Russell Ulrich
Aubrey,TX
Summary
Retail operations leader with multi-location experience in store management, showroom operations, and team development. Brings strong P&L oversight, inventory control, and customer satisfaction gains through training, process improvements, and hands-on leadership across sales, warehouse, and service teams.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Jabos Ace Hardware
Coppell, TX
09.2024 - 06.2026
- Led management team of 5 and supervised 10+ staff, implementing best practices in hardware sales and operations to improve team effectiveness.
- Managed operations for 1 of 5 independently owned stores, enhancing customer satisfaction scores through team training and service excellence initiatives.
- Managed inventory control systems across three retail locations, analyzing buying trends to optimize stock levels and meet customer demand.
Showroom & Texas Operations Manager
ARIA STONE GALLERY
Dallas, TX
04.2021 - 08.2024
- Established and led a startup natural stone supplier in Dallas Design District, launching eCommerce operations and offsite warehousing across multiple locations, including Houston Design District.
- Led a sales team of 10, managed P&L for $5M in revenue, and improved client satisfaction scores by 15% through effective showroom presentation and strategic marketing initiatives.
- Managed 15 sales staff and 10 warehouse employees, coordinating with 5 transportation companies to ensure seamless operations.
- Reduced employee turnover by 15% and improved client relationships through personalized service, leading to a 20% increase in online sales.
Design Center Manager
ETHAN ALLEN DESIGN CENTER
Dallas, TX
12.2014 - 04.2021
- Led a creative team of 10 designers to develop innovative retail displays for a renowned brand, resulting in a 15% increase in foot traffic over six months.
- Developed project guidelines ensuring quality checks and customized design solutions for 15+ clients across industries, enhancing client engagement metrics by 20%.
- Led a team of 15 at retail location facing 20% decline in foot traffic and morale, implementing strategies that boosted customer engagement and improved team cohesiveness.
- Enhanced team performance metrics by 15%, exceeding company benchmarks, through targeted training and mentorship programs, fostering a stable and productive staff.
General Manager
LA-Z-BOY FURNITURE GALLERIES
Charleston, SC
07.2012 - 11.2014
- Increased yearly sales volume by $1M through targeted marketing strategies, achieving a 95% customer retention rate and a profit margin of 40%, the highest in the company.
- Led a team of 15 in independent La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery, driving year-over-year sales growth and exceeding monthly sales targets by 10%.
- Led a team of 15 associates, fostering a culture of accountability which resulted in a 20% improvement in team performance metrics.
- Increased In-Home Design business to over 40% of total volume while maintaining highest average ticket in the company.
- Achieved #2 ranking in the Southeast Region for Interior Design based on client satisfaction and project volume over the past 2 years.
- Implemented ongoing training and coaching programs that enhanced team performance, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores across three departments.
- Led a customer service restructuring initiative resulting in a 15% reduction in product returns and consistently achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rating.
- Managed Charleston location, overseeing warehouse operations and coordinating service technicians and delivery staff to ensure timely product fulfillment and enhance customer satisfaction.
Manager
ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE
Houston, TX
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Led team of 50+ associates at top-ranked furniture retailer, implementing sales strategies that increased customer engagement and boosted store performance.
- Managed 2 Sales Managers, 1 Merchandise Manager, and 1 Office Manager, leading initiatives that drove 15% sales growth in a competitive market.
- Revitalized an underperforming store by implementing strategic changes that increased profitability by 25% within six months.
- Implemented community events and local marketing initiatives that attracted 150+ new customers per month, significantly boosting store revenue.
- Improved staff retention by 15% through targeted strategies, fostering team stability and productivity.
District Manager
BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES
Central Texas/Albuquerque; Mid-South
04.2006 - 07.2011
- Directed district retail operations across Bassett Furniture showroom locations.
- Oversaw operations of 3 stores and 3 distribution centers, achieving total volume exceeding $10 million.
- Coached store managers on sales, service, and daily floor execution.
- Reviewed merchandising plans for Bassett Furniture displays and showroom standards.
Vice President/General Manager
BRANDON HOME FURNISHINGS
Houston, TX
08.2004 - 03.2006
- Managed a 125,000 sq. ft. retail showroom, overseeing buying and merchandising, recruiting and training a sales staff of 20, while developing operational policies and executing targeted advertising campaigns.
- Managed P&L for a multi-location retail operation, achieving consistent customer satisfaction and efficient inventory control while ensuring timely delivery to over 100 clients daily.
- Managed wholesale art and mirror business, servicing over 50 design and retail clients, ensuring timely delivery and high client satisfaction.
- Successfully transitioned a Licensee-owned operation into the corporate environment and implemented team training initiatives that increased employee engagement by 30%, elevating the brand's status as a top retail leader in the market.
- Hired and retained a team of 25+ staff, motivating them to deliver exceptional customer service and maintain visually appealing showrooms, contributing to a 15% increase in foot traffic.
- Achieved a 15% increase in sales compared to previous years, consistently exceeded budget targets, and maintained customer service satisfaction scores ranked number one among 10 locations.
- Created visual presentation model for product launches that enhanced brand messaging clarity, leading to 30% increase in audience engagement.
Skills
- Retail management
- Operations management
- P&L management
- Inventory management
- Store presentation
- Promotional planning
- Point of sale systems
- Data analysis and reporting
- Financial budgeting
- Team leadership
- Training and development
- Customer satisfaction
Certification
- Propane Dispenser
Affiliations
- Graduate of Harry Friedman Multi-Location course
- Nominated to the Board of Directors of The Soul Patrol and elected Vice President. A foundation designed to help children succeed through Leadership Programs.
- Master Graduate of the Rapport Leadership program.
Timeline
Store Manager
Jabos Ace Hardware
09.2024 - 06.2026
Showroom & Texas Operations Manager
ARIA STONE GALLERY
04.2021 - 08.2024
Design Center Manager
ETHAN ALLEN DESIGN CENTER
12.2014 - 04.2021
General Manager
LA-Z-BOY FURNITURE GALLERIES
07.2012 - 11.2014
Manager
ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE
07.2011 - 07.2012
District Manager
BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES
04.2006 - 07.2011
Vice President/General Manager
BRANDON HOME FURNISHINGS
08.2004 - 03.2006