EXPERIENCED AND HIGHLY COMPETENT RETAIL MANAGER

JAMES A. THOMAS 6662 Christopher Park, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110 Telephone: 614-551-9541 • Email: hobbyjim7@aol.com EXPERIENCED AND HIGHLY COMPETENT RETAIL MANAGER CAREER OBJECTIVE I seek a management position where my broad experience and a passion for excellence can propel a company to continuing levels of success. Important multi-unit experience - RETAIL STORE MANAGER - DISTRICT RETAIL MANAGEMENT BACKGROUND QUALIFICATIONS Armed with an extensive career in retailing (in managerial capacities) I have the full capabilities to oversee the full scope of a high volume retail company’s successful business operations. Vast knowledge of all facets of retail management operations including turnaround situations, new store openings, customer service management, inventory, ordering decisions, receiving, cost control, employee hiring, training and scheduling. Additionally, experienced in planning, design and marketing and flawless startup of new retail operations. STRENGTHS AND SKILLS • FOCUSED ON PROFITABILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY AND SERVICE • TOP PERFORMER IN EXPANDING SALES WHILE LOWERING OPERATIONAL COSTS • DECISIVE, STRUCTURED AND PRECISE, WITH PROVEN LEADERSHIP ABILITIES • TROUBLE SHOOTING: A PROVEN PROBLEM SOLVER • MARKET RESEARCH / PROMOTIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCY • A CONFIDENT AND FRIENDLY PERSONALITY • PUBLIC RELATIONS: VISIBLY PRESENT TO INTERACT WITH CUSTOMERS AND STAFF • HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN ELEVATING PRODUCTIVITY AND BUILDING A REPUTATION FOR RETAIL EXCELLENCE RETAIL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE 2002 to Aug 2010 STORE MANAGER (confidential) Employer: Hobby Lobby, Inc. / $4 million 1992 to 2002, and 1980 to 1990 Employer: Big Bear Stores Responsible for $6 million in annual revenues / Full P & L - DISTRICT OPERATIONS MANAGER (1997 until 2002) - DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER (1980 until 1990, and 1992 until 1997) Note: During the period from 1990 until 1992, I successfully worked for 84 Lumber Company, with initial responsibility for sales / customer service, followed by promotion to operations manager. I am also a veteran (United States Marine Corps). REFERENCES Quality references and recommendations are available for your review. James A. Thomas Resume - Page Two SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS * Currently operate on a 55.5% gross profit margin with my present company * Recently responsible for increasing 2009 sales by 17% • With a previous employer, identified and closed unsuccessful / unprofitable operating units • Successfully managed and oversaw the opening of many new store locations PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES Highly experienced; attention to detail and high personal performance standards provide the framework for the exemplary service and quality product exposures that my retail customers have come to know and expect from me. Some specific work skills I can offer your company include: Operations and Supervision: • Operations: responsible for all aspects of day-to-day coordination and oversight of retail operations; have supervised up to 60 sales and support personnel • Forecasting: effective in the forecasting of future sales; develop long-range plans accordingly • Work orientation: remain calm and in control during situations of high stress; highly disciplined; task oriented; able to prioritize; complete all assignments and projects on time • Finance: responsible for budget development, cost controls, expense reduction, pricing and full P & L • Staffing: interview, hire and orient new employees; write and present employee evaluations; handle employee discipline per company policy • Customer service: proven long-term relationship building skills; can offer high quality, customer-focused service; foster on-going business relationships and corporate growth; have effectively handled and resolved customer concern and complaints in a timely manner • Communication: able to clearly and effectively communicate (verbally or in writing) with all levels of customers, managers, peers, hourly workers, manufacturers and vendors • Problem solving: enjoy a challenge; proven ability to analyze and evaluate processes and workflow; devise strategies to streamline functions; re-train staff; increase productivity and performance Merchandising and Promotions: • Operations: have been responsible for up to nineteen retail facilities in central Ohio • New stores: previously coordinated the opening of 15 new units; have renovated many other units • Scope: experience working with major manufacturers and brands; extensive product knowledge in all areas of a retail store operation; able to rapidly learn new product and service lines • Profit awareness: can visually calculate gross profit; mathematically calculate and determine profit potential between various brands and products; a keen eye for profitability • Communication: effectively communicate with store employees; previously conducted scheduled on-site visits to each store location; meet with department / store managers; review manufacturers’ advertising requirements with store management and confirm display location and shelf positioning • Timelines: successfully set and adhere to strict operational and selling timelines; coordinate advertising release with display construction and product delivery • Visual: continually review store layouts and flow, create innovative Plan-O-Grams • Training: orchestrate and run training sessions; oversaw our Management Development Program EDUCATION AND PERSONAL INFORMATION Beyond my college degree, I have accumulated highly valuable on-the-job management training. I also completed many internal courses and seminars to enhance my value to a new employer. Personal: - Married - Homeowner - Excellent health - Stable history - Able to travel - Professional appearan

Retail

Canal Winchester, OH