Thomas Sullivan

Successfully launched and directs operations in a 64,000 sq. ft. store generating $12M in sales annually. Leads store with high level of associate engagement to provide a compelling shopping experience while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. Coaches and develops 80+ associates to deliver excellent customer service and merchandise expertise. Oversees all aspects of retail operation, encompassing staffing, financials, HR, inventory, merchandising, safety, compliance, and client/community relations.

Strategies

• Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
• Built a loyal workforce and reduced turnover by fostering a inclusive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
• Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
• Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
• Managed inventory and unloading operations to achieve timely delivery to sales floor.
• Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
• Engaged associates and customers to drive online business through use of new innovative technologies
• Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.

Results

• Exceeded sales goals by 5% during an economic downturn
• Regularly surpasses the company average of sales per sq. ft. by as much as 17%
• Online business sales have grown every year (as much as 19%) reaching 1.2M in 2024, and on track to surpass this by 6% for 2025
• Frequently top ranked in the territory for comp sales over LY
• Repeatedly recognized for exceptional associate engagement and community involvement
• Consistency ranked in the top 15% (of 1165 stores) for exceptional customer service surveys and hospitality scores
• Outperforms the territory in loyalty programs.

Devised strategies to raise profitability in a 204K square foot Supercenter generating $106M in general and grocery sales annually (net profit $5.5M and customer count 2.7M). Maintained average inventory level of $6.5M, peaking at $8M, with an in-stock of 98.5%.

Led, trained, and empowered 12 direct reports (2 co-managers/10 assistant managers) and 400 associates to deliver unparalleled support to 3000 customers daily.

Strategies

• Analyzed data/reports to identify deficiencies and generated action plans to successfully address them.
• Developed incentive plans for associates with greater payouts each quarter.
• Assembled Safety Team within store structure and motivated associates to become involved.
• Established mentoring program for managers/associates to sponsor, train, and coach new hires.
• Instituted processes and training for all associates on POS replenishment system.
• Enhanced awareness in community by becoming active on United Water Customer Advisory Board.
  

Results

• After assuming control of store, the branch exceeded profit plan for 2 straight years.
• Surpassed company's profit plan by 55% in the first quarter 2009.
• Beat established sales goals for YTD 2010; exceeded LY sales by 4.97% and LY profit by 71%.
• When sales were down 3.44% in second quarter, managed controllable expenses and exceeded LY profit by 21.13% and company's plan by 7.27%.
• Lowered number of accidents by 67%, a savings of $100K.
• Eliminated $30K in external storage fees by reducing inventory levels.
• Maximized team efficiency, resulting in a 5.54% increase in sales per labor.
• Cut overtime expenses by 66%, a $140K cost savings.
• Reduced turnover 50%; led team to qualify for bonuses 7 of 8 quarters, with an 83% increase last quarter.