Melinda Frost
Bangor,ME
Summary
Creative Business Owner with exceptional background spent in Retail Management and Operations.
Ambitious, creative and highly motivated leader who has a passion for merchandising and aims at the highest level of customer satisfaction. Very organized with strong interpersonal skills. Able to work with people at all levels within an organization. Manages multiple priorities effectively and enjoys new challenges. Belief in the strength of the team and have a passion for associate development.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner/Operator
The Not So Empty Nest
06.2016 - 04.2023
- Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability. Opened Business in 700 sq ft location and relocated to 5000sq ft location within 3 years to include expanded wholesale and interactive areas of store, Plant Bar and Workshop.
- Developed positive, collaborative and rewarding relationships with over 100 Made in Maine artists and vendors. Included management over over 50 consignment accounts.
- Built wholesale accounts with extended terms and large discounts to increase profitability and expand beyond local artists, adding a new dynamic to store.
- As a hands-on manager I enjoyed training and motivating a small group of employees to perform daily business functions.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Social Media Growth to over 13,000 followers and included LIVE online sales and alternative sales avenues during COVID shutdown.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
- Growth included planning and hosting of 2 yearly outdoor festivals representing state wide artisans and vendors.
- Devised and deployed sales and marketing tactics to drive strategic growth and support achievement of revenue goals.
- Sold Business in 7th year of business after achieving double digit growth in revenue each year!
Store Manager
Kmart, Sears Holding
10.2009 - 04.2017
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Co-Manager
Walmart
06.2007 - 09.2009
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
- Helped with planning schedules and delegating assignments to meet coverage and service demands.
- Made hiring recommendations to increase company's productivity and profitability with quality workers.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Hired, trained and evaluated personnel in sales and marketing.
- Promoted professional growth and facilitated talent development of each associate to drive performance excellence.
- Met or surpassed business targets regularly through employee engagement and forward-thinking planning.
- Reduced company expenditures and met budget targets by closely monitoring, tracking, and controlling expenses.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
Education
Associate of Science - Merchandising And Buying Operations
University of Maine
Orono, ME05.1996
Skills
- Industry Networking
- Business Process Optimization
- Market Trend Analysis
- Management Team Leadership
- Facebook Marketing
- Microsoft Office 365
- Sales Growth
- Results Orientation
- Business Planning and Strategy
- Customer Needs Assessments
- Inventory Control
- Operations Management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Don't count the days, make the days count.
Muhammad Ali
Timeline
Business Owner/Operator
The Not So Empty Nest
06.2016 - 04.2023
Store Manager
Kmart, Sears Holding
10.2009 - 04.2017
Co-Manager
Walmart
06.2007 - 09.2009
Associate of Science - Merchandising And Buying Operations
University of Maine