Motivated, performance-driven retail and restaurant Management professional, with merchandising, staff management, loss control and inventory management expertise, offering 33 years of experience in fast-paced business environments demanding strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Highly trustworthy, ethical and committed to superior customer service. Detail-oriented and resourceful in analyzing and efficiently completing job assignments.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
CVS Health
08.2022 - Current
Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
General Manager
Roses, Variety Wholesalers
10.2021 - 04.2022
Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
Worked in matrix management environment with oversight of division level managers, operations, sales, finance, human resources, safety and compliance.
General Manager
Family Dollar
01.2018 - 10.2021
Used time efficiently when not serving customers, including folding clothes and cleaning out fitting rooms.
Engaged with customers in a sincere and friendly manner.
Resolved all customer complaints in a professional manner while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Fostered a positive work environment by consistently treating all employees and customers with respect and consideration.
Determined customer needs by asking relevant questions and listening actively to the responses.
Actively pursued personal learning and development opportunities.
Completed all point of sale opening and closing procedures, including counting the contents of the cash register.
Stocked and replenished merchandise according to store merchandising layouts.
Welcomed customers into the store and helped them locate items.
Educated customers about the brand to incite excitement about the company’s mission and values.
Support Manager
Walmart
05.2007 - 08.2017
Operated a cash register for cash, check and credit card transactions with 99% accuracy.
Stocked and replenished merchandise according to store merchandising layouts.
Priced merchandise, stocked shelves and took inventory of supplies.
Identified potential shoplifters and alerted management.
Alerted customers to upcoming sales events and promotions.
Cleaned and organized the store, including the checkout desk and displays.
Trained 15 new sales associates each quarter.
Handled all customer relations issues in a gracious manner and in accordance with company policies.
Welcomed customers into the store and helped them locate items.
Educated customers about the brand to incite excitement about the company’s mission and values.
Shared best practices for sales and customer service with other team members to help improve the store’s efficiency.
Used time efficiently when not serving customers, including folding clothes and cleaning out fitting rooms.
Resolved all customer complaints in a professional manner while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Verified that all customers received receipts for their purchases.
Followed merchandising guidelines to present visually appealing displays.
Mentored new sales associates to contribute to the store’s positive culture.
Fostered a positive work environment by consistently treating all employees and customers with respect and consideration.
Cultivated a customer-focused shopping environment by greeting and responding to all customers in a friendly manner.
Communicated clear expectations and goals to each team member.
Recognized and rewarded outstanding work performance to cultivate a positive and collaborative customer service culture.
Actively pursued personal learning and development opportunities.
Supervised and directed all merchandise and shipment processing.
Determined customer needs by asking relevant questions and listening actively to the responses.
Maintained established merchandising standards, including window, sales floor and promotional displays.
Assistant General Manager
Checkers
08.2006 - 01.2012
Reduced labor costs by 5 percent while maintaining excellent service and profit levels.
Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within the restaurant.
Purchased adequate quantities of necessary restaurant items, including food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
Created fun team building activities to engage staff in up-selling to meet revenue targets.
Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to the satisfaction of involved parties.
Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of the proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
Conducted timely performance evaluations for all front of house staff.
Skillfully interacted with external vendors to obtain the best quality in pricing and product.
Maintained a safe working and guest environment to reduce the risk of injury and accidents.
Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in the community.
Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity.
Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
Organized special events in the restaurant, including receptions, promotions and corporate luncheons.
Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
Bar Manager, Bar Tender & Server
Cruella Inc
06.1995 - 06.2006
Obtained documents, clearances, certificates and approvals from local, state and federal agencies.
Supported Chief Operating Officer with daily operational functions.
Researched and updated all required materials needed for firm and partners.
Responsible for creative design for prominent Entertainment.
Researched Music to create nightly playlist.
Visual Merchandiser
JCPenney
08.1998 - 08.2000
Rehearsed cat walks and special choreography in preparation for fashion exhibits.
Posed and strutted to demonstrate features such as garment quality, style and design.
Achieved costing and aesthetic goals for the seasonal fabric palette.
Suggested style changes to the creative team.
Suggested merchandising and flow strategies based on current data, trends and forecasts.
Positioned and pinned pattern sections onto model form.
Developed seasonal and brand style guides to promote J.C. Penney's.
Created innovative design tools and strategies for presenting merchandise.
Worked with technical design and product management to ensure design packages were accurate and complete.
Developed seasonal merchandise assortment to improve category depth and breadth.
Assessed merchandise mix to continually broaden and improve assortments.
Server, Bartender And Trainer
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
08.1995 - 08.1998
Consistently provided professional, friendly and engaging service.
Skillfully promoted items on beverage lists and restaurant specials.
Followed all safety and sanitation policies when handling food and beverage to uphold proper health standards.
Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about the restaurant's menu and products.
Routinely supported other areas of the restaurant as requested, including answering telephones and completing financial transactions for other staff.
Set dining tables according to type of event and service standards.
Addressed diner complaints with kitchen staff and served replacement menu items promptly.
Quickly recorded transactions in MICROS system to deliver prompt service.
Routinely cleaned work areas, glassware and silverware throughout each shift.
Immediately reported accidents, injuries or unsafe work conditions to manager.
Developed and maintained positive working relationships with others to reach business goals.
Demonstrated genuine hospitality while greeting and establishing rapport with guests.
Guided guests through menus while demonstrating thorough knowledge of the food, beverages and ingredients.
Provided friendly and attentive service.
Inventoried and restocked items throughout day.
Precisely described menu items and special offerings and appropriately identified wine pairings.
Relayed orders to bar and kitchen by quickly and accurately recording guest selections and keying them into the register.
Maintained table settings by removing courses, replacing utensils and refilling beverages promptly and courteously.
Proactively prepared for large parties and reservations, anticipating planning and staffing needs.
Assisted with the BBQ station, banquet setup and service, patio area service, dishwashing and packaging food for take-out.
Resolved guest complaints quickly and efficiently.
Received frequent customer compliments for going above and beyond normal duties.
Assertively upsold alcoholic beverages, appetizers and desserts.
Delivered quality service by providing a warm and welcoming environment.
Assisted co-workers whenever possible.
Moved and arranged tables, chairs and place settings and organized seating for groups with special needs.
Effectively listened to, understood and clarified guest concerns and issues.
Maintained complete knowledge of restaurant menu, including daily specials.
Monitored guest for intoxication and immediately reported concerns to management.
Assisted with guest inquiries, take-out orders and restaurant cleanliness.
Upheld highest standard for cleanliness of glass and silverware.
Routinely removed trash and debris from restaurant.
Inspected, pulled and stacked cleaned items and sent soiled items back for re-scrubbing and re-washing.
Maintained clean and presentable tables with tableware, spotless glassware, silverware and linens.
Routinely carried large loads of dishes to kitchen for washing.
Maintained clean dining room, lobby and service areas at all times.
Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
Assistant General Manager
Krystal
03.1993 - 08.1995
Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity.
Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
General Manager
Captain D's
07.1989 - 03.1993
Drove the short-term and advanced promotional planning processes.
Maintained up-to-date account distribution information.
Developed methods to establish and clarify customer objectives.
Coordinated upper management’s market visits and key account calls.
Server
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
01.1989 - 07.1989
Assisted customers with food selection, inquiries and order customization requests.
Developed reputation as an efficient service provider with high levels of accuracy.
Scored in top 10% of employees in successful resolution of issues
Bagged, boxed or gift-wrapped sold merchandise per customer's request.
Ensured superior customer experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy and resolving problems on the spot.
Served as the main liaison between customers, management and sales team.
Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints in a timely and empathetic manner.
Grill And Fry Cook
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
12.1988 - 04.1989
Enhanced and maintained the central standardized recipe and ingredient repository, including nutritional and cost information.
Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
Verified proper portion sizes and consistently attained high food quality standards.
Achieved and exceeded performance, budget and team goals.
Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals and kitchen sanitation.
Properly labeled and stored all raw food ingredients including produce, meat, fish, poultry, dairy and dry goods in the appropriate storage room, walk-in refrigerator, freezer or cooler.
Cooked and served food and meals in accordance with planned menus, diet plans, recipes, portions, temperature control procedures and facility policies.
Changed and sanitized all cutting boards, benches and surfaces when beginning a new task to avoid cross-contamination.
Unit Manager
Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits
07.1986 - 10.1988
Prepared program operating budgets, budget reports and other financial performance reports.
Drove the short-term and advanced promotional planning processes.
Analyzed key aspects of the business to evaluate the factors driving results and summarized results into presentations.
Coordinated upper management’s market visits and key account calls.
Developed methods to establish and clarify customer objectives.
Shift Manager
Pizza Hut
07.1984 - 07.1988
Prepared quality products while maintaining proper food safety practices, portion control and presentation within service goal times.
Strictly followed all cash, security, inventory and labor policies and procedures.
Maintained clean and safe environment, including in the kitchen, bathrooms, building exterior, parking lot, dumpster and sidewalk.
Verified that prepared food met all standards for quality and quantity.
Prepared a variety of foods according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
Handled currency and credit transactions quickly and accurately.
Placed food trays over food warmers for immediate service or stored them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
Followed food safety procedures according to company policies and health and sanitation regulations.
Assembled food orders while maintaining appropriate portion control.
Prepared specialty foods such as pizzas and sandwiches, following specific methods that required quick prep time.
Prepared fountain drinks and ice cream items.
Cross-trained and coordinated scheduling with team members to ensure seamless service.
Built loyal clientele through friendly interactions and consistent appreciation.
Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
Pleasantly and courteously interacted with customers.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Glenn Hills High School
Augusta, GA
1984
Skills
Organized multi-tasker
Accustomed to shift work
Restaurant operations
Skilled upseller
Fast and efficient service worker
Good with Numbers and math
Friendly and helpful
Customer-oriented
Point of Sale (POS) system operation
Quick learner
Dedicated team player
Carbonated beverage dispenser cleaning and maintenance
Late-night shift availability
Certification
Wal-MArt certified Forklift operator, pallet stacker, electric pallet jack and scissor lift operator.