Lauren Messina
Manahawkin,NJ
Summary
Highly driven leader with a proven track record of driving results in multiple markets and business models. Ability to source, select and develop top talent to ensure company vision is delivered and top/bottom line results are achieved. Accomplished in leading teams to achieve succession planning strategies designed to foster internal growth. Collaborative and courageous leader with ability to influence others through sharing knowledge, operational excellence and sustaining high service standards. Can be relied upon to help a company achieve its goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Manager
The Home Depot Inc
Delran, NJ
02.2023 - Current
- Responsible for executing the three focal points of the company's retail strategy: customer service, in-stock and store appearance
- Improved VOA results from a 60 the year prior to a 90
- Recognized and awarded the Northern Division Store Manager Culture Champion award from the Divisional President, Pete Capel
- Deliver profitability in the store by coaching and developing associates to drive sales through providing great customer service, resolving people issues, utilizing financial and store reports to identify operational opportunities, monitoring market trends and competition and executing effective game plans
- Effectively communicates the company's retail strategy and ensure it's execution through strategic planning and timely follow-up
- Maintains an active role in all aspects of the business including sales and profit drivers, operational excellence, and building strong relationships with associates and vendors
- Established and maintains a strong presence in the store by conducting regular store walks, town hall meetings and staff meetings with associates
- Develops talent and builds strong teams of talented leaders who foster an environment of internal growth and a deep talent bench for store leadership positions
- Fair and consistent leadership style of setting an expectation, leading by example, and following through all while delivering consistent results in sales, service and profitability
- District PRO and Specialty captain responsible for aligning SMART goals in both divisions for 10 stores in the district to deliver growing and consistent results
Assistant Store Manager
The Home Depot Inc
Toms River, NJ
08.2019 - 02.2023
- Maintained an organized store environment for customer and employee health and safety
- Identified and corrected safety behaviors for all associates in the store that could cause injuries
- Built strong relationships with associates and peers through connected conversations and leading with empathy
- Provided employees performance feedback on customer service and selling techniques through role playing and coaching after observation
- Coordinated with Store Manager and District Partners to set specific and actionable goals based on established KPIs
- Used proven customer engagement techniques to increase sales
- Evaluated freight flow projection to help prepare for incoming freight
- Grew relationships with top PRO accounts to drive overall spend while creating a frictionless experience
District Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
New Jersey
11.2016 - 02.2019
- Led the Central and North New Jersey market consisting of 18 Mainline and Factory American Eagle/Aerie stores - reaching positive COMP growth YOY
- Analyzed business trends, market conditions and competitor actions to create growth strategies to maximize sales and exceed key performance indicators
- Ensured company selling and customer service standards were upheld consistently across all stores through effective coaching and training of Store Managers and staff
- Recruited, hired, retained and developed a team that achieved top results in all areas of measured performance
- Managed P&L to achieve greater revenue and fewer expenses
- Built positive and productive relationships with field leadership teams and corporate partners to establish long-term business growth
- Coached store teams to develop and maintain operational excellence
- Optimized in-store merchandising, brand presentation and inventory availability and focus. Implemented and maintained a high level of presentation and visual standards
- Developed a customer focus driven environment that emphasized customer service and positive sales generation
- Reduced corporate risk and increased profitability YOY by managing shrink processes and controlling inventory levels
District Manager IT
American Eagle Outfitters
New York & Connecticut
05.2016 - 11.2016
- Assessed each location's individual and team performance, analyzing trends to determine to the best methods to improve results and performance
- Coached, motivated and mentored employees to accomplish company goals by strengthening their product knowledge and maximizing their individual performance
- Modeled best practices for sales and customer service
- Managed all merchandising, replenishment and inventory decisions to drive growth
- Lead executive and investor store visit walk-throughs and provided proactive feedback
- Optimized in-store merchandising, brand presentation and inventory availability and focus
- Improved operational standards, personnel moves, and merchandising strategies
- Built positive and productive relationships with store and field leadership partners
Flagship General Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
New York, NY
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Lead a team of 14 leaders and 200 associates to create a positive customer first experience
- Analyzed business trends to effectively forecast and built strategies to improve key performance indicators
- Hosted frequent investor and executive leadership team visits
- Provided direct feedback to field leadership and cross-functional business partners on the success of brand initiatives and internal/external customer feedback to drive growth
- Created and supported individual development plans to develop future leaders
- Decreased payroll spending by 2.5% in Q4, 2014 /decreased payroll an additional 3% in Q1/Q2, 2015
- Integrated loss prevention training programs to all levels of leadership and reduced shrink results to .89% from 4.63%
- Assigned work to team members based on company needs, personal strengths and job knowledge
- Oversaw employee scheduling and payroll processing to guide operations
Store Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
Freehold & Toms River, NJ
02.2008 - 08.2014
- Formulated a store business plan and led a team of 5 leaders and 100 associates to drive key performance indicators
- Hired and retained top management and associate talent, significantly reducing turnover YOY
- Promoted multiple ASM's to SM roles and filled multiple ASM/lead positions with internal candidates
- Managed weekly schedule optimization to meet business needs and decreased payroll spending
- Maintained operational standards and improved shrink and audit results YOY
- Workforce management and forecasting trainer for the region
- Store experience trainer for all multi-unit leaders entering the organization
- District peer coach
Assistant Store Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
Freehold & Toms River, NJ
05.2005 - 02.2008
- Partnered with the Store Manager in the execution of the store business plan
- Completed merchandise, operations and talent division of responsibilities
- Executed a weekly schedule to effectively meet the needs of the business and control payroll
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices
- Recruited, interviewed and hired individuals which would add value to the team
- Conducted store inventories once per quarter
- Trained and managed associates in customer service and sales techniques
- Shared best practices for sales and customer service with other team members to help improve the store's efficiency
- Actively pursued personal learning and development opportunities
Store Manager
Brooks Brothers
Flemington & Atlantic City, NJ
09.2002 - 05.2005
- Lead a team of 3 managers and 40 associates
- Built a store clientele book and improved store metrics YOY
- Responsible for mapping merchandise flow directly to the sales floor upon receipt
- Managed, hired and developed top talent to strengthen workflow and productivity
- Created individual training plans and held bi-weekly coaching discussions
- Oversaw weekly payroll spending and allotted hours per department
- Shared innovative ideas during weekly district conference calls
- Engaged and interacted with customers to create a positive shopping experience
- Delivered positive results by controlling the monthly operations budget and limiting financial discrepancies.
Skills
- Empathy
- Customer Service-Oriented
- Financial Management
- Analytical & Strategic Planner
- Verbal & Written Communication
- Recruiting
- Self-Management
- Collaboration Talent
- Resilient
Accomplishments
- Northern Division Store Manager Culture Champion, 2023
- Values Based Leader Award, ASM Atlanta, 2019
- Regional Tech Expert, 2016-2019
- HRIS Focus Group, 2015-2017
- Centralized Staffing Focus Group, 2015-2017
- Interview Guide Focus Group, 2015-2017
- Operational Excellence Team, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Regional Workforce Management Trainer, 2013-2016
- Gold & Diamond Council Award, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
- Loss Prevention Commitment & Partnership Award, 2011, 2013
Certification
- Prosci Change Leadership Certification
- SLII Ken Blanchard Situational Leadership Certification
- KRONOS / Staffworks Certification
- HRIS Certification
Timeline
Store Manager
The Home Depot Inc
02.2023 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
The Home Depot Inc
08.2019 - 02.2023
District Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
11.2016 - 02.2019
District Manager IT
American Eagle Outfitters
05.2016 - 11.2016
Flagship General Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
08.2014 - 05.2016
Store Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
02.2008 - 08.2014
Assistant Store Manager
American Eagle Outfitters Inc
05.2005 - 02.2008
Store Manager
Brooks Brothers
09.2002 - 05.2005