Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
CORE COMPETENCIES
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Timeline
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Nicholas M. Fobes

Troy

Summary

Experienced luxury and specialty retail leader with over 15 years of success driving sales, building strong teams, and managing full-scale store operations. Proven ability to lead by example, develop team talent, and deliver consistent performance in both high-volume and specialty environments. Known for strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Lead

Salvatore Ferragamo
08.2022 - Current
  • Supported store management in day-to-day operations including team supervision, scheduling, and customer service coaching.
  • Consistently exceeded individual and team sales targets by promoting active selling techniques and strategic product placement.
  • Played a leadership role in training new team members on operational standards, POS systems, and stockroom procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with visual standards and inventory accuracy, supporting operational audits and corporate directives.

Expert Client Advisor – Watches & Jewelry

Louis Vuitton (LVMH)
01.2022 - 07.2022
  • Served as category expert and sales lead, guiding team members in sales tactics, product knowledge, and client service best practices.
  • Helped streamline in-store merchandising and stock rotation to ensure product availability and maximize sales per square foot.
  • Generated one million in sales during time of employment and sold units from every product category.

Assistant Store Manager

OMEGA (Swatch Group US)
06.2016 - 01.2022
  • Led daily store operations, team management, inventory processes, and sales performance tracking.
  • Managed staff scheduling, coaching, and development for a team of 8+, ensuring alignment with company goals and compliance policies.
  • Reduced shrink and improved inventory accuracy through cycle counts, loss prevention procedures, and vendor accountability.
  • Oversaw operational execution including shipment processing, planogram resets, and back-of-house logistics.
  • Consistently recognized for meeting and exceeding sales goals and operational benchmarks.

Lead Sales Executive / Keyholder

Hour Passion (Swatch Group US)
08.2014 - 03.2016
  • Handled store opening/closing, team supervision, and high-volume cash handling.
  • Trained associates on new product launches, daily operations, and customer interaction standards.
  • Supported visual merchandising and ensured product floor readiness during peak sales seasons.

Assistant Manager / Gallery Director

Rotella Gallery
10.2013 - 08.2014
  • Managed daily gallery operations including staff scheduling, merchandise planning, and event execution.
  • Mentored junior staff on sales, presentation, and customer relationship management.

Art Buyer & Curator

Atlas Galleries Inc.
09.2005 - 03.2012
  • Directed acquisition and curation of gallery collections; managed relationships with high-net-worth collectors.
  • Created training resources, sales collateral, and authenticating materials for use in gallery education.
  • Collaborated on national and international exhibitions representing renowned artists and luxury design houses.

Education

BFA - Architectural Studies & Interior Design

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2008

Architectural/Sculpture Intensive

Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
01.2003

Skills

  • POS & Inventory: SAP, Oracle Retail, Mac OS, MS Office
  • CRM & Customer Service: Salesforce, InSide, Live Chat
  • Scheduling & Labor: Excel, MS Teams
  • Creative Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Planogram Planning

CORE COMPETENCIES

Team Leadership & Staff Development | Store Operations Management | Merchandising & Floor Planning | Inventory Control & Shrink Reduction | Sales Growth & KPI Ownership | Loss Prevention Compliance | Customer Service Excellence | Scheduling & Labor Optimization | Budgeting & P&L Accountability | Strategic Planning & Execution | Multi-Department Oversight | Vendor Relations & Supply Management

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Led teams to exceed monthly sales goals for 7 consecutive quarters.
  • Reduced inventory shrink by 15% through improved stock handling and daily cycle counts.
  • Trained and promoted multiple associates into leadership roles.
  • Achieved high customer satisfaction scores through consistent service coaching and hands-on leadership.

Timeline

Sales Lead

Salvatore Ferragamo
08.2022 - Current

Expert Client Advisor – Watches & Jewelry

Louis Vuitton (LVMH)
01.2022 - 07.2022

Assistant Store Manager

OMEGA (Swatch Group US)
06.2016 - 01.2022

Lead Sales Executive / Keyholder

Hour Passion (Swatch Group US)
08.2014 - 03.2016

Assistant Manager / Gallery Director

Rotella Gallery
10.2013 - 08.2014

Art Buyer & Curator

Atlas Galleries Inc.
09.2005 - 03.2012

Architectural/Sculpture Intensive

Academy of Art University

BFA - Architectural Studies & Interior Design

Columbia College Chicago