Lori Cortese
Arvada,CO
Summary
Results-driven Organization Management and Business Sustainability Expert with a proven ability to reduce operational costs by 15% over past two years. Successfully managed district locations that generated approximately $51 million in revenue, consistently and collectively exceeding sales targets by over 20% in the past year. Skilled in establishing operational standards and financial goals, with a strong focus on KPI management to drive performance.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
District Manager
American Freight Furniture, Mattress & Appliance
, Colorado, Utah, California and Idaho
03.2023 - 11.2024
- Responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple retail stores within Colorado, Utah, California and Idaho
- Ensure that each store operates efficiently and achieves sales targets while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
- Completed Regional Manager Certificate Training April 2023
- Oversee performance and productivity of multiple store locations within a designated geographic area
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and standards across all stores
- Create and execute business plans to increase sales and customer satisfaction
- Hire, train and develop store managers and staff members to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
- Analyze financial reports and implement strategies to improve profitability
- Conduct regular store visits to ensure visual merchandising is consistent and inventory levels are appropriate
- Manage inventory levels to prevent overstocking or under stocking
- Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as vendors and landlords
- Collaborate with other district managers and corporate leadership to share best practices and drive overall company success
- Analyzing market trends and providing recommendations to senior management and merchandising
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
- Held one-on-one meetings with directors and managers to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
Regional Special Project Manager
American Freight Furniture, Mattress & Appliance
, USA
10.2020 - 03.2023
- Responsible for overseeing the entire process including new stores, relocations, expansions, renovations, closings, re-openings and special projects within a designated geographic region, including tracking project timelines, managing invoice submittals, project reporting, site construction, staffing, training, merchandising, and launch, ensuring timely and budget-compliant execution while adhering to company standards and maximizing operational efficiency
- Construction Management: Collaborate with contractors, and vendors to oversee the design, construction, and renovation of new stores, ensuring project timelines and budget adherence
- Staffing and Training: Develop recruitment strategies, interview and hire store personnel, conduct comprehensive training schedule for new employees on company policies, product knowledge, and operational procedures
- Merchandising and Visual Display: Collaborate with merchandising teams to plan product assortment, inventory levels, and visual merchandising strategies for new stores, ensuring brand consistency
- Operational Launch: Coordinate all aspects of store opening, including inventory stocking, equipment setup, POS system activation, marketing launch activities, and grand opening events
- Budget Management: Create and manage project budgets for new store openings, tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Stakeholder Management: Maintain effective communication with regional leadership, corporate teams, vendors, landlords, and local authorities to ensure project alignment and address any issues
Store Manager II / Multi-Unit Area Manager
American Freight Furniture and Mattress
, Colorado & Oregon
05.2015 - 10.2020
- Supervised business functions, employee staffing, customer retention and financial accountability for stores.
- Boosted team morale and overall revenues by creating and implementing sales contests.
- Streamlined operational efficiencies by successfully hiring top talent driving productivity.
- Promoted positive customer service experiences by promptly resolving conflicts.
- Supervised employees, ensuring optimal productivity.
- Revitalized underperforming teams and transformed profitability and productivity through targeted training.
- Boosted team morale and overall revenue by creating sales contests.
- Consistently achieved sales increase over forecast.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and store operations through relationship building and daily problem-solving.
- Monitored employee performance and identified performance gaps for corrective action.
Administrative Level 4 Operations Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
Pueblo, Co
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Preparing financial reports
- Planning and budget control
- Assisting in the preparation of accounts
- Basic bookkeeping
- Processing and paying invoices/Recording receipts and payments
- Full Operational Control Area: Ensure overall operational integrity of the store, with oversight of vital functional areas including but not limited to the Cash Office, Customer Service & Return Desk, Shipping & Receiving, Delivery & RTM, Install Sales, Front end
- Analyzes and organizes office operations and procedures, including all Human resource operations such as approve and process new hires, including background and drug testing
- Provide exceptional customer service, while achieving sales and margin goals, through effective management of all Sales Specialists
- Maximize productivity and profitability by balancing sales and expenses, identifying opportunities, and setting standards for excellent service
- Achieve sales margin goals, while managing expenses within predetermined budget criteria
- Assume responsibility for all store functions, activities and employees
- Ensure that rigorous standards for customer service, merchandising, operational safety and security are met motivate and retain existing talent through effective management of human resources issues in the store environment
- Consistently communicate and apply Lowe’s standards, policies, management practices and legal requirements among various employee populations
- Mentor and guide employees, ensuring all are well-trained and capable of performing assigned duties and preparing them for advancement opportunities
Store Manager III
Office Depot
Pueblo, Co
01.2003 - 01.2014
- Regional store manager trainer and Multi-Unit Manager (EBIT), trained store managers on effective store management and operations to obtain the maximum grow and earn bonuses
- Oversee and account for overall store operations and achieving goals
- Maximize store sales and profitability through human resource management
- Effective merchandise, inventory, operating cost, shrink and expense control
- Role model for superior customer service and responsible for creating a customer-focused culture in store
- Responsible for regularly mentoring, coaching and directing the management team
- Understand marketplace needs, and constantly adapt tactics, technologies and solutions from inside and outside the organization to drive store sales
- Execution of non-negotiable standards of operation, cost control, and asset protection
Education
Business & Finance Course Studies -
University of Southern Colorado
Pueblo, CO01.2008
Associates of Art and Science Course Studies -
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO01.1998
EFDA, Certified -
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO01.1989
High School Diploma - Graduated Duel (College Prep and Vocational Track)
Pueblo County High
Pueblo, CO01.1989
Skills
- Procurement
- Loss Prevention
- Safety (OSHA/DOT compliance)
- Financial Management
- Financial Analysis
- Sales Operations
- Leadership Program
- Succession Planning
- Forecasting
- Budget Control
- Multi-unit Management
- Annual Reviews
- Productivity Optimization
- Quality Operational Process
- Operational and Production Metrics
Accomplishments
- Top 3 in company for performance in Metric and Plans for 2024
- 5-6 NEW Stores opened (12mo) achieved/exceeded 1st year 4wall goal 2024
- 1st in class APP/FPP, DM in Western Territory 2023-2024
References
Upon Request
Timeline
District Manager
American Freight Furniture, Mattress & Appliance
03.2023 - 11.2024
Regional Special Project Manager
American Freight Furniture, Mattress & Appliance
10.2020 - 03.2023
Store Manager II / Multi-Unit Area Manager
American Freight Furniture and Mattress
05.2015 - 10.2020
Administrative Level 4 Operations Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
01.2014 - 05.2015
Store Manager III
Office Depot
01.2003 - 01.2014
Business & Finance Course Studies -
University of Southern Colorado
Associates of Art and Science Course Studies -
Pueblo Community College
EFDA, Certified -
Pueblo Community College
High School Diploma - Graduated Duel (College Prep and Vocational Track)
Pueblo County High
Similar Profiles
Lori CorteseLori Cortese
District Manager at American Freight Furniture, Mattress & ApplianceDistrict Manager at American Freight Furniture, Mattress & Appliance
MOLLY BLACKMOLLY BLACK
Store Director at American Freight Furniture, Mattress, ApplianceStore Director at American Freight Furniture, Mattress, Appliance
Richard PedrazaRichard Pedraza
Store Director at American Freight Furniture, Mattress and ApplianceStore Director at American Freight Furniture, Mattress and Appliance