Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Stewart Marder

Selden

Summary

At Safe Haven Music, I leveraged my industry expertise and strategic thinking to enhance brand positioning and build a community both in store and online resulting in increased customer retention and immense brand access to highly desirable builders. I was very pro active in contacting potential vendors I wanted to work with, and staying very active on social media and being ahead of the curve allowed me to secure brands that competitors weren’t even aware of that quickly became profitable brands and great relationships. This greatly increased store exposure due to the use of social media collaboration which also led to more brands wanting to work with us.

I was the store manager at our showroom at 237 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY and ran the showroom myself as well as facilitated all the customer repairs, ran the social media in the beginning myself, and even did quality control once a week at our 8,000sq ft. warehouse in Freeport. I opened and closed the store myself and we started with just three people myself included which eventually turned into a 8-9 person operation.

We eventually shifted into the more boutique high end market rather then volume and and began reaching out to the builders that I wanted to work with and soon turned into a broad selection of builders that fit many niches.

I was really ‘spearheading’ this operation and it was a passion project that I wanted to see succeed for years. We had a great dynamic and I had actually known the owner, Brendan for around 10 years before we worked together. I became much more proficient in repair work while at Safe Haven Music as well. Brendan gave me all the tools I needed for the job and was able to assist in complicated situations as well. I became highly proficient with any type of setup on any type of guitar, I got really good at fretwork, and also got really good at wiring and even some structural repair work.

Guitar Center gave me a ton of experience to say the least, I learned the right and wrong ways of doing business as I find there are many things corporate business can get right and a lot that they really get wrong. I worked with highly intelligent people involved in the industry during my tenure there and ultimately allowed me to obtain the position I was in at Safe Haven Music.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Store Manager

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean organized environment for customers and employees.
  • Facilitated opening and closing the store and ensured multiple facets of the day to day work experience were being done correctly and on time.
  • Managed inventory levels and communicated purchase orders that need to be completed.
  • Addressed customer service issues with utmost priority ensuring a positive outcome and customer retention.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through knowledgable staff and very high standards for detail.
  • Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles.
  • Arranged merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products, repairs, custom orders, etc.
  • Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
  • Increased store profitability by implementing cutting edge brands that increased customer retention and increased local/national/international exposure.

Head Repair Technician

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025
  • Conducted diagnostic procedures to determine root cause of issue presented at drop-off and provided accurate repair recommendations and estimates.
  • Fixed guitars to a very high standard and provided many services ranging from restrings and setups to fret work and wiring. Also performed structural repairs to the highest degree of detail I could considering that I don’t specialize in finish work.
  • Ensured the instrument left perfect at pickup utilizing my skillset to minimize the chance of customer dissatisfaction with service and having to come back unsatisfactory service. I was able to maintain an impressive rate of customers not returning with issues after pickup.
  • Thoroughly cleaned and detailed instruments with a high level of attention including fret polishing with every setup/restring.
  • Performed Fender/FMIC Warranty repairs for the store.

Product Buyer

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025
  • Developed and implemented strategic sourcing plans to support company growth objectives and further push the company towards the niches that we targeted.
  • Maintained open communication and strong functional relationship with suppliers through multiple forms of communication.
  • Coordinated closely with warehouse staff regarding incoming shipments, ensuring product drops reach the showroom in a timely fashion so they can be marketed for social media and listed in a timely fashion.
  • Negotiated product opportunities with suppliers as well as collaborative product opportunities that give both the shop and the vendor positive exposure.
  • Participated in trade shows such as NAMM 23’ as well as the Freeport Guitar Expo to stay current on market trends, identifying new opportunities for competitive advantage.
  • Enhanced supplier relationships by collaborating on social media posts and staying on top of the latest drops ensuring we were included and in the loop with those drops.

Social Media Strategist

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations, maintaining a positive online reputation for the organization.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align social media initiatives with marketing objectives. Both brands and local groups/venues.
  • Leveraged user-generated content when appropriate as part of an ongoing effort to diversify sources of engaging material.
  • Utilized targeted advertising to reach desired demographics, increasing ROI on ad spend.
  • Cultivated relationships with followers through authentic interactions, fostering a sense of community around the brand.
  • Developed unique campaigns and promotions, boosting overall conversion rates.
  • Enhanced brand visibility by creating and executing comprehensive social media strategies.
  • Produced visually appealing graphics optimized for each platform''s dimensions and specifications.
  • Conducted market research and competitor analysis to inform search marketing strategies.
  • Produced full length high quality YouTube demo’s with our team with analytics that prove conversion of sale from the video.

Industry Analyst

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025
  • Participated in industry conferences and events, expanding professional network and staying up-to-date on latest developments.
  • Boosted client satisfaction by providing thorough market analysis and data-driven insights.
  • Consistently analyzing industry changes/innovations, stores, vendors, and always have my “Finger on the pulse of the industry”.

Guitar Technician

Guitar Center
08.2016 - 04.2021

• Facilitated repairs for customers

• Responsible for entering RO’s for store owned gear and ordered parts and fixed guitars.

• Assisted sales people with setting up guitars that they were selling and the customer interested in purchasing the gear ensuring the customer left with a quality setup on the guitar.

• While in the repair technician position at Guitar Center I did end up working many other roles still such as ringing up customers and advising people on gear as well as facilitating rentals occasionally and manning the floor for periods of time.

Guitar Sales Associate

Guitar Center
08.2016 - 04.2021
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
  • Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
  • Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
  • Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
  • Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
  • Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
  • Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
  • Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
  • Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
  • Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
  • Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
  • Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
  • Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
  • Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
  • Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
  • Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
  • Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
  • Developed new client relationships by actively engaging with potential customers and highlighting the benefits of our product offerings.
  • Enhanced team productivity by fostering a positive work environment and providing support to colleagues as needed.
  • Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
  • Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
  • Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets.
  • Provided training to new staff on sales techniques and store procedures, ensuring consistent customer service experience.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and benefits, influencing purchase decisions.
  • Enhanced store revenue by consistently exceeding personal sales targets through effective customer engagement and product knowledge.

Old Navy

Sales Associate
09.2014 - 08.2016
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Organized clothing racks majority of time if not running a register or manning the fitting room.

Lazer Tag/ Go-Kart Associate

Karts
01.2014 - 06.2014
  • Ran the lazer tag room majority of my time there, facilitated putting vests on people for the lazer tag and operating the fog machine and the computer for the room to work as intended.
  • Occasionally worked seatbelts for the go-karts and made food a couple of times.

Education

2 Year Certification - Audio Engineering

Milliken Technical Center
Sayville, NY
06.2016

High School Diploma -

Connetquot High School
Bohemia, NY
06.2016

Skills

  • Innovation strategy
  • Budget planning
  • Pricing strategy
  • Digital transformation
  • Brand positioning
  • Industry expertise
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Investment analysis
  • Qualitative analysis
  • Operations analysis
  • Competitive analysis
  • Scenario planning
  • Business intelligence
  • Economic analysis
  • Customer insights
  • Supply chain analysis
  • International business
  • Technology evaluation
  • Organizational design
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Clear communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Strategic thinking
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Decision-making
  • Client relationship management
  • Analytical thinking
  • Business process improvement
  • Risk assessment
  • Staff management
  • Strategic planning
  • Quality assurance
  • Workflow optimization
  • Market research
  • Negotiation
  • Financial advising
  • Business planning
  • Product management
  • Product development
  • Customer targeting

Additional Information

List of brands I acquired during my time at Safe Haven Music:


  • Aristides Guitars (Netherlands)
  • Dunable Guitars (California)
  • Bilt Guitars (Iowa)
  • EGC (Electrical Guitar Company)
  • ESP Guitars
  • Eastman Guitars
  • Collings Guitars
  • Kauer Guitars (California)
  • Dingwall (Canada)
  • Ormsby
  • Radical Instrument Products (Custom U.S.A. made guitars starting at $2,299)
  • Does it Doom? (Pedals, Pedalboards, Guitars)
  • Woodrite Guitars (Does it Doom? Collaborative)
  • Magic pedals
  • SNK amps
  • Deep Space Devices
  • Michael Klein Audio designs (Was going to be exclusively sold through SHM)
  • JohnSelltronics (originally met at NAMM 23’)
  • 378 Amplification (Amazing Sunn Model T Clones from Sweden)
  • Arachnid Cabinets (Cutting edge cabinet builder from California)
  • Emperor Cabinets
  • Happy Cable Company
  • Neal Moser/B.C. Rich Custom Shop
  • Walker and Williams Straps
  • La Bella Strings

Timeline

Store Manager

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025

Head Repair Technician

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025

Product Buyer

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025

Social Media Strategist

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025

Industry Analyst

Safe Haven Music
04.2021 - 01.2025

Guitar Technician

Guitar Center
08.2016 - 04.2021

Guitar Sales Associate

Guitar Center
08.2016 - 04.2021

Old Navy

Sales Associate
09.2014 - 08.2016

Lazer Tag/ Go-Kart Associate

Karts
01.2014 - 06.2014

2 Year Certification - Audio Engineering

Milliken Technical Center

High School Diploma -

Connetquot High School
Stewart Marder