Thomas Cole
General Manager
Wichita,USA
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic Sales and Operations Leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, achieving operational excellence, and fostering team development in retail and industrial settings. Consistently exceeds targets, optimizes processes, and leads large teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences. Recognized as a strategic thinker and effective communicator, adept at cultivating collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels. Committed to leveraging expertise to enhance organizational performance and drive sustainable success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
DH Pace
03.2022 - Current
- Drove year-over-year business growth of 13% while leading operations and material management while collaborating with sales leadership.
- Established positive and effective communication among technical staff and leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Conducted post-installation reviews to identify areas for improvement and apply lessons learned to future projects.
- Managed a team of technicians, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop competitive quotes for prospective clients, leading to increased revenue generation opportunities.
- Enhanced customer trust, providing clear communication and updates throughout installation process.
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery of materials and equipment for installations.
- Oversaw successful installation of high-value projects, maintaining strict quality control measures.
- Optimized resource allocation, assigning team members to projects based on skills and experience.
- Conducted detailed site surveys to plan installations, avoiding unforeseen issues during execution.
Store Manager
Lennox Industries
04.2021 - 02.2022
- Provided exceptional leadership during challenging situations, navigating unexpected obstacles with poise while keeping teams motivated towards achieving goals.
- Implemented B2B strategies to boost equipment and parts sales.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Delivered process improvements to optimize operations and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
- Directed inventory initiatives to increase product turns and reduce shortages.
- Collaborated with district teams on Strategic improvements.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Store Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
07.2011 - 01.2021
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Forecasted, reviewed, and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly budget.
- Reduced shrinkage 10% by closely monitoring inventory and security procedures.
- Improved sales process and tracking with implementation of project management and POS system.
- Grew company sales year over year for eight years by 10% by devising strategic promotional plans capitalizing on changing market conditions.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
District Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
01.2009 - 07.2011
- Oversite of 12 locations with 2,000+ associates, driving profitability and customer satisfaction while exceeding sales of $350m.
- Maintained controllable loss at 0.50% of sales and managed logistics during major weather events.
- Spearheaded district-wide community projects and employee development programs
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
- Addressed employee performance issues proactively through coaching and constructive feedback sessions.
Store Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
04.2005 - 01.2009
- Sourced and hired talented workforce of more than 200 for two new locations in competitive markets .
- Achieved double-digit sales growth in stores.
- Recognized in top 10% of stores for customer satisfaction based on survey response.
- Improved store sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and attractive visual merchandising.
- Retained top talent through coaching, feedback, and performance rewards.
- Managed all aspects of store operations, including sales, safety, loss prevention, and brand standards.
Education
No Degree - Engineering
Bethany College
Lindsborg, KSGeneral Studies
Circle High School
Towanda, KSSkills
- Proven leadership experience
- Store management expertise
- Operations management
- Employee development
- Strategic team engagement
- Outstanding communication skills
- Active listening
- Relationship management
- Operational efficiency management
- Collaborative team management
Accomplishments
- Recruited three successful new managers within one year (DH Pace).
- Exceeded revenue targets three years in a row (DH Pace).
- Improved speed of service to less than one day by growing technical workforce (DH Pace)
- Two time Double Digit Comparative Sales Award Winner (Lowe's)
- Five time Customer Focused Award Winner (Lowe's).
- Four time Gold Medal Employee Engagement Award (Lowe's)
- Two time Silver Medal Employee Engagement Award (Lowe's)
- Developed numerous managers to fuel company growth
Certification
- Everything DiSC, Management Essentials Training- August 2024
- DH Pace Management Essentials Training - August 2022
- Situational Leadership Training - February 2018
- Situational Leadership Training - February 2017
- District Manager Training - July 2008
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
General Manager
DH Pace
03.2022 - Current
Store Manager
Lennox Industries
04.2021 - 02.2022
Store Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
07.2011 - 01.2021
District Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
01.2009 - 07.2011
Store Manager
Lowe's Home Improvement
04.2005 - 01.2009
No Degree - Engineering
Bethany College
General Studies
Circle High School