THOMAS KAJAH
LONDONDERRY
Summary
An experienced seasoned manager and sales professional with 25+ years of a successful track record in both retail and wholesale within the Outdoor Sporting Goods industry. Experiences include being a retail buyer and a wholesale distributor supported by strong interpersonal and people management skills. Successes include increased sales volumes and both customer and employee retention.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Hardgoods Buyer / Manager
First Run Ski Shop
Stratton
01.2000 - Current
- Increased revenue from $700k to $1.9m by enhancing product selections, merchandising, managing vendor relationships, and training employees in sales.
- Strengthened local market presence by building knowledgeable sales team with elevated recruitment standards and implementing annual reviews.
- Attended national and regional shows to source innovative equipment and accessories.
- Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton VT
Seasonal Sales Representative
Watermark Paddlesports
Arcata
01.1998 - 01.2005
- Assisted dealer in product demonstrations and sale events by providing technical knowledge of products, dealer support, and employee training.
- Attended regional trade shows for preseason order placement and product presentations.
- Support corporate promotions through phone solicitation, industry contacts & relationships and dealer visit.
- Curated product offerings including Perception and Dagger kayaks, Harmony accessories, and AT Paddles to meet customer demands.
- Arcata, California
Store Manager
Equipe Sport LTD.
Rawsonville
01.1994 - 01.2000
- Promoted from sales associate to assistant manager after one year, and to store manager after two years.
- Supervised retail staff of six, emphasizing training and enhancing customer relations.
- Executed ski boot fitting, conducted equipment assessments, and managed merchandising and register operations.
- Advised customers on purchasing summer water sports and camping gear, ensuring informed decisions.
- Rawsonville, VT
Manager
Sea in the Rough Restaurant
Chatham
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Developed menu and implemented quality control measures, resulting in 20% revenue increase.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations for a seasonal restaurant, including ordering, inventory, staffing, and controlling food and labor costs.
- Chatham, MA
Education
AOS - Culinary Arts, Baking Department fellowship
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY01-1989
Skills
- Product selection
- Merchandising strategies
- Sales forecasting
- Inventory management
- Vendor management
- Margin management
- Customer relationship management
Interests Affiliations
Active member Eastern Outdoor Reps Association, Hiking, Skiing and Mountain biking
Summary Profile
An experienced seasoned manager and sales professional with 25+ years of a successful track record in both retail and wholesale within the Outdoor Sporting Goods industry. Experiences include being a retail buyer and a wholesale distributor supported by strong inter-personal and people management skills. Successes include increased sales volumes and both customer and employee retention.
Timeline
Hardgoods Buyer / Manager
First Run Ski Shop
01.2000 - Current
Seasonal Sales Representative
Watermark Paddlesports
01.1998 - 01.2005
Store Manager
Equipe Sport LTD.
01.1994 - 01.2000
Manager
Sea in the Rough Restaurant
01.1994 - 01.1996
AOS - Culinary Arts, Baking Department fellowship
Culinary Institute of America