Lauren Karantzas
Hickory,NC
Summary
Dynamic Assistant Store Manager at Circle K with a proven track record in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Skilled in inventory control and team leadership, I successfully mentored staff, resulting in improved performance and increased customer satisfaction. Recognized for problem-solving abilities and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Store Manager
Circle K
Hickory, NC
03.2023 - Current
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
- Mentored new employees on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure their success within the organization.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Fostered a positive work culture by promoting teamwork and recognizing individual achievements among staff members regularly.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
- Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
- Developed a loyal customer base through personalized interactions, increasing repeat business in-store visits.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
- Resolved escalated customer issues effectively leading to improved customer satisfaction rates.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained staff associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors to facilitate timely product delivery.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Shift Manager
Cook Out
Hickory, NC
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Handled escalated customer issues effectively, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills while upholding company values and standards.
- Trained new employees on company policies, procedures, and job responsibilities, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
- Improved overall team performance by effectively delegating tasks and providing clear instructions.
- Kept employees operating productively and working on task to meet business and customer needs.
- Supervised employees and oversaw quality compliance with company standards for food and services.
- Worked closely with team members to schedule breaks and shifts to meet state regulations.
- Excelled in every store position and regularly backed up front-line staff.
- Exercised composure under pressure and in escalated customer service scenarios.
Tattoo Artist
Forever Inked
Hickory, NC
11.2015 - 09.2018
- Created custom tattoo designs for customers.
- Utilized photographs and sketches from customers to develop ideas.
- Educated clients on proper aftercare procedures, minimizing complications and promoting optimal healing results.
- Contributed to a positive studio atmosphere by fostering teamwork among staff members and encouraging open communication.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic workspace, adhering to industry standards and ensuring client safety.
- Accepted and processed customer payments.
- Kept areas neat and clean and equipment sanitized.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling for improved efficiency, ensuring timely completion of tattoo projects.
- Provided consultations for potential clients, guiding them through the design process and addressing any concerns or questions.
- Applied permanent tattoos using indelible, non-toxic ink.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations regarding licensing, permitting, sanitation guidelines throughout all aspects of the business operation.
- Maintained schedule and kept appointment times.
Waitress
Tripps Restaurant
04.2014 - 10.2014
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Collaborated with team members to consistently provide efficient service during peak hours.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper change was provided to customers as needed.
- Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new menu items and incorporating them into knowledgeable recommendations for guests.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
Education
High School - High School
Alexander Central High School
Taylorsville, NC2010
GED - N/a
New River Valley Community College
Dublin, VA05.2011
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Customer service and engagement
- Retail operations
- Inventory control
- Store organization
- Time management
- Team building and leadership
- Store opening and closing
- Attention to detail
- Staff supervision
- Team management
- Hiring and training
- Upselling and cross selling
- Goals and performance
- Order management
- Inventory counting
- Verbal and written communication
- New hire training
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
Circle K
03.2023 - Current
Shift Manager
Cook Out
09.2022 - 02.2023
Tattoo Artist
Forever Inked
11.2015 - 09.2018
Waitress
Tripps Restaurant
04.2014 - 10.2014
High School - High School
Alexander Central High School
GED - N/a
New River Valley Community College