Experienced professional seeking a dynamic role to utilize my skills in energizing and motivating teams. Excited to join a growth-oriented company that values support and fosters a collaborative environment for collective success.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Showroom/Concierge Purchasing Manager
Bassman Blaine
10.2021 - 08.2024
Oversaw the day-to-day operation of the showroom and concierge service, while efficiently managing all purchasing activities.
Ensured the effective presentation of products in an attractive showroom setting
Managed custom requests from high-profile clientele including VIPs, set decorators, and family members
Fostered strong and enduring client partnerships to maximize repeat business.
Offered valuable assistance to customers by providing personalized recommendations for product selection
Managed customer feedback and concerns with a focus on prompt resolution
Managed suppliers and supervised end-to-end purchasing, ensuring smooth order placement, delivery, and installation
Worked closely with the marketing department to create impactful advertising and marketing materials.
Store Manager
Bassett Furniture
03.2020 - 10.2021
Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
Managed store through shut-down and re-start in Summer 2020
Supervise staff of commissioned salespeople and support staff including recruitment, hiring, training and maximizing sales performance
Introduced team to Salesforce and virtual makeover/appointment possibilities
Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
Achieved a significant 25% sales growth compared to the previous year.
Showroom Manager/Sales
Quatrine Home
02.2019 - 03.2020
Successfully led and supervised a team of three retail staff members for a luxury furniture brand.
Led end-to-end management of retail operation encompassing business development initiatives, exceptional customer service delivery, efficient facility management, and strategic employee recruitment and development.
Collaborated with local factory to consistently exceed customer expectations
Designed and executed promotional events for the community.
Store Manager
ModShop
07.2018 - 02.2019
Managed boutique for national custom furniture retailer
Developed and implemented sales strategy and organized marketing efforts to increase sales and community awareness.
Store Manager
Bassett Furniture
02.2013 - 07.2018
Managed store operations for national furniture manufacturer and retailer at highest volume location in Western United States.
Managed a team of salespeople and support staff, responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and driving sales performance outcomes.
Generated substantial store sales growth by consistently surpassing the <$5 million target with annual revenues exceeding $7,000,000
Attained a prominent status, ranking as the second highest performing location in the company.
Assistant Manager/Sales, Training and Development
Crate and Barrel
03.2004 - 07.2012
Managed a team of 21 full-time sales associates
Managed office associates and supervised customer service teams.
Created and led weekly sales meetings.
Developed and managed a comprehensive quarterly training schedule
Created and implemented training initiatives focused on product knowledge, effective communication, and sales strategies. Facilitated cross-training opportunities to optimize performance of current sales team members.
Oversaw the management of the store’s social media accounts, including Twitter and TalkBin.
Managed complex inventory, scheduling, and customer service issues.
Internal Communications Coordinator
Lyondell Chemical (now Lyondell/Basell)
02.2003 - 03.2004
Oversaw the planning and implementation of Internal Communications activities for one of the largest companies in the plastics, chemicals, and refining sector
Performed copywriting and design for company initiatives, intranet, and monthly employee e-newsletter.
Developed innovative campaigns and produced a radio program on a quarterly basis to enhance internal promotions
Designed effective volunteer recruitment content for distribution on multiple platforms.
Manager, Marketing and Promotions
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
09.1999 - 03.2003
Launched and ran an internal advertising agency for the municipal transit authority serving Houston, TX
Provided strategic planning and creative direction for advertising and promotional activities including creative development, traffic, production and market research
Wrote and produced radio and television commercials, print advertisements, brochures, training manuals and multi-media presentations in four languages (English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese)
By successfully bringing advertising production “in-house” the county realized savings of $300,000 annually.
Advertising and Promotions, Supervisor
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
05.1998 - 08.1999
Responsible for all internal and external communications, event planning and promotions for municipal public transit agency serving the 9th largest population in the country
Supervised staff of six Account Executives and Account Coordinators
Managed annual advertising and promotional budgets, exceeding $2 million
Negotiated community and media partnerships and contracts
Created and implemented promotional activities, marketing programs, and advertising campaigns resulting in a 25% increase in public awareness and increased ridership of 22.5%.
Account Executive, Advertising and Promotions
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
01.1994 - 01.1998
Responsibilities included speechwriting, production of creative, sub-contractor and vendor management, planning and execution of large-scale public events such as groundbreakings, grand openings and receptions
Managed the public promotional launch of $800 million light rail system including 39 unique events, 1700 volunteer shifts, $1.2 million corporate sponsorships, and public attendance exceeding 750,000
Increased community events from 50 to over 150 events annually.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Advertising/Public Relations
Texas Wesleyan College
05.1989
Skills
20 years progressively responsible experience in Retail Management
15 years in marketing, advertising, public relations, copy writing & special events
Proficient in STORIS, Salesforce, Microsoft Office and Google Productivity programs
Customer Service
Highly Adaptable
Event Planning
Staff Training and Development
Team Leadership
Furious multi-tasker Persuasive communicator, storyteller, presenter and public speaker
Nice smile; smiling is my favorite
References
Available Upon Request
Quote
If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.
Maya Angelou
Accomplishments
Recognized by customers and owners for expedient and effective service.
Successfully increased guest satisfaction through personalized recommendations, tailored experiences, and prompt resolution of issues, leading to repeat business and positive reviews.
Held first-point-of-contact for all internal and external communications with executive-level officers.
Awarded "Employee of the Month" for delivering outstanding support.
Timeline
Showroom/Concierge Purchasing Manager
Bassman Blaine
10.2021 - 08.2024
Store Manager
Bassett Furniture
03.2020 - 10.2021
Showroom Manager/Sales
Quatrine Home
02.2019 - 03.2020
Store Manager
ModShop
07.2018 - 02.2019
Store Manager
Bassett Furniture
02.2013 - 07.2018
Assistant Manager/Sales, Training and Development
Crate and Barrel
03.2004 - 07.2012
Internal Communications Coordinator
Lyondell Chemical (now Lyondell/Basell)
02.2003 - 03.2004
Manager, Marketing and Promotions
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
09.1999 - 03.2003
Advertising and Promotions, Supervisor
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
05.1998 - 08.1999
Account Executive, Advertising and Promotions
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
01.1994 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Advertising/Public Relations