Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Vanden Young

Eugene,OR

Summary

Dedicated outdoor retail professional with over a year at REI, fueled by a genuine passion for backpacking, trail running, and daily road running. Skilled in translating real-world experience into expert footwear guidance, product education, and team training—driving meaningful customer connections and strong brand representation through authentic, knowledgeable service.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Store Sales Specialist

REI
02.2024 - Current
  • Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service by engaging with shoppers, understanding their needs, and recommending the most suitable outdoor products.
  • Participated in product training sessions to stay current on industry trends and new product offerings.
  • Meet and exceed sales goals by actively engaging with customers, upselling products, and offering relevant add-on items.
  • Assist with inventory management by stocking shelves, organizing merchandise displays, and conducting regular inventory counts.
  • Motivated and supported team members in achieving collective goals by providing guidance, feedback, and resources
  • Achieved over 130 membership conversions year-to-date by effectively engaging in customer needs, building strong relationships, and delivering personalized solutions.
  • Within the top ten membership conversion rates in the region at R.E.I (Oregon , Idaho , Montana , and Partially Washington)
  • Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
  • Educated customers on performance footwear, with a focus on trail and road running shoes including Altra, HOKA, Salomon, and Brooks.
  • Provided gait analysis and fit recommendations to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
  • Participated in seasonal floor resets and vendor events to promote new products and improve product visibility.
  • Delivered multiple in-depth product clinics on Altra and comparable footwear brands, focusing on model distinctions, midsole technologies, outsole design, and performance applications—equipping staff with advanced fitting knowledge and customer engagement strategies.

Custodian / Outdoor Residential Cleaning

Empire Property Management , YoungsCleaningServices
10.2022 - 02.2024
  • Responsible for performing daily cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing restrooms and common areas.
  • Perform minor maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replenishing supplies, and reporting any damages or safety hazards.
  • Adhere to proper cleaning procedures and use of cleaning chemicals to prevent damage to surfaces and ensure safety for staff and visitors.
  • Skilled in operating pressure washing equipment to efficiently clean various surfaces such as decks, sidewalks, and exterior walls.


Production Associate

Weyerhauser Trus Joist
04.2022 - 10.2022
  • Operated machinery and equipment to assemble, package, and label products according to company standards.
  • Inspected finished products for quality control and identified any defects or issues for timely resolution.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
  • Conducted quality control inspections to ensure trusses met safety and structural standards.

Education

GED -

Gateways High School
02-2021

Skills

  • Product Differentiation & Technical Comparisons
  • Customer Education & Needs-Based Selling
  • Vendor Relations & Brand Advocacy
  • Sales Floor Influence & Suggestive Selling
  • Clinic Presentation Skills (In-person or Slide-based)

Timeline

Store Sales Specialist

REI
02.2024 - Current

Custodian / Outdoor Residential Cleaning

Empire Property Management , YoungsCleaningServices
10.2022 - 02.2024

Production Associate

Weyerhauser Trus Joist
04.2022 - 10.2022

GED -

Gateways High School

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