Paola Gonzalez
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Thrift industry leader with extensive experience in leading teams and achieving revenue growth. Expertise in merchandising, inventory control, customer relations, and sales generation. Proven track record of implementing effective retail strategies and enhancing store operations. Successfully transformed underperforming areas into profitable sectors through strategic improvements.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner
Vic & Nic Custom Designs
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
01.2020 - Current
- Designed custom products aligning with client specifications and preferences.
- Engaged clients to gather feedback and improve service quality.
- Photographed products for online sales, boosting visibility and showcasing availability.
- Set pricing structures based on market analytics and trends.
- Established partnerships with related businesses for mutual benefit.
- Researched competitors to identify competitive advantages.
Regional Manager
2nd Avenue/ Village Thrift Store
Bensalem, Pennsylvania
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Conducted weekly meetings to optimize strategies and enhance team performance.
- Reviewed financial reports to identify cost-saving opportunities and budget discrepancies.
- Visited sites regularly to assess service levels and adherence to global standards.
- Monitored staff performance through active engagement in daily operations.
- Trained team members to uphold productivity and achieve performance metrics.
- Initiated mentoring program based on individual employee strengths and weaknesses.
- Implemented business strategies that increased revenue and targeted new markets.
- Handled challenging customer interactions to support lower-level employees and ensure service excellence.
General Store Manager
2nd Avenue Village Thrift Store
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Created efficient store schedules based on forecasted customer levels and employee capabilities.
- Trained and supervised 85 employees, boosting productivity and reducing process delays.
- Introduced methods that decreased turnaround time and improved operational efficiency.
- Oversaw inventory control, cash management, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Ensured inventory accuracy through daily cycle counts and regular audits.
- Met budget targets by managing expenses and minimizing waste effectively.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by coaching sales associates on product knowledge.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to attract customers and optimize product placement.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and procedures across store operations.
- Fostered collaborative team environments to enhance productivity.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, improving service quality.
Assistant Store Manager
Joyce Leslie
09.2001 - 12.2006
- Managed opening and closing procedures, recommending changes to enhance daily activities' efficiency.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to highlight new products and promotions.
- Conducted store walk-throughs to identify and resolve operational issues proactively.
- Maintained positive customer relationships by swiftly addressing service inquiries.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to improve skills, achieve objectives, and promote advancement.
- Processed credit and debit card payments, ensuring accurate cash transactions.
- Collaborated with management to address customer concerns, significantly boosting satisfaction ratings.
- Created safe work environments, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Education
High School Diploma -
Northeast High School
Philadelphia, PA06.2000
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
American Management Association
New York, NYSome College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Financial statements and cost management
- Inventory management
- Budget management and financial oversight
- Supply chain management and operations
- Microsoft Office and Outlook proficiency
- Sales activities and customer service management
- Staff management and team leadership
- Public speaking and effective communication
- Business management principles and operational standards
- Time management and scheduling coordination
- Employee recruitment and training
- Performance evaluation and corrective actions
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Strategic planning and regulatory compliance
- Visual merchandising and marketing promotions
- POS systems operations and loss prevention
Accomplishments
• Supervised teams of 255 collectively staff members.
• Increased yearly budgeted sales by 40% on first year by retraining staff, implementing new policies and procedures, holding staff accountable and creating new higher level positions within each store location.
• Increased yearly budgeted sales by 40% on first year by retraining staff, implementing new policies and procedures, holding staff accountable and creating new higher level positions within each store location.
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Small Business Owner
Vic & Nic Custom Designs
01.2020 - Current
Regional Manager
2nd Avenue/ Village Thrift Store
01.2011 - 01.2016
General Store Manager
2nd Avenue Village Thrift Store
01.2007 - 12.2010
Assistant Store Manager
Joyce Leslie
09.2001 - 12.2006
High School Diploma -
Northeast High School
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
American Management Association
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Community College of Philadelphia