Mary Valenzuela
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Operations & sales leader with 15+ years of experience driving growth and efficiency in building materials, retail, and construction operations. Recognized for earning best GMROI awards while managing Home Depot specialty departments in stores averaging from $4M to $12M in annual sales, consistently exceeding performance targets and developing high-performance teams. At Smoot Lumber, oversaw operations of 178,000+ sq ft facility with $1.2M in annual overhead, optimizing margins and workflows to maximize operational efficiency and support profitability.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounting Representative
Builders FirstSource
Manassas, VA
01.2024 - Current
- Managed a portfolio of 50+ corporate accounts, achieving a 20% year to year increase in revenue through strategic client relationship management and high-value deal negotiation.
- Negotiated and closed multi-thousand dollar contracts, providing personalized solutions and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction for corporate clients.
- Tracked client interactions, order histories, and follow-ups using manual systems and spreadsheet, ensuring accurate account management and consistent repeat business.
- Coordinated complex projects across multiple teams, delivering a high touch, personalized client experience and building long-term trusted relationships with key clients.
Operations Manager
Smoot Lumber/ Builders FirstSource
09.2021 - 12.2023
- Supervised and coordinated a team of 10 drivers and 300+ warehouse staff, ensuring timely deliveries, adherence to safety protocols, and efficient workflow in a high-volume operations environment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional staff to streamline workflows and train peers on product knowledge and sales strategies, improving operational efficiency and team performance.
- Led by example in a high-volume drive-thru warehouse environment, implementing smart operational strategies that reduced safety incidents by 15% within the first year and minimized costly errors, earning the respect and loyalty of team members.
- Cultivated a high-performing team with low turnover by promoting accountability, recognition, and efficient workflows with improvement in employee retention within the first year of managing operations.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for process optimization and cost reduction.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
Inside Sales
Capitol Building Supply
Springfield, VA
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Drove in-store sales by proactively engaging clients and leveraging a loyal customer base from previous accounts, achieving 18% above monthly sales target.
- Prospected and developed relationships with new and existing clients, resulting in customers from prior locations (including Home depot managed accounts) following to this store, boosting revenue.
- Led merchandising initiatives across the store, optimizing product placement and presentation to enhance customer experience and increase repeat customers.
- Collaborated with cross functional staff to streamline workflows and train peers on product knowledge, sale strategies, improving operational efficiency.
Steel Purchasing Manager
Capitol Building Supply
Springfield, VA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Manage procurement of commercial steel materials, coordinating 4-6 truckloads per week during peak season while ensuring on-time supply for high volume commercial projects.
- Controlled material costs by analyzing vendor pricing and strategically switching suppliers when necessary, maintaining competitive margins and reducing procurement expenses.
- Maintained strong vendor relationships and negotiation, ensuring favorable pricing, product availability, and reliable delivery schedules.
- Maintained a keen understanding of market trends and supplier capabilities, positioning company to react swiftly to changes in supply and demand.
- Supported Inside sales operations by answering inbound calls, assisting new customers, and coordinating product availability, strengthening client relationships and service efficiency.
Project Coordinator / Manager
Jav Remodeling
McLean, VA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Coordinated multiple residential construction projects, scheduling materials, labor, and installations (kitchens,flooring,decking,bathrooms) to ensure on-time completion.
- Managed sourcing materials from local suppliers, maintaining project timelines and reducing delays.
- Resolved on-site operational challenges by implementing design and installation adjustments, ensuring project continuity and quality standards.
- Collaborated with contractors, vendors, and clients to track progress, communicate updates, and ensure efficient project execution from start to finish.
Department Supervisor (Performed ASM-Level)
The Home Depot
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Managed daily operations of a high-volume retail department, overseeing team performance, customer service, inventory levels, and merchandising standards.
- Accountable for key financial and operational metrics including sales, gross margin, inventory turns, ROI and markdown control, ensuring department probability and performance goals were met.
- Led and developed department associates through training,coaching, and performance oversight, maintaining productivity, service standards, and operational compliance.
- Directed inventory replenishment and ordering processes to maintain in-stock conditions while minimizing shrink and excess markdowns.
- Maintained department presentation, safety, and cleanliness standards while handling escalated customer issues to ensure a positive shopping experience.
- Trained and mentored team members on product knowledge and customer service best practices.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wakefield High School
ArlingtonACE
George Mason University
Fairfax, VASkills
- Client Relationship Management
- Sales Generation / Revenue Growth
- Inventory Management / Procurement
- Workflow & Operations Coordination
- Vendor Negotiation- Cost control
- Decision Making
- CRM Systems, Proprietary ERP, Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook and Autodesk
- Process Improvement
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Accounting Representative
Builders FirstSource
01.2024 - Current
Operations Manager
Smoot Lumber/ Builders FirstSource
09.2021 - 12.2023
Inside Sales
Capitol Building Supply
01.2019 - 01.2020
Steel Purchasing Manager
Capitol Building Supply
01.2017 - 01.2019
Project Coordinator / Manager
Jav Remodeling
01.2016 - 01.2017
Department Supervisor (Performed ASM-Level)
The Home Depot
01.2008 - 01.2016
High School Diploma -
Wakefield High School
ACE
George Mason University
Personal Information
- Passionate about interior design, architecture and DIY restoration, using visual creativity and hands-on experience to bring projects to life and enjoy tangible results.
- Learning & active in market trading, developing analytical thinking, patience, and strategic decision-making.