Experienced retail and production leader with a focus on natural and organic foods. Skilled in developing high-performing teams and optimizing customer experiences while ensuring effective business strategies. Strong relationship builder with vendors and team members, enhancing operational efficiency. Actively engaged in community initiatives, supporting organizations such as Ironman triathlons and various volunteer efforts.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Management Specialist
Kroger Marketplace
11.2024 - Current
Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
Reduced operational costs by identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost-saving measures.
Conducted comprehensive market research to identify opportunities for expansion and growth.
Oversaw budget planning and financial analysis, ensuring accurate forecasting and prudent fiscal decisionmaking.
Championed change management efforts to successfully implement new systems or processes within the organization.
Enhanced team productivity by providing consistent feedback and guidance on performance goals.
Owner
PaddyCakez Bakez/ Holy Ghost Kitchen Project
03.2021 - Current
Focusing on scratch baking breads, cakes, and pastries for alternative diets, i.e.Gluten-free, sourdough leavening, keto, vegan, etc
Our outlets at area events and farmers markets, plus a strong online presence on Instagram(3k followersand sales platforms such as DoorDash and UberEats, have allowed us to serve thousands of people in the East Central FL areas.
Created, developed, designed logos, marketing campaigns, and packaging for more than 50 different products.
The Holy Ghost Kitchen project is a collaboration with local churches in the Orlando area to create alternative streams of income. Most churches have unused or underused commercial kitchen spaces that can be converted to leasable ghost kitchens. This provides income and opportunities for the church through rentals and special events using DoorDash and UberEats platforms.
Executive Team Leader/Food&Grocery
Target
09.2016 - 02.2021
Set and held accountability for performance and service standards, including brand and food safety protocols for 4 area Super Targets(Port Orange, Palm Coast, Sanford and Waterford Lakes) and established and maintained the freshest and highest quality guest experience
Recruited and hired staff of 50-150 team members per location, including 7-8 team leaders(Grocery, Deli, Bakery, Produce, Meat, Dairy/Frozen, Starbucks and Pizza Hut.)
Trained and established in-house logistics and standards of organization and expedition, for the rapidly growing 'flexible fulfillment' operations for DriveUp, pick up and Shipt shopping and delivery
During pandemic, I worked closely with new and existing vendors to 'fill in the gaps' left by the many logistic and availability opportunities that frequently presented
Consistently grew sales from 15M to 20+M during pandemic, despite the drastic drop in 'in-store' traffic
Working with area store leadership, I served as executive for 4 area high volume(55-70 million annually) Super Targets stores, including 4 Starbucks and 4 Pizza Hut
Food Service Manager/District Operations Specialist
Southeastern Grocers
05.2009 - 09.2016
I was recruited by SE Grocers/dba Winn Dixie as the 25 store FL Panhandle/ Alabama District Fresh Food Safety Auditor, and District Chef/Trainer while overseeing the District Training store in Panama City Beach, FL
Communicated the company/regional directives and expectations to store leadership and held stores accountable for execution through Key Performance Indicators.
Selling premium specialty meats and cheeses, handmade subs, chef-prepared gourmet salads and meals, and sliced premium meats and cheeses.
Provided and coordinated chef-prepared catering events and parties for a very busy resort area, working closely with area hotels and restaurants.
I consistently ranked in the top 10 in company KPI, and sales improved 10% or better every year.
In 2014, I started cross-training as part of the district leadership program, developing my skills in overall store operations, including grocery, dairy, frozen food, meat, and customer service.
Fresh Food Manager
Harris Teeter
01.2006 - 05.2009
Maintained accurate records of inventory, ordering, and sales activity.
Managed daily operations of the fresh food department, including staffing and scheduling.
Coordinated product deliveries from vendors and suppliers of high-end meats and cheese to ensure quality standards were met.
Trained new employees on proper sanitation, safety, and customer service procedures.
Conducted regular inspections of equipment and facilities to ensure they meet health code requirements.
Implemented effective merchandising techniques designed to increase visibility of products.
Organized special events such as tastings or promotions designed to boost store traffic.
Education
Associate of Arts - Communication and Media Studies