Thomas Forrest

Directs and oversees logistics operations for rail and barge company associates and supplies across Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, ensuring efficient and timely delivery to avoid delays and cost overruns within company travel and logistics budgets.

● Collaborates with dispatch staff from eight companies to coordinate the delivery of personnel and supplies, ensuring smooth operations and effective resource management.

● Negotiates transportation rates with boat and barge companies to secure competitive pricing and cost-effective solutions for the company.

● Coordinates routes, pickups, and deliveries for three drivers, handling 50-70 weekly routes, optimizing schedules, and maximizing efficiency.

● Manages billing, accounts receivables, accounts payable, and payroll for company accounts and employees, maintaining accurate financial records and transactions.

Reviewed daily project phasing plans and coordinated with store management and construction crews to efficiently complete all section reallocations, department interchanges and relocations, construction projects, data installations, flooring installations, and warehouse storage and rack installations.

● Supervised and trained up to 60 remodel team members, store associates, and third-party companies in all processes and procedures of project remodel execution.

● Managed all remodel logistical issues, including fixture and supply ordering, organization of warehouse areas, and practicing just-in-time ordering to minimize warehousing and reduce disruptions to customer service operations.

● Provided guidance, support, and one-on-one assistance to remodel and store team members to achieve goals and tasks safely and efficiently.

Delegated tasks to associates based on individual strengths and expertise, emphasizing training in multiple areas to develop skill sets across various operations

Developed comprehensive annual unit and gross-profit plans by devising and executing effective marketing strategies, analyzing market trends, and assessing results to drive business growth.

● Ensured sales targets by forecasting and establishing sales quotas for teams and departments, projecting sales volume and profits, and ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

● Built and led a high-performing team focused on selling solutions and delivering exceptional customer service to achieve store sales goals and profit targets.

● Achieved significant improvement in same-store sales, elevating the current location from #78 to #11 in the region within the first year.

● Upheld company standards in inventory management, shrink reduction programs, store conditions, and customer service policies, ensuring compliance and optimizing operational efficiency.

Revitalized underperforming store by leading 47 associates, including two assistant managers and four department managers.

Achieved shrinkage reduction from 4.58% to 1.57% within two quarters through effective loss prevention strategies.

Spearheaded turnaround, resulting in 22.9% increase in bottom-line profit within first year.

Oversaw store operations encompassing business planning, staffing, training, merchandising, inventory control, and customer service.

Recognized for outstanding customer service in region for four consecutive years, highlighting commitment to excellence.

Led recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and professional development initiatives for merchandisers, focusing on optimizing ordering practices, enhancing product displays, managing inventory levels, and reducing labor costs.

● Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with store leadership to enhance market share, secure additional selling and display space, and improve customer communication channels.

● Managed various aspects of team operations, including scheduling, human resources policies and procedures, loss prevention controls, and attendance policies.

● Directed a team of 26 order replenishment merchandisers across 30 stores, overseeing the coordination of approximately 800,000 cases annually through the Coca-Cola workflow process.

● Collaborated closely with warehouse personnel to streamline loading, unloading, and other shipping and receiving operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in moving goods from warehouse to stores.