Thomas Podkol
Open to New Opportunities
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Seasoned professional possessing extensive retail and management experience. Efficient and industrious individual dedicated to driving optimal customer satisfaction. Recognized for teamwork and caring about employees while getting the best out of each team member. Member of Art Van Furniture 1% Club and won the award for Most Creative Business Plan. Proud winner of the Be the Difference Award while working at the Kentwood Ashley location
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager, General Manager
Highland River Group Dba Ashley
05.2020 - 03.2024
- Maintained ethical and positive working environment to reduce turnover and promote high retention rates.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Cultivated strong relationships with associates, clients, and vendors to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Store Manager
Art Van Furniture
03.2015 - 04.2020
- Oversaw, coached and encouraged the store team promoting a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and performance.
- Scheduled and led weekly store meetings for all employees to discuss sales promotions, new inventory, store programs and standards while providing a platform for all to voice concerns.
- Delivered positive results by controlling monthly operations budget and limiting expenses.
- Engaged and interacted with customers to create positive shopping experiences and resolve guest concerns promptly and effectively.
- Created work schedules according to sales volume and number of employees.
- Supervised all associates in management, office, sales, visual merchandising, housekeeping, and warehouse.
- Reported to regional manager regarding all store and staff updates, sales and financial goals.
- Oversaw receiving and display of incoming products, meeting planned promotions and seasonal rotation for sales events.
- Coached and Managed the Grandville Art Van Furniture location to its first ever $9 million dollar fiscal year.
- Partnered with delivery managers to oversee the delivery of furniture for all of the West Michigan Art Van Furniture stores.
Sales Manager
Art Van Furniture
02.2008 - 03.2015
- Identified, hired and trained highly-qualified staff by teaching best practices, procedures and sales strategies.
- Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
- Held weekly meetings with store managers to identify techniques to overcome sales obstacles.
- Handled all customer relations issues pleasantly, enabling quick resolution and client satisfaction.
- Held the position at multiple locations in West Michigan including Holland, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Comstock Park, and Kalamazoo.
Assistant Sales Manager & Training Manager
Art Van Furniture
10.1999 - 02.2008
- Led targeted training programs to educate staff on product benefits and service capabilities.
- Led solution selling strategy initiatives to maximize sales of Furniture and Mattresses.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of competitor products and pricing in market served.
- Encouraged cross-selling of additional products and services through relationship-building and acquired understanding of customer needs.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, and branding to raise awareness and revenues.
- Supervised team of 15 to 20 employees and provided feedback on performance.
Education
Associate Degree in Business -
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MIHigh School Diploma -
Paw Paw High School
Paw Paw, MISkills
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Relationship building and management
- Goals and performance
- Sales expertise
- Customer-oriented
- Training and Coaching
- Strong multi-tasking
- Motivational Skills
- Change Implementation
- Open to Grow and Learn
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Timeline
Sales Manager, General Manager
Highland River Group Dba Ashley
05.2020 - 03.2024
Store Manager
Art Van Furniture
03.2015 - 04.2020
Sales Manager
Art Van Furniture
02.2008 - 03.2015
Assistant Sales Manager & Training Manager
Art Van Furniture
10.1999 - 02.2008
Associate Degree in Business -
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
High School Diploma -
Paw Paw High School
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