Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Blake- Krueger

Skokie,IL

Summary

Proven leader with a track record of business growth initiatives and strategic decision-making, notably at Soho Atelier. Skilled in project management and customer relations, I've successfully increased revenue by 8.4% through innovative marketing strategies and effective staff management. Committed to excellence, my approach combines attention to detail with a determination to exceed expectations. Motivated business professional bringing 3 years of entrepreneurial experience and and 7 years of managerial. Dedicated and personable with extensive experience in managing administrative and sales operations and personnel. Well-versed in training, educating, motivating, and supporting staff members.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner

Self Employeed
07.2021 - 09.2024


  • Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
  • Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
  • Created financial plans and budgets to optimize resources, track expenses, and ensure profitability.
  • Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
  • Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
  • Increased revenue by implementing effective marketing strategies and establishing strong customer relationships.
  • Fulfilled customer shipping needs by completing all purchase orders and customer invoices.
  • Participated in business events, conferences and trade shows to promote products and network with business owners and prospective clients.
  • Maintained compliance with industry regulations through regular audits and updates of policies or procedures as needed.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.

Salon Manager

Soho Atelier
02.2015 - 07.2021
  • Managed cash flow, business transactions, banking, and accounting processes.
  • Controlled inventory by tracking expenses, purchases, and shelf stock.
  • Optimized work shifts, managed staff schedules, and ensured adequate coverage during peak hours to maintain exceptional customer service levels.
  • Resolved customer concerns promptly and efficiently to maintain a strong reputation within the local community.
  • Scheduled employees to maintain adequate coverage during business hours.
  • Maintained a clean and welcoming salon environment through regular maintenance, organization, and attention to detail.
  • Provided staff coaching, mentoring, and consultation to enhance performance and professional development.
  • Managed financial aspects of the salon, including budgeting, payroll processing, and inventory management.
  • Grew customer numbers and boosted loyalty with strategic engagement and marketing strategies.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered teamwork, open communication, and professional growth among staff members.
  • Stayed current with industry trends by attending conferences, workshops, and trade shows – applying new knowledge to enhance services offered at the salon.
  • Ensured compliance with health regulations through diligent inspection of salon facilities and adherence to safety guidelines.
  • Maintained organization of salon and cleanliness of each station with regular cleaning and floor sweeping.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient salon operations and delivering exceptional service experiences.
  • Achieved personal sales goals by upselling products to meet individual needs.
  • Developed a strong referral program by encouraging satisfied clients to recommend the salon to their friends and family members.
  • Maximized business efficiency by completing thorough and accurate daily management tasks such as overseeing registers, organizing inventory, and delegating tasks.
  • Developed successful marketing initiatives to attract new clients and retain existing ones through social media campaigns and promotional offers.
  • Organized promotions to boost product sales, achieving 8.4% growth in revenues.
  • Prepared billings and estimates for customers.
  • Upheld 24-hour response time to service requests.

Salon Manager

Supercuts
06.2012 - 02.2015
  • Controlled inventory by tracking expenses, purchases, and shelf stock.
  • Managed cash flow, business transactions, banking, and accounting processes.
  • Optimized work shifts, managed staff schedules, and ensured adequate coverage during peak hours to maintain exceptional customer service levels.
  • Resolved customer concerns promptly and efficiently to maintain a strong reputation within the local community.
  • Oversaw salon employee performance, facility cleanliness, and sales.
  • Maintained general appointment calendar and set shift schedules.
  • Increased staff productivity by providing ongoing training, motivation, and performance evaluations.
  • Coached and trained employees to optimize performance and achieve demanding business objectives.
  • Ensured compliance with health regulations through diligent inspection of salon facilities and adherence to safety guidelines.
  • Achieved personal sales goals by upselling products to meet individual needs.
  • Developed a strong referral program by encouraging satisfied clients to recommend the salon to their friends and family members.
  • Maximized business efficiency by completing thorough and accurate daily management tasks such as overseeing registers, organizing inventory, and delegating tasks.
  • Developed successful marketing initiatives to attract new clients and retain existing ones through social media campaigns and promotional offers.
  • Conducted regular meetings with employees to assess progress toward goals and address any areas needing improvement or further development.
  • Streamlined appointment scheduling process with an easy-to-use software system, resulting in reduced wait times for clients.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
  • Prepared billings and estimates for customers.

Section Manager

Wilde & Green
06.2011 - 06.2012
  • Managed budgets, resources, and schedules to ensure timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Monitored kitchen production schedules and made adjustments to achieve compliance with preset timelines.
  • Optimized resource allocation by analyzing data trends, forecasting future demands, and adjusting staffing levels accordingly.
  • Scheduled biweekly section meetings to review emerging challenges, identify opportunities and recognize high-performing employees.
  • Championed innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving approaches among team members in pursuit of business excellence.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication, and recognition of individual achievements.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve company objectives and improve overall performance.
  • Reduced customer complaints significantly by developing comprehensive issue resolution protocols designed to address concerns promptly and effectively.
  • Developed production schedules to maintain sufficient shift coverage.
  • Monitored production targets to meet company and customer demands.
  • Conducted performance reviews to identify employee strengths and encourage professional development opportunities.
  • Coordinated with other departments to align production with customer requirements.
  • Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
  • Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
  • Managed personnel by implementing company policies, procedures, work rules, and disciplinary action.


Business as of 2013 is defunct.

Floor Associate

TAGS Bakery
10.2006 - 08.2009
  • Assisted coworkers when needed to ensure all tasks were completed efficiently, fostering teamwork within the store environment.
  • Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent product knowledge and timely assistance on the sales floor.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Managed time effectively during shifts, prioritizing tasks according to urgency for optimal productivity.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills by addressing customer inquiries or concerns quickly and effectively.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by organizing shelves, racks, and other display areas for easy access and navigation by customers.
  • Informed customers of current store promotions to encourage additional sales purchases.
  • Collaborated with fellow associates to achieve daily sales goals, contributing to the store''s overall success.
  • Processed transactions efficiently at checkout, ensuring accurate pricing and promoting a positive image of the store brand.
  • Handled customer returns and exchanges professionally, maintaining customer loyalty and satisfaction.
  • Assisted in maintaining a safe work environment by promptly reporting any hazards or safety concerns observed on the sales floor.
  • Checked pricing, scanned items, applied discounts, and printed receipts to ring up customers.
  • Provided exceptional customer service during high-traffic periods by managing lines effectively and maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.

Education

No Degree - Associates Degree

Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Cosmetology License - Cosmetology

Pivot Point Academy - Evanston
Evanston, IL
06.2011

GED -

Evanston Township High School
Evanston, IL
06.2009

Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Driven and Determined
  • Employee Training
  • Project Management
  • Business Development
  • Strategic Decision-Making
  • Customer Relations
  • Business Growth Initiatives
  • Cost analysis and savings
  • Staff Management
  • Business Management

Timeline

Business Owner

Self Employeed
07.2021 - 09.2024

Salon Manager

Soho Atelier
02.2015 - 07.2021

Salon Manager

Supercuts
06.2012 - 02.2015

Section Manager

Wilde & Green
06.2011 - 06.2012

Floor Associate

TAGS Bakery
10.2006 - 08.2009

No Degree - Associates Degree

Oakton Community College

Cosmetology License - Cosmetology

Pivot Point Academy - Evanston

GED -

Evanston Township High School
Sarah Blake- Krueger