Stephen Stearns

Direct Supervisor to 12 Area Merchandising Managers covering 350 Travel Stop locations.

Responsible to directly support 6 Division Directors and 46 District Managers and develop communication to resolve vendor supply issues, merchandising support in all locations.

Communicate key initiatives and strategy in partnership with category management department.

Present company strategies and initiatives to personnel in a variety of ways; including presentations and meetings.

Manage Merchandising KPI growth and development in markets and communicate opportunities effectively with executive leadership.

Develop goals and plans for direct reports including measurable goals, evaluations, and corrective action. Supervise current team of 12.

Develop vendor relationships and report on progress of supply chain issues and merchandising freight flow.

Support Category Management with insights to store operations. Drive sales and gross profit through effective implementation of new promotions, in-stock routines, and coaching the the team to effectively manage brand standards.

Effectively resolve merchandising strategy issues across a wide spectrum of merchandising categories including Grocery, HBA, Cooler, Apparel, Electronics, Truck Merchandise, Seasonal, Deli, and Private Brand Strategies.

Senior Leader of 8 Travel Stop Facilities and primary support to General Manager and Support Leaders within market.

Responsible for guest service, team/manager development, merchandising, restaurant services, and truck care maintenance services of 22 business units.

Responsible to deliver on KPI’s for market segment and achieve business goals per facility.

Deliver on operational procedures, PNL responsibility, and work to achieve best in class culture for 474 team members and managers.

Drive operations excellence and assist General Managers with support on day to day operations.

Work with Support staff to identify areas of opportunity and improve on YOY results.

Recruit, staff, and train all leadership positions and identify future leadership within company development guidelines. Work with Division leadership to identify leaders to fill roles outside of the market and create talent plans for all managers to continue career growth.

During tenure, oversaw 4 different markets including South Texas/Laredo, Houston, San Antonio, and Central Texas.

General Manager of 3 business units including retail, restaurant, and truck care operations.

Manage day to day for 70 team members and managers.
Achieved best in class results for guest service, KPI’s, and professional development of team.

Achieved Certified Training Store status for Division to facilitate new manager training.

Developed relationships with Support Staff to facilitate action plans and continuous improvement of facility.

2 x Founders Winner and 2 x Culture Award

Senior Officer in charge of 144 soldiers for Headquarters Unit.

Delivered on Unit KPI's and planned/manage mission readiness.

Delivered NCO and Officer Evaluations and plans for future success.

Met operational readiness standards of training and extended learning requirements.

Participated in Unit training and Key Gates to ensure Unit Mission was met.

Supported Senior Leadership of Battalion and ensured signal, logistics, medical, and administrative functions were met to comply with Battalion Commander needs and mission statement.

Positions within 7 years included, Ammunition OIC, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Assistant Plans Officer, Battalion Logistics Officer, and Battery Commander.

Senior Leader of 13 Off/On Airport Car Rental Facilities and primary support to Branch Manager and Support/HR Leaders within market. 1,000 vehicle Fleet Service and Maintenance.

Responsible for guest service, team/manager development, vehicle utilization, KPI's, recruitment, guest satisfaction, account customer service, and sales standards of business units.

Responsible to deliver on KPI’s for market segment and achieve business goals per facility.

Deliver on operational procedures, PNL responsibility, and work to achieve best in class culture for 125 team members and managers.

Drive operations excellence and assist Branch Managers with support on day to day operations.

Work with Branch/Support staff to identify areas of opportunity and improve on YOY results.

Recruit, staff, and train all leadership positions and identify future leadership within company development guidelines.

Work with Zone leadership to identify leaders to fill roles outside of the market and create talent plans for all managers to continue career growth.

During tenure oversaw Dallas Market. Positions within 7 years included Manager Trainee, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and Area Operations Manager.