Sara A. Kudwa
Bay City
Summary
Industrious and results-driven professional looking to refocus my career from retail sales to office management. In my 10 + years of customer service, I successfully held various positions from merchandiser to management and am well-versed in numerous aspects of business. I'm eager to leverage my background in sales, marketing and leadership into an administrative career.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2027
2027
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Office Administrator
Ripple Fiber
Saginaw
11.2025 - 03.2026
- Opened the Saginaw, MI location.
- Coordinated the renovations and maintenance needed to be completed before grand opening.
- Created a daily sales tracker for all leads, pre orders and problems with service.
- Maintained a follow up call log for newly activated clients.
- Managed and updated service ticketing system for customer issues.
- Directly reported to the Regional Executive of Michigan.
- Formulated pivot tables and regional sales tracker to show statistical data in the tri-city area.
- Managed and maintained inventory for the installation team.
- Worked hand-in-hand with the community liaison to promote and generate sales in the community.
Paint and Wall Coverings Assistant Manager
Menards #3178
Bay City
09.2019 - 12.2025
- Review weekly sales reports to see areas of improvement vs. high performing categories.
- Work with the inventory team to ensure shrink is accounted for and product is fully stocked.
- Responsible for training new employees in departmental procedure and company policy.
- Work with vendors to maintain proper inventory, learn about new products and provide seasonal workshops for walk-in customers.
- Engage with customers and direct them according to their project.
- Mix and adjust paint colors and provide helpful application information.
- Ensure general maintenance on paint shakers and colorant machines.
- Oversee and manage 6 employees to make sure their working toward company goals and individual growth.
Hardware Team Lead
Menards #3178
Bay City
09.2019 - 12.2025
- Engage with customers to determine the right tools they need for their home/business project.
- Work overstock reports to ensure product is ready and available to sell.
- Utilize the POS system to deliver a seamless transaction/delivery.
- Complete monthly and seasonal planogram sets.
- Maintain proper cleaning practices throughout the department.
Operations/Merchandising Associate
JCPenny's
Bay City
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Worked on a team to process price changes throughout the store each week.
- Assist with merchandise display sets and ensure appropriate sign (POP) placement per planogram.
- Unload, organize and sort merchandise when trucks come in.
Department Supervisor - Paint Department
The Home Depot #2739
Bay City
05.2015 - 11.2016
- Responsible for all aspects of departmental operations, including meeting revenue goals, inventory control, and department appearance.
- Created weekly business plans and established departmental policies to ensure successful sales and customer satisfaction.
Merchandising Execution Associate
The Home Depot #2739
Bay City
08.2013 - 05.2015
- Maintained merchandising standards throughout all departments, including planogram integrity, cleanliness and safety; performed seasonal changes of large sets.
- Represented the merchandising team on the store's Employee Committee.
Education
Associates - General Studies
Delta College
University Center, MISkills
- Team leadership and development
- Organizational capabilities
- Effective time management
- Bookkeeping and QuickBooks
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Extensive sales experience
- Knowledgeable in various software programs (Quickbase/Hub Spot/Power BI)
- VoIP/PBX Phone System (Ring Central)
Timeline
Office Administrator
Ripple Fiber
11.2025 - 03.2026
Paint and Wall Coverings Assistant Manager
Menards #3178
09.2019 - 12.2025
Hardware Team Lead
Menards #3178
09.2019 - 12.2025
Operations/Merchandising Associate
JCPenny's
02.2019 - 08.2019
Department Supervisor - Paint Department
The Home Depot #2739
05.2015 - 11.2016
Merchandising Execution Associate
The Home Depot #2739
08.2013 - 05.2015
Associates - General Studies
Delta College