Bernie Dufrene Email & Phone Number

Lancaster, Pa, Us

As Sales & Operations Manager at Wove Made, Inc., I played a pivotal role in scaling and optimizing both sales and operational functions for this innovative custom jewelry brand. I focused on enhancing customer engagement by overseeing the creation and delivery of personalized engagement rings, ensuring that our clients received exact replicas for at-home try-ons before purchasing the final product.During my tenure, I implemented key operational processes to streamline production, which supported the company's rapid growth, including significant media attention when Wove gained widespread recognition, such as creating custom jewelry for high-profile clients like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. These events led to a significant increase in brand visibility and customer inquiries. I also led efforts in elevating our e-commerce and bespoke services to maintain exceptional customer experiences​.My role allowed me to collaborate closely with multiple departments, ensuring the seamless operation of both our physical production and digital marketing efforts. This balance of operational excellence and personalized customer service was instrumental in driving the company's growth and solidifying its reputation in the luxury custom jewelry market.

As Chief Operating Officer at Jubilee Ministries, I oversaw the sales and operations of 7 physical locations and an e-commerce thrift store, directly impacting the success of our retail and charitable initiatives. I led the processing facility and trucking department, ensuring smooth logistical operations across all departments. A major focus of my role was to rebrand and launch shopthejub.com, driving growth in our online presence. Profits from our stores supported 13 chaplains working in state and county prisons throughout Pennsylvania, as well as an aftercare program that provided vital services like housing, employment, and counseling to recently released prisoners. I managed a team of 9 managers and 160+ employees, while spearheading marketing efforts through radio, social media, and in-store signage, significantly increasing brand awareness and community engagement.

As Vice President of Operations at Integrated Eye Care Management, LLC, I was responsible for the acquisition and transformation of private optometry practices into corporate-run operations. In this startup environment, we successfully acquired 10 locations, where I led efforts in HR, inventory management, marketing, and employee development. I enhanced store merchandising and branding, focusing on improving the customer experience and boosting overall engagement. I also spearheaded the planning and relocation of one practice to a higher-traffic shopping center, driving visibility and sales growth. My role was instrumental in setting up operational processes that laid the foundation for future scalability.

San Antonio , Tx, Us

As Territory Director of Visionworks, I oversaw 19 locations across Central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Delaware, leading 36 employed doctors and 248 team members. My responsibilities included full P&L accountability, with our financial performance exceeding $32 million in annual sales.Key achievements included driving a $1.3 million increase in sales in 2019 (YTD compared to 2018), achieving 13.1% growth in eye exams and 11.7% growth in contact lens sales. I also revitalized an understaffed market by hiring over 60 sales associates, retail supervisors, optometry technicians, OD coordinators, general managers, and optometrists, ensuring optimal staffing and service across all locations.

Milan, Italy, It

As Territory Director for Pearle Vision, I was responsible for leading the largest U.S. territory by both volume and store count, overseeing all corporate locations in the Eastern U.S. With full P&L accountability, I managed over $27 million in annual sales, driving consistent improvement through strategic sales initiatives, market intelligence, and competitor analysis.I developed and guided a high-performing team of 5 market leaders, 33 store managers, and 240+ associates, opticians, OD techs, OD coordinators, and doctors of optometry. Through regular training, motivation, and performance appraisals, I ensured that my team consistently met and exceeded business objectives.Key achievements during my tenure included outperforming the brand for 26 consecutive months between 2014 and 2016, achieving a double-digit comp increase in 2015, and exceeding the sales plan for five consecutive years from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, I received the StrategEYES Award and Pearle Excellence Challenge Coin in July 2015, and I successfully developed three store managers into RDO roles within the company. My focus on hosting manager training meetings and associate workshops led to a rapid improvement in KPI performance across the territory.

Milan, Italy, It

As Regional Director of Operations for Pearle Vision from January 2012 to August 2013, I oversaw 62 stores across four regions, including both corporate-owned and franchise locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Upstate New York. I worked directly with market managers, franchise owners, and store managers to drive business development, maintain operational excellence, and ensure financial accountability.My responsibilities included full P&L management, talent acquisition, consulting on operational improvements, and contract negotiations. I focused heavily on training and leadership development, helping my teams meet company objectives and deliver exceptional customer experiences across all locations.

Milan, Italy, It

As General Manager at Lenscrafters, I directed the operations of a $2+ million optical center, leading a team of retail managers, lab managers, and doctors of optometry to achieve top performance in key metrics. My responsibilities included managing staffing, P&L analysis, payroll, inventory, and advertising, while driving sales in the region.Some key accomplishments include:-Leading the region in sales, warranty, multiples, and sun categories.-Organizing and developing a Houston area job fair that resulted in the hiring of top talent for our local stores.-Being selected by the Regional Director of Operations to create and lead monthly sales training classes for associates across 10 Houston stores.-Developing and executing the “LensCrafters 1st Annual Doctor’s Social & Accufit Preview,” a marketing initiative that fostered relationships with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and family practitioners while introducing our Accufit Digital Measuring System.-Building strong consultative relationships with doctors of optometry to enhance marketing efforts and improve the overall customer experience.This role gave me the opportunity to blend operations management with marketing innovation, ultimately delivering results that set my region apart.

Us

As General Manager at Jared, I oversaw the daily operations of a $7 million store, managing a team of 32 staff members and four managers across sales, office, inventory, and maintenance departments. I set and achieved rigorous sales and operational objectives, driving performance through behavior-based accountability, regular performance reviews, and strategic planning with department heads. I was responsible for hiring, training, P&L analysis, payroll, and inventory control.Key achievements include:-Being 1 of 4 nominees for Manager of the Year in 2008 out of 178 stores.-Exceeding sales objectives and outperforming the district and region in 2008.-Leading the district in credit, warranty, and repair performance.-Developing and promoting seven team members to top management positions within the company.-Turning around sales performance at the Novi location, shifting sales from -41% to +28.2%.-Increasing Swiss sales by 36% and boosting 4th quarter sales by $348,000 from the previous year.This role gave me the opportunity to drive significant results while fostering a high-performing team environment.

Indianapolis, In, Us

As General Manager of Preston's Rocks (owned by Reis Nichols), I was instrumental in developing a 12,000 square-foot, all-diamond concept store from the ground up. My involvement spanned from concept creation and construction to buying, marketing, and day-to-day management. I led a team of 16 employees across various departments, including sales, inventory, accounting, customer service, and jewelers, while also designing and delivering training programs to ensure their success.In the store’s first five months, we grossed over $1 million in sales. I spearheaded a partnership program that connected the store with high-quality wedding-related businesses, enhancing our reach. Additionally, I implemented an in-store credit program that impacted sales by $500,000, negotiating highly favorable rates for the company.On the marketing front, I developed effective radio ads and print materials, planned events with local radio stations, and created a trade-out program with industry-specific organizations. My responsibilities also included researching and establishing a comprehensive security program for the store.

As General Manager at C.D. Peacock Jewelers in Chicago, I led operations for a $5.5 million store, overseeing a team of 16 employees across sales, office, repair, and department management. My role involved full P&L accountability, staffing, payroll, inventory control, and advertising for this prestigious, high-end jeweler specializing in certified loose diamonds and engagement rings.Key achievements include:-Earning Rookie of the Year in 2003 for exceptional performance.-Consistently surpassing sales targets, achieving 144% of the sales goal in January 2004 and 169% in December 2003.-Promoted to manage the second-highest volume store in the company, where I hit 116% of the sales goal in my first month and increased the store's gross margin by 4.5%.-Continuing strong sales, generating 128% of goal in April 2004 and 104% in May 2004, totaling over $503,000 in those months.This role allowed me to refine my leadership and operational skills while contributing to the success of a world-renowned jewelry brand.

As General Manager at Ultra Stores, I led a team of eight assistant managers, sales associates, and office staff in driving the execution of daily operations and sales initiatives. My leadership was focused on developing and promoting staff into management roles, fostering an environment of growth and accountability.Key accomplishments included:-Driving a remarkable 185% increase in sales during the fourth quarter of 2001 compared to the previous year.-Boosting credit penetration from 7% to over 30%.-Achieving a 3200% increase in extended warranty sales.-Establishing an in-house repair department.-Consistently meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals, contributing to the store’s overall success.This role allowed me to sharpen my operational and sales leadership, delivering impactful results while mentoring future managers.

Austin, Tx, Us

Education record

Education record

Education record