: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Florida.
- Initiated oversight of all U.S. operations acting as Regional Manager for five months in the absence of a National Director.
- Responsible for the growth and development of the DAVIDsTEA brand, consistently increasing brand awareness and market share within a new geographical area through leveraging grass roots community-driven field marketing campaigns while simultaneously strengthening strategic partnerships.
- Focused on professional development and the engagement of store teams to ensure bench strength within a rapidly growing market. Worked actively to recruit top talent, establishing an internal pipeline of future leaders resulting in cross-functional teams and the promotion of four Store Managers to Market Manager, multi-unit positions.
Senior Store Manager
8 Months- Led operational strategies to enhance store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Developed training programs to elevate staff competencies and service excellence.
- Streamlined inventory management processes to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Implemented visual merchandising standards, resulting in enhanced product presentation and sales engagement.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, driving employee engagement and retention rates.
- Executed loss prevention measures, significantly reducing shrinkage while maintaining customer experience.
- Optimized staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while minimizing labor costs.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently through proactive promotion of products/services while maintaining exceptional levels of customer service.
- Improved overall store performance by implementing effective sales strategies and streamlining operational processes.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication, employee recognition, and professional development opportunities.
- Initiated community outreach programs to foster positive relationships with local organizations, ultimately increasing brand visibility and generating goodwill among potential customers.
- Supervised employees for exceptional store operations, customer retention and positive brand experiences.
Divisional Sales Manager
7 Months- Senior Executive overseeing $40 million Men’s and Home Division spanning multiple Families of Business to include: Men’s clothing and accessories, Domestics, Housewares, Tabletop, Furniture, Rugs and Gift Registry.
- Maximize sales opportunities through leveraging core values (People, Service, Clienteling, Loyalty), utilization of a high-powered promotional marketing calendar and execution of Central merchandise strategies.
- Demonstrate high level capability to devise long term strategic bench and succession plans for Executive Leadership Team.
District Manager: Specialty Retail Stores and Culinary Programs, Southeast
3 Years 5 Months- Responsible for the Southeast District spanning Florida, Georgia and Alabama, comprised of 10 stores and four culinary programs grossing $21 million annually; 14 Direct Reports: 10 Salaried Store Managers and four Salaried Resident Chefs, 250 total employees.
- Delivered highest comp, forecasted and budgeted sales within Eastern Region 2011-2013, outperforming company average in all three KPIs, achieved highest average transaction value within the Eastern Region, above company average 2011-2013.
- Created environments for exceptional customer service by ensuring core competencies were filtered down and continuously trained upon at every store level.
- Successfully opened three new store locations and four new culinary programs filling all new Store Manager positions with existing Sur La Table employees, promoted 8 Store Managers through comprehensive people planning and development.
- Received recognition for top district sales performances to goal and was rewarded travel to France (2012) and Denmark (2013).
Store Manager
1 Year 6 Months- Successfully opened the first store in an unknown market delivering the number one new store sales performance to forecast at +40%: $2.5 million against plan of $1.8 million.
- Recognized and received company “Growth Award” at annual Leadership Conference for #1 forecasted sales: new store (2009) and comp performance (2010).
- Progressive responsibilities to include: oversaw and managed district payroll, District trainer for new Store Managers, Peer mentor within the district, facilitated district training on company initiatives, assumed all responsibilities for the district while DM was out of the business.
Education
B.S. - Management
Skills
Customer relations
Small business operations
Relationship building
Operations management
Strategic planning
Talent development
Human resource management
KPI management
Sales strategy development
Market trend awareness
Key partnership cultivation
Profit and loss analysis
Program creation and implementation
Attention to detail
Teamwork and collaboration
Team leadership
Customer service management
Effective leader
Performance improvement
Timeline
Owner Relations Property Manager
South Seas Island Resort
04.2026 - CurrentRead More
Vacation Rental Office Director
Florida Rentals by the Gulf
11.2025 - 04.2026Read More
Director of Vacation Rental Operations ~ VRBO and Airbnb
Key Real Estate Advisors
08.2021 - 03.2024Read More
Senior District Manager – Mid Atlantic
Le Creuset
09.2019 - 02.2020Read More
Franchise Co-Owner – Director of Marketing, Management, Operations, Human Resources and Personal Relations
3 Pepper Burrito, Co.
01.2019 - CurrentRead More
Licensed REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
04.2017 - 04.2019Read More
Senior District Manager
DAVIDsTEA
08.2015 - 09.2016Read More
Senior Store Manager
Chico’s
12.2014 - 08.2015Read More
Divisional Sales Manager
Bloomingdales
04.2014 - 11.2014Read More
District Manager: Specialty Retail Stores and Culinary Programs, Southeast
Sur La Table
03.2010 - 08.2013Read More
Store Manager
Store Manager, Naples, FL
09.2008 - 03.2010Read More
Hodges University
B.S. from Management
Read More