Gary Mertes Email & Phone Number

Toledo, Ohio Area

Managed all aspect of store selling operation in the Toledo, OH. store with up to twenty-five sales associate and $20M-$22M in annual sales.• Providing overall engagement leadership that includes driving sales, leading, coaching and developing the store sales team, and interacting with customers to create and maintain customer loyalty.• Executed and maintained company standard operating procedures related to selling, guest services, merchandising, and ordering of merchandise. Key Contributions:o Increase overall net average sale by promoting company finance programs.o Improved overall store closing percent from 45.2% to 50.6% through sales associate engagement and T.O. process. o A 4% gross margin improvement for FY 20 by exceeding inventory requirements and controlling floor sample display disposition.

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Responsible to lead, motivate and engage the route service team to safely deliver world class customer service, sales growth, and profitability. Ensures efficient route operations that best leverage all assets and resources available and lead the execution of performance and operational goals focused in the areas of safety, people, service quality, cost and growth. Execute and enforce safety standards within the business location. Accountable for driving safe behaviors by coaching team members. Identify and remove risks and participate in accident investigations. Responsible for people management and development with a disciplined approach to recruiting, training, coaching performance management and retention. Focus on effective talent selection hiring and successful on-boarding of new team members. Ensures successful customer service delivery as well as recovery. Serve as the local point of contact for customer service communication and follow-up coordination with call center and overall issue resolution. Oversees warehouse team to ensure execution of efficient warehouse operations along with the managing of fleet assets. Inventory control maintenance of assets supplies and overall profitability. Administrative duties such as payroll, banking, scheduling and daily reporting. Implement and maintain compliance with all government and corporate program and policies.

Defiance, Ohio

Maximize productivity through communication and development of a strong team of front line managers and associates.Development of P & L controls through cost effective management.Assess/implement policies conducive to flexible market conditions while demonstrating excellence in customer satisfaction, sales and profitability.

Operated the largest volume store in the Michigan market. Consistent top performer in company period report cards rated on sales, gross margin, services, credit card sales, labor control and sale or transfer of discontinued merchandise. Developed /promoted most associates among peers to management within the region, 2004-2008. Managed best expense control for a store for four consecutive years. Earned several awards. Focused on exceptional internal and external customer service.

Bachelor’S Degree, Labor And Industrial Relations, Overall Gpa: 3.0. Major Gpa: 3.5

Activities and Societies: Active involvement in workshops, seminars, and formal training programs designed to increase leadership/business.

Education record