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Peter Zappola
Ozark,AL
Summary
Transformational executive operations leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale retail, franchise, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and operational environments. Proven track record of driving organizations generating over $350M annually towards operational excellence, EBITDA growth, strategic acquisitions, and supply chain optimization while fostering executive team development across multi-state markets.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Officer
Ozark Police Department
Ozark, AL
01.2023 - Current
- Maintain public safety through proactive policing, emergency response, and community engagement initiatives.
- Apply disciplined leadership, rapid decision-making, and conflict resolution skills in high-pressure environments.
- Conduct investigations, prepare reports, assist with court proceedings, and support crisis response operations.
- Enforced laws and regulations to maintain public safety and order.
- Conducted thorough investigations, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to enhance crime prevention strategies.
- Developed crime reports, analyzing data to identify trends and improve responses.
Chief Operating Officer
PacFurn Systems - Aaron's Inc. Franchise
Philadelphia, PA
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Directed operations for 102 retail locations across 11 states generating over $350M in annual revenue.
- Led strategic acquisition and integration of 27 locations following Aaron's Corporate acquisition of SEI Investments.
- Maintained full P&L ownership while overseeing more than $200M in fixed assets and organizational budgeting.
- Led over 1,000 employees across retail, warehousing, logistics, distribution, fleet, and manufacturing operations.
- Oversaw 4 regional HUB warehouses and 2 furniture manufacturing facilities supporting vertically integrated operations.
- Directed executive leadership structure including Vice President, Regional Directors, District Managers, HR, Fleet, Warehousing, and Loss Prevention leadership.
- Developed recruiting pipelines, succession planning initiatives, and retention strategies to strengthen organizational growth.
- Streamlined operational processes, enhancing efficiency across all departments.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain management and reduce costs.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to define long-term business objectives.
Vice President of Operations
PacFurn Systems - Aaron's Inc. Franchise
Philadelphia, PA
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Managed operations for 75 retail locations across 9 states generating more than $250M annually.
- Oversaw Regional Directors, District Managers, Fleet Operations, Warehousing, HR, and Loss Prevention leadership teams.
- Led strategic acquisitions of 27 additional locations from SEI Investments to accelerate market growth.
- Built and expanded regional HUB warehouse operations to optimize logistics and distribution efficiency.
- Implemented operational accountability systems, leadership development, and performance management initiatives.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure alignment with company goals and operational efficiency.
- Streamlined supply chain processes resulting in reduced lead times and improved inventory management.
- Implemented training programs that enhanced team performance and operational capabilities.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions.
Regional Director
PacFurn Systems - Aaron's Inc. Franchise
Philadelphia, PA
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Oversaw 25 store locations and 225+ employees generating approximately $95M annually.
- Increased year-over-year sales by 15% through coaching and operational leadership.
- Reduced operational losses from 3.8% to 2.1% per store.
- Directed regional operations, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and business objectives.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial performance, driving cost-effective solutions across multiple locations.
- Analyzed market trends, identifying growth opportunities to expand regional presence and profitability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Developed performance metrics for staff evaluation, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Education
MBA - Management
Villanova University
Villanova, PABBA - Management
Villanova University
Villanova, PASkills
- Operations management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
- Executive leadership
- Human resources management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Risk management
- Operations oversight
- Personnel development
- Financial management
- Policy development
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute | Valid Through: 04/10/2028
- Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) - American Society for Quality | Valid Through: 04/21/2027
- Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) - Institute of Certified Franchise Executives / IFA | Valid Through: 07/20/2028
- Certified Manager of Quality / Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) - American Society for Quality | Valid Through: 05/17/2028
- Certified Manager (CM) - Institute of Certified Professional Managers | Certified: 06/09/2025
Timeline
Police Officer
Ozark Police Department
01.2023 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
PacFurn Systems - Aaron's Inc. Franchise
01.2017 - 01.2023
Vice President of Operations
PacFurn Systems - Aaron's Inc. Franchise
01.2010 - 01.2017
Regional Director
PacFurn Systems - Aaron's Inc. Franchise
01.2007 - 01.2010
MBA - Management
Villanova University
BBA - Management
Villanova University
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Franchisee of the Year - 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021
- Aaron's All-Star Franchise Recognition - 2016, 2021
- President's Club Winner - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019