Brian Rupert Email & Phone Number

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Oversaw and directed efforts to successfully run multiple distribution centers; managed team of 8 managers, 65 hourly employees, and 6 drivers. Managed vendor relations, inventory, logistics, procurement, and building and security system maintenance. Scaled team and led onboarding and training efforts for all new hires. Managed employee performance inclusive of KPIs, goals, and various performance metrics.Pennsylvania Distribution Center:• Spearheaded establishment and opening of a new DC in PA, while overseeing facility in OH; hired and trained 75 employees, implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) and 6S procedures, set up partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and carriers such as UPS and FedEx, and met $8M in inventory goals within 3 months, after 3 additional months managed $16M in inventory, and executed first full shipment within 4 months. • Conducted research, networked with local employees, and developed relationships with 15 different vendors to successfully complete first shipment of new DC within pre-determined deadline.• Crushed goals of driving down operating expenses based on inventory, sales, and labor; achieved higher efficiencies and went from $8M inventory, $3M in sales, and 13.3% operating expense to $16M in inventory, $8.4M in sales, and 6.2% operating expense within 7 months.• Created a unique recruiting plan and onboarding system that attracted and retained workforce talent including facility tours, coaching, mentoring, and employee engagement which resulted in higher retention, improved production quality, and a 7% reduction in expenses.• Catalyzed increase in shipments from 600 to 1400 packages shipped daily; transformed department by identifying best practices and root-cause of errors, created a more balanced workload, and instituted checks and balances to reduce shipping delays and double productivity.

Youngstown, Ohio Area

Formerly Four Wheel Drive Hardware, acquired by Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP), then acquired by Polaris.Ohio Distribution Center:• Developed tracking system that detailed employee errors and analyzed data; assigned goals and incentives accordingly and reduced total error percentage from 2.5% to under 1%.• Led logistic reorganization within Ohio DC from $4M to $7M inventory by utilizing all available vertical space, shelving, and racking; utilized, managed, and secured onsite outdoor storage containers.• Managed large-scale, $250K sprinkler system installation project to ensure building was up to code for integration of tire storage; managed all costs and partnered with vendors and management to complete project on time and within budget.• Led annual negotiations with UPS yielding over $1M in savings YoY and spearheaded cost savings on outbound truck freight shipments by negotiating with carriers to lower costs and maintain profit margins.• Directed safety efforts throughout facility; inspected fire equipment, pump, and sprinkler systems; based on vast knowledge on varying state and city safety regulations to ensure OSHA compliance.• Led implementation of highly efficient operating and process procedures to improve efficiencies and reduce expenses allowing for the procurement of modern technology and technical tools.

Youngstown, Ohio Area

Four Wheel Drive Hardware. Directed daily workflow for 6 employees and oversaw all procurement of existing and new inventory. Worked with Sales Department on 20+ new product knowledge seminars. Led negotiations with suppliers and vendors to ensure best available price. Analyzed existing inventory, reviewed obsolete products, identified seasonal products, and executed contracts on all purchase orders. Led sourcing efforts to acquire new products; researched and partnered with new vendors based on rates, warranties, and performance. Integral member of leadership team that met weekly to discuss company strategies, goals, and processes. • Implemented process improvements and departmental changes that increased team culture and allowed for a conducive work environment.• Led efforts to over double the size of product catalog to maintain competitive standing within marketplace; conducted research and attended industry trade shows such as SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) to develop relationships with vendors and negotiated exclusivity on new products entering the market.• Worked with Research & Development department to source needed material for in house manufacturing of product.• Analyzed cost per square inch costs within catalog and developed advertising allowance for each vendor in which catalog production expenses were offset, based on the space allotment and placement of products within catalog. • Tactfully negotiated large quantity discount buys ahead of season with updated terms; worked with internal marketing team and vendors to preserve low price point while maintaining 35% average profit margin.• Partnered with vendors to review lead and delivery time; based on metrics, adjusted inventory levels to ensure back order percentages remained at an acceptable rate.• Collaborated closely with Marketing Department to strategize promotional efforts using sales team’s real-time customer data successfully identifying and increasing sales growth.

Youngstown, Ohio Area

Four Wheel Drive Hardware. Led sales efforts for a diverse array of standard and custom automotive products. Forged relationships with potential buyers and networked with manufacturer at various seminars. Completed full sales life-cycle by understanding needs of clients and presenting features and benefits of varying products. Focused on new business development and drove client retention and repeat business.• Crushed sales goals and was one of top salespeople within company; established new clientele and drove account retention by taking care of clients YoY.• Educated consumers on nuances of the products and provided answers to inquiries as they came in; instituted thorough follow up for all clients with pending questions to ensure customers felt taken care of and appreciated.• Resolve unhappy customer complaints by listening to issue, identifying root cause, and formulating a solution that benefitted both the customer and company.• Selected as company representative to showcase products at various sales events, engaged with customers, interacted with potential clients, and increased client base with new and existing business opportunities.

Ups Hazardous Materials | Sexual Harassment | Management Training | Negotiations | Driver Management

High School Diploma Completed