MATTHEW EIDELMAN
Winter Garden,FL
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in multi-unit operations at Lids, driving $400M+ in revenue. Proven track record in sales growth and talent development, achieving significant EBITDA improvements. Expert in performance metrics and fostering a culture of accountability, consistently exceeding goals while enhancing customer experience.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Director
Lids
Florida and Puerto Rico
02.2025 - 01.2026
- Provide strategic leadership for 7 District Managers across 7 districts, supporting $400M+ in annual revenue.
- Drive execution of corporate initiatives, sales strategies, and people development across diverse, high-volume markets.
- Partner with senior leadership to strengthen operational consistency, talent readiness, and financial performance.
- Oversaw and supported numerous remodels of store locations in 2025, up to 16 locations.
- Opened the first Locker Room ever in Puerto Rico
- Worked closely with Purchasing, Allocation, Buyers to ensure merchandise selection and quantities met the customer demand.
- Closely supported Profit throughout the region to ensure stores maximized every profitable dollar - Bottom line EBITDA
District Team Leader
Big Lots, Inc.
Orlando, Florida
03.2016 - 01.2025
- Led 15 stores across the Orlando market (Ormond Beach to West Palm Beach), generating $90M+ annually.
- On several occasions oversaw multiple districts at one time, generating well into $100M annually.
- Oversaw up to 40 associates per store and 15 Store Managers, with full accountability for sales, operations, and talent development.
- Consistently met or exceeded sales goals in the second-largest market in the company.
- Maintained low leadership turnover while building a culture of accountability and performance.
- Recognized as a top-performing District Leader in a highly visible, results-driven region.
Regional Manager
McKinley, Inc.
Orlando, Florida
11.2015 - 01.2016
- Managed Orlando and Tampa markets totaling $600M in annual revenue.
- Led cross-functional teams through large-scale renovation and operational improvement projects.
- Collaborated closely with community managers, sales leaders, and maintenance teams to ensure execution continuity.
- Position eliminated due to corporate restructuring; Senior VP reference available.
District HOME Field Trainer / Leader
JCPenney Corporation
Jacksonville, Florida
01.2014 - 11.2015
- Oversaw 38 locations across Jacksonville and Orlando, leading 400 associates and 38 supervisors.
- Delivered advanced sales and service training in Furniture and Custom Window departments.
- Achieved +33.5% YoY sales growth in Orlando (#4 regionally).
- Increased Jacksonville sales +41.5%, ranking #2 company-wide.
- Led both districts to a combined +37.4% YoY growth, finishing #1 in the region in year two.
District Manager
Yankee Candle Company
Nashville, Tennessee
12.2009 - 01.2014
- Managed 15 stores, 130 associates, and $70M+ in annual revenue.
- Ranked among the Top 10 Districts for three consecutive years.
- Turned Nashville district from #35 of 36 to #2 in under 9 months, driving $58M+ in incremental sales.
- Led Orlando district to #1 in sales for over two years.
- Developed and promoted multiple leaders into management and senior roles.
Director of Operations
Empire Today
12.2006 - 12.2009
- Directed a $300M flooring market, overseeing 12 office staff and 100+ sales and installation professionals.
- Increased annual sales from $14.6M to $15.4M through customer loyalty and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Built recruitment and training programs that improved productivity and customer satisfaction.
District Manager
Coldwater Creek
12.2001 - 12.2006
- Led a $80M district with 12 stores, focusing on hiring, development, and performance management.
- Opened 26 new locations within three years during rapid expansion.
- Trained and developed 6 District Managers, strengthening internal leadership succession.
District Manager
Gap Inc.
North Chicago, Illinois
12.1989 - 12.2001
- Managed 12 stores in the North Chicago market, overseeing $70M annually and up to 500 employees.
- Achieved the lowest shrink and turnover rates in the region (.6%).
- Promoted from General Manager to District Manager based on sustained performance excellence.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Prairie State College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Multi-unit and regional operations
- EBITDA management
- Sales growth
- Profit optimization
- Leadership development
- Succession planning
- Talent acquisition and retention
- Performance metrics and KPI management
- Inventory control and shrink reduction
- Training programs and process improvement
- Change management and turnarounds
- Customer experience excellence
Additional Leadership
- President, Winter Garden Little League, 01/01/14, 12/31/18, Led a 30-member board; grew participation to 500+ players, becoming the largest youth league in Florida., Ranked #3 nationally for growth.
- President, West Orange High School Booster Club, 01/01/21, Present, Lead a 31-member board with a $100,000 annual budget, supporting athletic programs and events.
Timeline
Regional Director
Lids
02.2025 - 01.2026
District Team Leader
Big Lots, Inc.
03.2016 - 01.2025
Regional Manager
McKinley, Inc.
11.2015 - 01.2016
District HOME Field Trainer / Leader
JCPenney Corporation
01.2014 - 11.2015
District Manager
Yankee Candle Company
12.2009 - 01.2014
Director of Operations
Empire Today
12.2006 - 12.2009
District Manager
Coldwater Creek
12.2001 - 12.2006
District Manager
Gap Inc.
12.1989 - 12.2001
Associate of Arts -
Prairie State College