Kathy Stephenson Email and Phone Number

Lakeside Professional Services offers operational services from process improvement in the supply chain, reviewing vendor guides and implementing changes that reduce compliance chargebacks, streamlining warehouse and factory packaging instructions, and creation of statement-of-procedures to name a few in the wholesale/retail world. If you are receiving chargebacks from your retail customers I can help eliminate this. Throughout my LinkedIn profile is detailed information on my successful work experience. I look forward to hearing from you.

Developed operational controls and policies to implement and manage vendor compliance program that resulted in over $500K in reduced compliance charges in my first year (wholesale through retail industry)Developed a new customer on-boarding process that streamlined the entire supply chain process through all departments. Organized the Vendor Guides and customer requirements to streamline processes and support the overall compliance program. Improved BEARPAWs vendor scorecard rating which resulted in stronger relationships with customer(s) and reduced numerous penalties, i.e. UCC-128 shipping labels, dimensional carton requirements, & ticketing of product to name a fewManagement of private label, packaging and ticketing, for all customers with the China office.Identified and created customer instructions and requirements to lead the Customer Service Representative(s) team in managing customer Purchase Orders.Developed warehouse shipping and routing procedures that ensures proper operations are being followed in managing each shipmentAssisting with fulfilling a variety of operational and administrative positions while providing coaching to several key staff members.Expanded scope by taking over the customer service team and increased productivity and team collaboration within the group while strengthening the team through positive attrition2019 active team member on Charity Committee that led BEARPAW to be 2nd (second) top fund raiser for St. Jude’s 5K Walk/Fundraiser. In addition, I was the 4th (fourth) highest individual fund raiser. For BEARPAW’s Annual Back to School Bash, a Ticket to Dream event, I brought on corporate sponsors that eliminated direct expensesSoftware: ERP System - Full Circle, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), NuOrder

• Analyze and interpret vendor and logistic guides to establish protocols to become and remain compliant for new and existing wholesale customers• Liaison between office and warehouse to coordinate shipping requirements• Audit and approval of tickets and shipping label (UCC-128) information for new and existing customers• Monitor and review compliance chargebacks. Work with customers, warehouse and China office to resolve compliance chargebacks.• Develop processes for customer service and warehouse for each wholesale customer

Initially hired by this very successful private business to manage Fortune 500 accounts and perform accounting tasks. Quickly transitioned to managing vendor compliance and overseeing international and domestic operations/logistics. Given enormous responsibility and grew professionally within the role, training and mentoring new employees in the operations department along the way. - Oversee supply chain with international shipments from China & India into USA and/or Canada. With at times shipments delivered directly to customers DC: Williams-Sonoma & Sur La Table - Identifying and assessing the supply chain for vendor compliance with new customers by reviewing customers vendor guides and meeting ICI’s system process. - Providing outstanding project management of import/export special projects such as $3M+ Port of Entry (POE) Long Beach; $3.5M+ export orders from USA into Canada evolving into 20+ truckload shipments, establishing ICI as Importer of Record (IOR) into Canada,, and ICI’s first-ever Duty Drawback claim $120K. - Oversee the container rate sheet for establishing set carrier rates with preferred vendor(s) - Managing relationship with customs broker and ensuring compliance is met so that customs entry is seamless. - Defining Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and FDA for kitchen household tools and if additional DOCS are required outside of norm, i.e. Lacey Act, itemized Commercial Invoice and/or Trademark Agreement. - Team Training: Developed and cross–trained operations teams within a matrix-management organization. - Warehouse: Oversee all special repack/special projects, truckload broker relationship and receiving of inventory. - Develop & Implement Processes/Statements of Procedures:- SKU/Item Set-up: Drive private label items managed at factory level for ticketing and inner carton labeling as cost savings; specific case pack sizes to meet DIMS; UPC-A, GTIN, Code 128.

Created a successful business from the ground up, offering executive administrative services, event planning and marketing support to corporate and mid-size businesses, associations and regional groups. Sample of clients included: Grand Floor Designs - Events such as: HomeAid Sacramento (Trapshoot which is a fundraiser for HomeAid). Led and collaborated with others to develop the first annual Trapshoot which is now in its 15th annual year.  Managed and organized seminars that included up to 100 design center managers/designers in the Sacramento area. Included speakers, special events such as spa day/go-kart racing, pottery classes, dinners, etc. Core-Mark International  Organized all details for sales Incentive trips to Mexico for Core-Mark’s customer EZ Mart, including airline tickets, room reservations, private party dinners, excursions, and much more.  Created Statement of Processes/Procedure Manual for company’s Arizona Distribution Center; Request for Proposals for multiple customers; Power Point presentations. Sacramento Valley Floor Covering Association  As Executive Administrator, managed the association’s financials, created and maintained membership databases, email distribution lists, accounting & financial reports, calendar of events, web pages, and newsletters.  Annual golf event fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network. Sacramento Kings and River Cats annual events. Seminars/Speaking Events. Carpet One Regional Group  Executive Administrator: managed meetings, vendor attendance, group buys, etccommunication, and invitations.

Executive Assistant to Partner and Executive VP Sales & Marketing; VP National Accounts; and Director of Sales Training - Key member of sales team instrumental in creating successful, engaging RFQ and/or sales presentations for customers such as Chevron, E-Z Mart, ARCO AM/PM, and more.  - Organized sales team logistics and agenda at major trade shows in addition to client meetings, dinners, and events; company sales meetings and company/customer events. - Performed project management for new business. - Managed daily operations of correspondences/memos, spreadsheet creation/maintenance, travel plans and customer service.