Van W. Gardner II

Highly motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in managing and mentoring operational departments. Accomplished senior operations management professional and former U.S. Army officer with nearly 23 years of comprehensive experience in business operations. Proven track record of enhancing profitability, improving performance, and fostering productivity in fast-paced and highly competitive environments. Strong background in retail management, adept at overseeing night operations and ensuring optimal store performance. Skilled in team collaboration, problem-solving, and driving results. Known for flexibility in dynamic environments and a committed approach to achieving objectives. Proficient in inventory management, staff supervision, and customer service excellence.

• Comprehensive experience managing multiple activities of varying complexity with conflicting priorities involving cross functional teams, aggressive time constraints, and challenging markets/economic conditions.
• Strong analytical and management skills, leadership qualities, and solid technical communication abilities.
• Proven top performer, with a reputation for strong sales management qualified by mature, prudent business skills and sound judgment.
• Demonstrates professional reliability, highly self-motivated with the ability to assume increased levels of responsibility, anticipates and meets needs to achieve outstanding results.
• Articulate, diplomatic, persuasive; easily establishes rapport and credibility with people at all levels, works well with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
• Accomplished Food and General Merchandising Professional; marketing, inventory flow and daily operations.
• Exceeding Profit and Operational goals, gaining market share in a highly competitive retail environment.

• Top Secret, SCI Clearance
• The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation Certification
• Department of Defense Interrogation Certification

• Decorated Veteran and recipient of numerous commendations and awards including:
• Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, 03/01/11
• Army Commendation Medal, 09/01/10
• Army Good Conduct Medal, 09/01/10
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 09/01/09
• Overseas Service Medal, 09/01/09
• Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, 09/01/09
• National Defense Service Medal, 09/01/07
• Army Service Ribbon, 09/01/07

• Process Improvement/Processes & Controls
• Staffing Development & Performance
• Interdepartmental Management
• Team Building/Leadership & Training
• Interrogations/ Deception Detection
• Strategic Planning & Scheduling
• Interpreting Intelligence Information
• Policies & Procedures, Compliance
• Time & Task Management
• Prioritizing & Delegating Tasks
• Identifying Growth Opportunities
• Maximizing Productivity