Steven Puppe
Puyallup
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in managing daily operations and fostering employee engagement. Skilled in quality control and adaptable to changing environments, consistently achieving operational excellence and improved customer service outcomes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Hub Manager
Whistle Workwear
Tacoma, WA
01.2026 - Current
- Supervised daily store operations to ensure optimal customer service and product availability.
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
Department Manager Tile & Stone
Floor & Decor
Tacoma, WA
11.2022 - 10.2025
- Developed strategies to improve customer service and increase sales by 10% within 6 months.
- Evaluated employee feedback surveys regularly to identify areas of improvement in customer service delivery.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
- Maintained up-to-date records of inventory levels for efficient ordering and stocking purposes.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Supported shrinkage and safety awareness, reviewed sales and inventory data, identified trends and prepared reports for management.
Assistant Department Manager Tile
Floor & Decor
Tacoma, WA
09.2021 - 11.2022
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Assisted in the development of departmental goals and objectives.
- Provided guidance and mentoring to department staff members.
- Monitored departmental progress against established goals and objectives.
- Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
- Supervised a team of employees by providing feedback on their work performance and setting expectations for them to follow.
- Analyzed competitors and market trends to facilitate business growth.
Specialty Sales Manager
Jcpennys
Tacoma, Washington
09.2018 - 09.2021
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, maintaining a positive brand image.
- Led a team of employees, ensuring high productivity and excellent customer service.
Assistant Store Manager
Lowes Home Improvement
Bonney Lake, WA
06.2016 - 09.2018
- Oversaw coaching and guidance of store employees to foster advancement in work operations.
- Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.
- Answered customer questions and addressed problems and complaints in person and via phone.
- Developed an effective system for tracking inventory levels, ensuring stock is available when needed.
- Implemented strategic marketing initiatives to drive revenue growth across multiple channels.
- Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
- Directed investigations to verify and resolve customer or shipper complaints.
- Investigated inventory discrepancies to maintain recordkeeping validity.
- Examined invoices and shipping manifests for conformity to tariff and customs regulations.
Volunteer Firefighter
City of Astoria
Astoria, OR
04.2006 - 08.2008
- Rehabilitated fire hoses, portable water tanks and other equipment.
- Supported rescue operations by providing assistance in searching for missing persons.
- Provided support during hazardous material incidents, including cleaning up spills and containing the area.
- Employed systematic search and rescue procedures and location and excavation devices to safely locate and evacuate victims.
- Ascended and descended ladders, stairs and ramps in smoke-filled areas.
- Answered emergency situations and assessed conditions to contain fires, assist victims, and prevent escalation.
- Collaborated with other emergency personnel when responding to accident scenes or acute illness calls requiring emergency medical care.
- Participated in on-call schedule to respond to requests for assistance after hours and on weekends or holidays.
Education
Certificate - Fire Science / EMS
Tongue Point Job Corps
Astoria, OR08-2008
High School Diploma -
White River High School
Buckley, WA06-2005
Skills
- Operations
- Customer engagement
- Training and mentoring
- Goals and performance
- Conflict de-escalation
- Motivational leadership
- Retail management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Customer service
- Complex Problem-solving
Timeline
Assistant Hub Manager
Whistle Workwear
01.2026 - Current
Department Manager Tile & Stone
Floor & Decor
11.2022 - 10.2025
Assistant Department Manager Tile
Floor & Decor
09.2021 - 11.2022
Specialty Sales Manager
Jcpennys
09.2018 - 09.2021
Assistant Store Manager
Lowes Home Improvement
06.2016 - 09.2018
Volunteer Firefighter
City of Astoria
04.2006 - 08.2008
High School Diploma -
White River High School
Certificate - Fire Science / EMS
Tongue Point Job Corps