Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Susan Singleton

Oxford,MD

Summary

Sales professional and franchise owner/operator with over 35 years of experience in hospitality and retail management. Expertise includes concept development, operations, financial management, and marketing. Demonstrated success in team leadership and customer service, leading to high employee retention and strong client relationships. Recognized for problem-solving and communication skills that drive business growth and operational efficiency.

Brand and merchandising experience with Pure Barre, Banana Republic, lululemon Athletica, Barnes & Noble, Maine Cottage, Coca-Cola, Homestead Gardens, Embassy Suites & Hampton Inns.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Franchise Owner and Operator

Pure Barre Annapolis
Annapolis, MD
03.2013 - Current
  • Negotiated commercial leasing and construction buildout contracts to secure favorable terms.
  • Oversaw $250,000 construction budget for commercial space, ensuring cost efficiency.
  • Recruited, trained, and retained independent contractors aged 18 to 25 for optimal workforce.
  • Developed and executed strategic branding and marketing plans for franchise in Maryland.
  • Monitored operational performance to align with profit goals and drive growth.
  • Managed bookkeeping, payroll, hiring, training, and marketing communications effectively.
  • Reviewed financial statements and sales reports to maximize investment and enhance profitability.
  • Maintained active involvement in marketing, business expansion, and client relationship management.

Founder/Partner

Wellbody Partner
Severna Park, MD
02.2011 - 02.2016
  • Led development of personalized programs and workshops, enhancing service offerings.
  • Established brand awareness through monthly newsletters, website creation, and social media campaigns.
  • Cultivated partnerships with fitness studios, health professionals, and academic institutions to expand lifestyle options.
  • Developed courses and curriculum for Anne Arundel Community College, aligning with educational objectives.
  • Created diverse client engagement methods including health workshops, lectures, and cooking seminars.
  • Contributed monthly articles to local health and wellness publications, boosting visibility in the community.

Sales and Design Associate/Content Creator

Maine Cottage Furniture
Annapolis, MD
05.2011 - 04.2013
  • Successfully launched Maine Cottage brand 60 days post-acquisition.
  • Led national PR initiatives, collaborating with top publications for feature articles and interviews.
  • Contributed to website development and catalog deployment as copywriter and stylist.
  • Enhanced brand visibility in Washington DC through direct outreach to local editors.
  • Developed monthly marketing plans, budgets, and inventory for flagship showroom.
  • Managed Flagship Showroom operations, implementing local sales strategies and achieving over 15% of total company sales in first year.

Opening Team/Public Relations/Merchandising

lululemon Athletica/Banana Republic
Annapolis, MD
08.2008 - 05.2010
  • Delivered management and marketing support for successful openings of Annapolis and Newport locations.
  • Developed comprehensive marketing plans to establish brand awareness in new markets.
  • Implemented monthly marketing strategies tailored for Annapolis and Newport locations.
  • Led outreach initiatives to build relationships within local health and fitness sectors.
  • Promoted Lululemon Ambassador program, recruiting six influential fitness leaders from Annapolis area.
  • Coordinated launch events, ambassador contracts, photo shoots, and visual displays.

Business Owner

Singing Mermaids Jewelry Design
Annapolis, MD
06.1998 - 04.2002
  • Founded custom design jewelry and accessories company, overseeing procurement, design, fabrication, and sales.
  • Achieved over $15,000 annual sales while operating part-time.
  • Cultivated distribution partnerships with local and out-of-state retailers to enhance sales efforts.
  • Executed direct sales and marketing initiatives leveraging personal networks and strategic product placements.
  • Nurtured strong client relationships to generate repeat business and referrals.

Senior Sales Manager

Hilton Worldwide/Promus Hotel Corporation
Jacksonville, FL
06.1995 - 06.1996
  • Developed corporate marketing and sales strategies for full-service, all-suite property.
  • Managed accounts for J.C. Penney, Blue Cross, Prudential, Mercedes Benz, and Winn Dixie.
  • Created 30-60-90 day management model to align activities and exceed sales targets by 30%.
  • Directed team efforts to consistently surpass revenue goals.

Area Director of Sales

Horizon Hotels, Ltd
Charleston, SC
06.1990 - 06.1995
  • Established and staffed sales office to support three hotels in Charleston area.
  • Trained sales staff and general managers to achieve sales objectives.
  • Created and executed annual marketing plan aligned with revenue goals.
  • Analyzed market trends to adjust marketing strategies effectively.
  • Forecasted occupancy rates based on market segment fluctuations.

Education

Bachelor's degree - Sports Management & Marketing

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
12.1989

Skills

  • Contract negotiation
  • Budget management
  • Operational oversight
  • Financial analysis
  • Customer relationship management
  • Brand development
  • Sales strategy
  • Market analysis

Timeline

Franchise Owner and Operator

Pure Barre Annapolis
03.2013 - Current

Sales and Design Associate/Content Creator

Maine Cottage Furniture
05.2011 - 04.2013

Founder/Partner

Wellbody Partner
02.2011 - 02.2016

Opening Team/Public Relations/Merchandising

lululemon Athletica/Banana Republic
08.2008 - 05.2010

Business Owner

Singing Mermaids Jewelry Design
06.1998 - 04.2002

Senior Sales Manager

Hilton Worldwide/Promus Hotel Corporation
06.1995 - 06.1996

Area Director of Sales

Horizon Hotels, Ltd
06.1990 - 06.1995

Bachelor's degree - Sports Management & Marketing

West Virginia University