Lori Cortese
Www.linkedin.com/in/lori-cortese-a791b966,CO
Summary
Proven ability to excel in fast-paced environments while adapting to last-minute changes. Consistently recognized for high-quality work and efficiency under pressure. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach enhance team collaboration and support organizational objectives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Sales Manager
American Freight Appliance Furniture and Mattress
, USA
05.2023 - 11.2024
- Achieved regional sales objectives through strategic promotions and effective team coordination.
- Trained and motivated high-performing sales team to consistently exceed annual targets.
- Supervised training, communication, and strategy execution for regional sales program.
- Increased revenue by collaborating with executives to assess performance and formulate strategies.
- Analyzed quarterly sales statistics and prepared comprehensive reports for corporate management.
- Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive business growth.
- Developed and managed regional sales program while overseeing market operations effectively.
- Resolved customer complaints and billing discrepancies while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
- Approved and qualified applications for financing, closed sales contracts and cross-sold insurance products while complying with state laws.
- Coordinated with external auditors to facilitate annual audits and improve financial processes.
- Developed financial models to support valuation, planning, and forecasting activities.
- Analyzed financial data to determine efficient use of resources.
- Developed and implemented financial strategies to drive company growth and increase profitability.
Regional Project Manager
American Freight Appliance Furniture and Mattress
, USA
12.2019 - 05.2022
- Produced accurate and timely reports detailing project activities.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, assigning tasks and managing workflow.
- Conducted collaborative meetings with internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
- Generated change orders while tracking contractual modifications impacting budget and schedule.
- Reviewed risks and devised proactive strategies to mitigate potential issues.
- Drafted and maintained updated project construction schedules throughout job progression.
- Submitted project deliverables to clients, consistently adhering to quality standards.
- Provided stakeholders with updates on strategy, adjustments, and progress.
Multi-Unit Manager
American Freight Appliance Furniture and Mattress
, OR
11.2017 - 12.2019
- Assigned tasks and monitored project personnel performance to ensure accountability.
- Analyzed business performance data to forecast results for upper management decision-making.
- Managed budgets for travel, training, and team-building initiatives effectively.
- Led team meetings to review business outcomes and communicate priorities.
- Produced accurate and timely reports on project activities for stakeholder review.
- Executed opening, closing, and shift change procedures to uphold operational standards.
- Recruited and trained new employees to fulfill job requirements successfully.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints escalated to management efficiently.
Store Director
American Freight Formerly Sears Outlet
, Colorado
05.2015 - 11.2017
- Achieved budget targets by controlling expenses and eliminating wasteful behaviors.
- Increased store revenues through customer cultivation, superior service, and pricing strategies.
- Developed optimized store schedules to ensure adequate coverage and maintain service levels.
- Oversaw inventory management via audits, cycle counts, and shrinkage control.
- Monitored employee performance, addressing gaps with targeted corrective actions.
- Coached and trained employees, conducting evaluations on job performance.
- Built relationships with key customers to expand business networks and discover opportunities.
- Maintained updated store signage and displays for enhanced customer engagement.
Operations Manager IIII
Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Erie Pa
, Colorado
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Recruited, hired and trained crew members on application of projects, customer relations, and customer service.
- Responded to information requests from superiors, providing specific documentation.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers, securing favorable terms.
- Managed scheduling, training and inventory control.
- Enforced federal, state, local and company rules for safety and operations.
- Tracked and replenished inventory to maintain par levels.
- Oversaw financial management, budget management, accounting and payroll activities.
- Presented performance and productivity reports to supervisors.
- Built strong operational teams to meet process and production demands.
- Planned delivery routing, team workflows, and promotional initiatives.
- Measured and reviewed performance via KPIs and metrics.
- Identified areas of deficiency and performed root-cause analysis to solve problems.
- Motivated and evaluated personnel for performance improvement and goal achievement.
- Produced SOPs to document workplace procedures and optimize productivity through standardization.
- Analyzed and controlled materials, supplies and equipment operational expenses.
- Aided senior leadership during executive decision-making process by generating daily reports to recommend corrective actions and improvements.
- Implemented policies and standard operating procedures and managed quality, customer service and logistics.
- Collaborated with team leaders on quality audits.
- Improved morale and management communication by creating employee recognition and rewards practices.
- Directed day-to-day operations by spearheading implementation of short-term and long-term strategies to achieve business plan and profitability goals.
Store Manager III – Field Training Manager
Office Depot Inc
, CO
07.2003 - 01.2014
- Managed inventory tracking to minimize loss and conducted physical inventory counts.
- Delivered exceptional customer service while adhering to standards, maximizing sales and minimizing shrinkage.
- Balanced sales, reconciled cash, and made bank deposits to support opening and closing duties.
- Identified operational issues and implemented process improvements to enhance workplace safety.
- Monitored employee performance, addressing gaps with targeted corrective actions.
- Exceeded team goals by sharing and executing effective customer service initiatives.
- Oversaw inventory management through regular audits, cycle counts, and shrinkage control measures.
- Built visually appealing displays to encourage customer purchases of specific products.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and store operations through relationship building and daily problem-solving.
- Managed inventory tracking and physical inventory counts to minimize loss.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pueblo County High School
Pueblo, CO05-1989
Associate of Applied Science - EFDA - Dental Assisting
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO05-1989
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
University of Southern Colorado
Pueblo, COSkills
- Business development and planning
- Territory and account management
- Sales strategies and coaching
- Direct sales and tracking
- Revenue generation and budgeting
- Project and vendor management
- Operations management
- Systems and software expertise
- CRM proficiency
- Profit and loss analysis
- Business growth strategies
- Goal setting and performance metrics
- Collections
- Local Marketing
Accomplishments
· Top performance in Metric and Plans for 2024
· Achieved/exceeded 1st year 4wall goal 2024
· 1st in class APP/FPP, DM in Western Territory 2023-2024
Timeline
Regional Sales Manager
American Freight Appliance Furniture and Mattress
05.2023 - 11.2024
Regional Project Manager
American Freight Appliance Furniture and Mattress
12.2019 - 05.2022
Multi-Unit Manager
American Freight Appliance Furniture and Mattress
11.2017 - 12.2019
Store Director
American Freight Formerly Sears Outlet
05.2015 - 11.2017
Operations Manager IIII
Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Erie Pa
01.2014 - 05.2015
Store Manager III – Field Training Manager
Office Depot Inc
07.2003 - 01.2014
High School Diploma -
Pueblo County High School
Associate of Applied Science - EFDA - Dental Assisting
Pueblo Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
University of Southern Colorado
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