Multi-faceted retail professional. Extensive experience in the design, implementation, and management of operations and retail space.

Innovative project designer. Beginning from conception through build and operations to ensure seamless and efficient execution.

Collaborative resource manager. Skilled at cultivating relationships between an organizations’ resources, clients and vendors.

 

Professional History

 

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Trader Joe’s - Manager (Mate):  2010 – 2017

 

Manage product teams in merchandise design and daily operations resulting in revenues of $1-1.5 M a week.

 

Operations:

Managed store operations.

Analyzed and optimized operations based on weekly, monthly and annual financials to meet target sales per person hour (SPPH).

Made bank deposits, managed cash distribution, and ran a floor of 30 registers.

Managed Human Resources using Day Force software for a staff of 250-300. Responsibilities included hiring, workman’s compensation management, health insurance and payroll.

Redesigned the safety and security program to ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines.

Created and instituted a tasting program to enable staff to confidently promote product. Program adopted by other NY locations.

Served on new location teams that hired an estimated 180 employees. Responsible for staff training, and all onboarding paperwork. Solely responsible for planning and ordering of all supplies for office, floors, backrooms and lunchrooms.

 

Retail Space and Design:

Managed section leaders on merchandising of store for seasonal promotions, Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer and monthly events.

Redesigned and created a new Plants and Flower section for Brooklyn location inclusive of lay-out, fixtures and signage.

Redesigned lunch area in Brooklyn location creating a relaxed and attractive environment for the crew.

Designed complete floor plan, inclusive of product placement and shelving lay-out for new Manhattan store.  Accomplished as part of 12-member team.

 

W.P. Sullivan Inc., Studio Manager, 1995 – 2019

 

Managed all financial and operational aspects of a bronze decorative arts studio. Created one-of-a-kind and collection pieces using the Lost Wax Method for high-end architects and interior designers.

 

Operations:

Handled all financials, including purchase orders, invoicing and billing (Using QuickBooks).

Liaison between artist and clients/vendors, providing the highest standards of customer service using phone, MS Office, and face to face contact.

Directed project management from initial concept to production, installation, and delivery.

 

Retail Space and Design:

Converted an empty space into a gallery, office, and working studio adhering to a tight deadline and small budget.

Instrumentally involved in the creation and production of bronze lighting, furniture, and other decorative arts.

Created corporate identity and marketing plan.

Developed all collateral materials for print and online.

Designed and launched website, supported by technical staff.

 

Stylist / Window Designer / Artisan / Photographer, 1986 to 2010

 

Created and produced visual merchandising for interiors and exteriors of retail boutiques, specialty stores, catalogs, and websites. Oversaw and implemented merchandise and models for photo shoots on set and location with art directors and producers. Photographed studio still life for websites. 

 

Retail Space and Design:

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Fashion stylist and window designer responsible for the weekly, monthly and annual creation and production of retail window displays.

Coordinated all apparel and accessories for models to maximize product exposure in catalogues.

Created innovative sets for retail window designs.

Researched and shopped the market for props, fabrics, fixtures, forms, and furniture.

 

Client List

Givenchy 1986-1998

Nancy & Co. 1994-2008

Bleeker Street Jewelry 1996-2003

J. Tambone Productions 2000-2004

Joanne De Palma Inc. 1996-2000

Rocawear 2001-2006

Town Shop 1993-2001

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Personal Assistant and Manager (Part-Time), 2000 – 2012

 

Operations: 

Managed schedules for business and personal lives of clients.

Diverse responsibilities included working with lawyers on financial planning and legal issues.

Organized professional studios, offices, and homes for individual clients.

Designed and implemented professional promotional tools for a photographer.

 

Kennedy Fraser, Fashion Columnist, Vogue Magazine

Judith Fox, Philanthropist

Franklin Modell, New Yorker Cartoonist

 

EDUCATION

 

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY

 

BFA Photography - 2001

AAS Restoration, Conservation and Preservation - 1992

AAS Display and Exhibit Design – 1988

 

             Academic Awards and Honors

 

           Presidential Honors Program, Departmental Award, Magna cum Laude

 

VOLUNTEER WORK

 

          Cape Abilities Farm, Dennis Massachusetts. Farm worker 2017

 

Planted, watered, and maintained plantings for outdoor retail spaces.

Coached and supervised adult participants with disabilities for Cape Abilities Vocational program.

 

Goddard Riverside Community Center, NYC.  Book Fair Coordinator, 2002 - 2014

 

Coordinated, planned, organized, designed and directed set-up of event space for the annual book fair. Pulling together diverse members of the organization to work as a team with a mutual goal.

Creating work assignments for employees and volunteers.

The resulting in 2-day event attended by more than 2000 people selling over 10,000 books and raises over $125,000 annually.

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Phelps House, NYC. Leader of monthly book club for senior citizens, 2007 - 2012