Chip Leonard Email & Phone Number

Waukesha, WI, US

• Met 2017 sales budget but exceeded the 2018 budget by 27% as a result of a large product line review win. The PLR win almost doubled the item/store placement.
• Exceeded the 2016 sales budget by 11.42% while increasing dealer close rates by 10%.
• Revamped the in-store home standby generator display to improve messaging, create greater category awareness and focus on telling the “Why Lowe’s” story.
• Developed and launched in-store and in-home training webinars focused on assisting Lowe’s Project Specialist Exteriors (PSE) with the sales process and improved close rates.
• Gained new business with a DR-branded line of chore products focused on improving the value proposition, capturing unserved customer segments and introducing innovation.
• Responsible for the management and development of the Lowe’s National Account Manager.

Davidson, North Carolina, US

• Drive sales results of the Trane HVAC program by developing engagement and building relationships with 800+ independent dealers through Lowe’s 1700+ US locations. Managed the daily and long term strategic goals of both.
• Produced 11.2% and 14.1% comparative sales increases over the last two years.
• Work with finance to create sales budgets and track performance by location.
• Developed a dealer scorecard to assess performance and engagement. Additional reporting provides visibility to critical metric performance for distribution partners.
• Partnered with marketing and merchandising to introduce three new displays concepts at Lowe’s.
• Lead regional dealer engagement/training discussions throughout the country that focus on process improvements and best practices.

Mooresville, NC, US

• Provided strategic direction for merchandising team to proactively manage product, pricing, forecasting and promotions focused on growing Sales, Margin, and ROI while also managing inventory dollars and product turns.
• Negotiated a 5.1% reduction in first cost and 10% reduction in inventory during the 2012 vanity and top line review. Estimated increase in ROI of 31.60.
• Developed minimum quality standards by brand, introduced two new private label brands and increased private brand growth from 35% to 100% for stock products.
• Lead a collaborative team with members from the trend, design and sourcing teams, logistics, international sourcing, marketing/advertising, product service and others to develop new designs and create an industry.
• Travelled to China in 2011 and 2012 to approve designs, review productions processes and present the vision for the category to Lowe’s and supplier teams.
• Managed the single largest reset at Lowe’s in 2012 while also hiring and training three team members.

Mooresville, NC, US

• Managed the P&L for an $800 million business including: Electrical Wire, Electrical Boxes, Conduit & Fittings, Switchgear, and Tools & Testers.
• Worked with multiple teams throughout the organization to design and create the Lowe’s Renewable Energy Category and the in-store Energy Center. This was rolled out to all locations and helped Lowe’s obtain an Energy.
• Tracked commodity markets daily and reported to senior management the impact of the market on the wire and electrical division. Routinely made opportunistic buys from multiple wire sources to gain margin dollars in a.
• Launched a new innovative brand of electrical boxes under the Romex® brand resulting the addition of an alternative supplier and a cost reduction of almost 10%.
• Launched a secondary supplier of metal electrical boxes providing a cost reduction of 4% for the category.
• Revamped the load center category by creating store-specific planograms and creating customer friendly packaging and POP.

Mooresville, NC, US

Supported the Merchandising Director to manage the P&L of a $700 million category. Categories: Toilet and faucet repair, drain cleaning, supply lines & valves, tubular drainage

Mooresville, NC, US

Provided direction for two logistics specialists and two inventory managers. The managers had nine direct reports. The teams were charged with keeping stores in stock at 98% and vendor relations/compliance.

Mooresville, NC, US

Hired, trained, coached and developed a team of five inventory specialists. Approved spend for inventory and accountable for inventory turns with a focus on store service levels and in-stock percentages.

Mooresville, NC, US

Drove vendor compliance results and analyzed freight and product packaging to ensure smooth flow of products from supplier’s facilities to Lowe’s. Coached vendors on how to improve packaging to reduce damages, palletization of products and lead time performance.

Mooresville, NC, US

Utilized the Lowe’s mainframe and replenishment systems to ensure that each Lowe’s store had a 98% service level and in-stock percentage. Fielded calls and emails from stores and vendors to ensure superior service.

Mba, Management With An Elective Concentration In International Business

Bsba, Management

Education record