MaeLynne Linder
H-E-B Connections
San Marcos,TX
15
years of professional experience
Creative In-Store Selling Manager III at H-E-B Connections with a proven track record in driving sales growth through innovative product placement, menu planning, and effective event coordination. Skilled in recipe development and fostering team collaboration, as well as enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction, while also frequently observing increases in sales, and cultivating a positive work environment.
Work History
In Store Selling Manager III
2 Years- Sales goals met through strategic product placement and promotional execution.
- Recipe interactions and product offerings improved through customer feedback analysis.
- Team efficiency and performance strengthened through ongoing coaching and recommendations.
- Customer engagement, satisfaction, and sales rose through new selling techniques.
- Menu plans aligned with seasonal trends, food trends, and dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and standard options.
- Store-wide events delivered through organized station setup, food preparation, timeline coordination, and communication with involved parties.
- Demo schedules set up based on business needs and shopping trends up to 3 weeks out.
- Sales budget control and private-label focus increased across team from ly to ty.
- Demo program size grew from small 8-10 demos to medium 12 demos during first year of management.
- Sales performance metrics monitored and insights translated into stronger team effectiveness.
- Weekly team meetings kept goals visible, issues addressed, and achievements recognized.
- Store success and profitability supported through cross-functional strategy development with multiple departments.
- Employee retention improved through positive team culture, recognition, teamwork, and growth support.
- Communication between staff became more efficient through streamlined channels for task and responsibility coordination.
- Sales and performance improvements guided through compiled data analysis.
- Product demonstrations highlighted benefits and encouraged purchases.
- Department updates and promotion changes shared quickly to support ordering paperwork and demo adjustments.
Culinary Specialist
2 Years- Developed engaging culinary classes for diverse audiences, improving customer experience and satisfaction.
- Worked with team members to create innovative recipes and meal solutions that highlighted seasonal ingredients.
- Supported inventory tracking to maintain optimal stock of culinary supplies and demo equipment.
- Streamlined food preparation workflows to improve efficiency and cut waste during cooking sessions.
- Trained new staff on kitchen equipment use and safety protocols, supporting safe work practices.
- Improved overall efficiency by cross-training staff in multiple cooking techniques and station duties.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, supporting professional growth and skill development.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to support meal consistency and quality.
- Maintained clean, sanitary kitchen conditions in compliance with health department regulations.
- Reduced food waste through accurate inventory control and proper ingredient rotation.
- Improved customer satisfaction by serving high-quality meals and timely food service.
- Inspected deliveries for accuracy and food safety compliance.
- Partnered with other culinary specialists to create innovative dishes that exceeded customer expectations.
- Reduced customer wait times during peak hours by adapting quickly to changing kitchen demands.
- Tracked dietary restrictions and allergies for personnel, accommodating meal preparation needs.
- Selected seasonal ingredients to highlight regional flavors and support sustainable sourcing practices.
- Expanded culinary offerings by learning new techniques and incorporating current menu trends.
- Improved customer shopping experience by developing menus for target demographics, including seasonal ingredients and product samples.
- Strengthened customer loyalty through personalized menu development based on feedback and preferences.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Adjusted recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Provided guidance on cooking techniques, flavor building, wine pairings, and product questions.
- Used culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Managed inventory precisely to maintain optimal stock levels and ingredient freshness.
Selling Demo Rep
9 Years 2 Months- Demonstrated product knowledge through engaging demonstrations to enhance customer experience.
- Assisted customers in selecting products based on needs and preferences, ensuring satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team members to execute promotional events, increasing store visibility.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of demonstration area to meet health standards.
- Adapted quickly to customer inquiries, providing accurate information and support.
- Developed strong rapport with customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
- Executed daily setup and breakdown of demonstration equipment efficiently, minimizing downtime.
- Gathered customer feedback post-demonstration to improve future presentations and offerings.
- Generated brand awareness and positive product impressions to increase sales.
- Escorted customers to desired products.
- Contributed positively towards team goals by continuously sharing best practices, strategies, and tips for successful demonstrations.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring adequate stock of products during demonstrations and promotional events.
- Built strong relationships with store personnel, fostering collaboration towards shared business objectives.
- Delivered high-quality training sessions for new demo representatives, ensuring consistent messaging across all presentations.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills while presenting product information clearly and concisely to potential customers.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing display area to attract customers'' attention.
- Participated in special event promotions, offering additional exposure for featured products beyond regular in-store demonstrations.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures during every aspect of the demonstration process.
- Documented and passed along customer suggestions or requests.
- Utilized persuasive skills to encourage hesitant customers to try out the demonstrated product.
- Developed tailored presentation strategies based on target audience demographics and preferences.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with customers.
- Greeted customers warmly and pleasantly answered inquiries.
- Developed creative displays and signage to draw customers to products.
Cashier
7 Months- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently at point of sale.
- Maintained organized checkout area, ensuring cleanliness and product availability.
- Assisted customers with inquiries, providing exceptional service and support.
- Handled cash, credit, and check transactions while adhering to company policies.
- Collaborated with team members to restock merchandise and enhance store presentation.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
- Increased sales of promotional items by informing customers about current offers.
Education
Pre-requisite Course - Nutrition & Food Science
SERVSAFE Food Handlers License - Culinary Arts
High School Diploma
Skills
*Product demonstration and knowledge
*Event coordination
*Payroll tracking
*Proficiency in Microsoft Word
Powerpoint
and Excel
*Communication via email
verbally
or other methods as needed
*Promotional planning & merchandising
Accomplishments
* Recipe contest winner in April 2020 for Blood Revolution Bloody Mary mix and recipe featured on product website - link below.
https://bloodyrevolution.com/mild-roasted-garlic-curry/
* Signature Partner (2020)
Timeline
In Store Selling Manager III
H-E-B Connections
11.2024 - CurrentRead More
Culinary Specialist
H-E-B Cooking Connection
08.2022 - 08.2024Read More
Selling Demo Rep
H-E-B Showtime
04.2013 - 06.2022Read More
Cashier
Dollar Tree
11.2011 - 06.2012Read More
Lehman High School
Pre-requisite Course from Nutrition & Food Science
Read More
Austin Community College
SERVSAFE Food Handlers License from Culinary Arts
Read More
Lehman High School
High School Diploma
Read More