James Whitfield Email & Phone Number

Oak Brook, Illinois, Us

-Responsible for the net new store growth in the Western United States division (24 states west of the Mississippi River).-Lead 15-person team (four direct reports).-Direct accountability of delivering 75 New Stores annually. Annual wholesale volume of these stores to exceed $92M, with retail sales volume of approximately $150M. Direct and manage the Divisional expense budget with accountability of $10M.-103% of 2024 goal with 77 new stores activated. 4th highest number posted by Western Division over past 14 years.

Oak Brook, Illinois, Us

-Led eight-person team covering Ace retail and wholesale operations across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.-Region consisted of 384 privately-owned stores worth $1.44B in retail sales and $513MM in wholesale revenue.-Posted eight-year-compound wholesale sales growth of $240MM (10%). 106.4% of eight-year goal.-2020 Region of the Year.-Increased net store count by 61 (117% of goal) over eight-year stretch. Opened 103 stores over that span.-Exceeded store remodel goal by 120.2%.-2017 Western Division MVP.-#1 in 2021 and 2022 Western Division Team Engagement scores.-Helped seven team members secure promotions.-Developed regional strategy to maximize retailer sales and profits as well as maximize Ace wholesale sales. -Recruited, trained, developed and engaged team to ensure the execution of Ace’s Retail Operations business strategy and achievement of expected results. -Ensured Ace retailers operate effective and profitable stores.

Oak Brook, Illinois, Us

-Responsible for 36 Ace Hardware stores in Houston/Beaumont area.-2011 Division 2 District Manager of the Year.-Member of 2011 and 2014 National Region of the Year.-Assess store owner needs, market conditions, the competitive landscape, and identify strategies to maximize store sales and profits. Provide solutions and ensure follow through with store owner’s voluntary actions.-Maximize Ace wholesale sales.-Consult with store owners to ensure fundamental business and retail techniques are executed. Examples include gross margin, cash flow, expense management, return on investment, customer service, brand management, advertising, merchandise mix, plan-o-grams, labor optimization, inventory management, etc. -Serve as the corporate liaison to ensure owner's loyalty and coordinate the execution of corporate initiatives and programs.-Lead and influence Ace store owners with regards to retrofits, relocations, expansions, branch locations, and owner succession planning.-Responsible for developing the Houston/Beaumont market via competition sales calls and working new investor leads.

Oak Brook, Illinois, Us

-Sell, plan, coordinate and execute advertising and marketing initiatives for individual Ace stores and regional advertising groups in key markets.-Named 2007 Retail Assistance Most Valuable Player for Eastern Division.-Led the company in 2006 grand opening average sales per event and customer count. Average 20-25 grand openings per year.-Responsible for negotiating group advertising spend, which includes newspaper ads, billboards, sports sponsorships and cable/radio buys. -Present to approximately 25 groups on multiple occasions throughout the year promoting upcoming and ongoing advertising and marketing initiatives.-Develop annual advertising plans, mainly for new stores. Assist in execution.-Manage Ace Paint and Ace Private Label co-op programs.

Us

-Managed 26 General Motors’ youth marketing programs in five-state territory throughout the Southeast.-Planned and implemented 23 promotional campaigns during the 2000 calendar year focused on increasing GM and GM dealership brand awareness and consideration among college-aged consumers.-Managed approximately 450 student interns, responsible for planning and executing the promotions, on a year-to-year basis through phone calls and 6-9 presentation/facilitation sessions per campaign.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Us

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), English

Education record