As the owner of M.A. Cruse & Company, a Consultation firm specializing in Events Management, Floral Design, Theatre Management, and other service oriented professions provides essential business solutions to clients seeking anything from the Wedding flowers of their dreams, to coordination of a large party for donors and corporate receptions, or consultation about small business solutions for non-profits arts organizations.Since opening this business in college, my goal was to… Show more As the owner of M.A. Cruse & Company, a Consultation firm specializing in Events Management, Floral Design, Theatre Management, and other service oriented professions provides essential business solutions to clients seeking anything from the Wedding flowers of their dreams, to coordination of a large party for donors and corporate receptions, or consultation about small business solutions for non-profits arts organizations.Since opening this business in college, my goal was to freelance work for projects I know that I could do better than anyone else. After five years of freelance, I recently decided to become more aggressive in the workplace, and offer my services directly to firms. Since that time, I have assisted with the business expansion and clearing up of a floral business, procurement of new entrants to the business market, and identification of new revenue streams for small businesses.I use a balanced approach to both strategic research, and on the ground collaboration with other key players in the market place to provide a concise action plan for any project I take on. I am proud of my record of working with people to help them achieve their goals. Show less

A major team player in a 180,000 sq ft. department store specializing in fine goods, home wares, and cosmetics.Served in three separate locations over the years with the company from the flagship storeImplement and interpret corporate strategies in visual merchandising, sales, and customer cultivationSupply store management with information important about our day to day operations Inventory analysis and ordering, P.O. orders, direct to consumer logistics including… Show more A major team player in a 180,000 sq ft. department store specializing in fine goods, home wares, and cosmetics.Served in three separate locations over the years with the company from the flagship storeImplement and interpret corporate strategies in visual merchandising, sales, and customer cultivationSupply store management with information important about our day to day operations Inventory analysis and ordering, P.O. orders, direct to consumer logistics including processing merchandise, truck, and routine logistical planning.Responsible for sale signage, pricing, markdowns, and coordination of zone clearance. Responsible for the sell-thru percentage of aforementioned items as well as new acquisitions. Goal to be at or above target annually.Required extreme flexibility, highly intensive communication skills, and an ability to smile always. A superior attitude to customer service. Handled many customer service issues with the core values of integrity, excellence, and compassion Increased sales in my division by 8% annually over 6 years in the Men's Shoes department.Nightly back of house duties such as cash handling, counting down multiple drawers, reconciling tills, and processing transactions for our Cash Manager to audit.Various interdependent functions in the organization from department to department, such as:Credit solicitation, sales goal tracking, loss prevention coordination and detection, theft deterrent, compliance with product guidelines and education, and monthly meetings on store support.Specialist positions:Bridal and Gift RegistrantFine Gifts, China, and Textiles Mens Fashion Forward HardlineMen's Suit Fittings, Alterations, and TailoringMen's Shoes SellingClinique Counter AssociateHousewares Demonstrator Show less

Responsibilities Preparation and organization of corporate style apartments for a seasonal theatre company. Time management of arrivals and departures of seasonal staff, actors, students, and other company members. Production and design, editing and writing of a weekly newsletter. Care and maintenance of all company vehicles.

Under the direction of the Art Therapist, provided counseling and talk therapy coupled with art as a form of therapy to cancer patients, their families, and community members. Created an art project with the director of the center, the art therapist, and over 1000 participants. Responsible for the implementation of the Art Therapy store that later became a second location for an art gallery.

Responsible for the day to day operations of a 1200Sq Ft gallery space: Opeing the store as a key holder, coordination of scheduling with supervisior, cash counting and reconciling the till, bank deposits, bank audits, credit processing and audits.As customer service: Aquiring new customers for long term, creating marketing strategies to entice sales, creating a plan of action for a second locationFor the Business: Creation of a second retail location and it's business plan… Show more Responsible for the day to day operations of a 1200Sq Ft gallery space: Opeing the store as a key holder, coordination of scheduling with supervisior, cash counting and reconciling the till, bank deposits, bank audits, credit processing and audits.As customer service: Aquiring new customers for long term, creating marketing strategies to entice sales, creating a plan of action for a second locationFor the Business: Creation of a second retail location and it's business plan, Creation of a marketing strategy and monthy gallery opeing called "After 5 Live", For human capital development: Creation, Implementation, and Facilitation of a training module focusing on specific goals and outcomes as well as expected job duties, processes and details outlining the organization structure of the gallery, its employeers and it's relationship to our Symbiotic partner the UniversityFor Management: The aquisition of talent, team management, sales forcasting, auditing of compliance for fire, general saftey, as well as the manintence, costs, payroll, and budgets of the space. Show less

Managed a Landscaping and Lawn care small privately owned business, with my friend, an Entrepreneur. Managed customers accounts, freelanced designed, as well as full hands on labor responsibilities. Achievements:Reconciliation and total asset inventory for sale of the company to a private investor. Prevention of over saturation of the marketplace by compiling a market strategy for sale of our service to direct customers. Streamline of the process for efficient payment.

Coordinated events by developing and executing promotional plans, ensuring artists had appropriate accommodations, and hosting after production talks with artists. Self led and applied marketing strategy, within a $100 printing budget to help raise a new audience on campus. Worked with university officials, offices, and coordinated a detailed event to spearhead new entrants to the Freshman class through and outreach program. Continued a non-profit food drive fund raiser to encourage awareness… Show more Coordinated events by developing and executing promotional plans, ensuring artists had appropriate accommodations, and hosting after production talks with artists. Self led and applied marketing strategy, within a $100 printing budget to help raise a new audience on campus. Worked with university officials, offices, and coordinated a detailed event to spearhead new entrants to the Freshman class through and outreach program. Continued a non-profit food drive fund raiser to encourage awareness in the local community. Coordinated the student matinees, three times, a total of 1,500 students exposed to new works. Passionately engaged in a marketing plan that evolved viral and analog forms of communication to attract new entrants to the theatre from our own campus. Performed SWAT analysis to achieve marketing plans deliverables and better understand the true customer we achieve to get through that means. Show less

Assistant to the Professor: Responsible for the day to day management of the chairs schedule, personal docs and files, as well as the individualzed tasks changing rapidly to meet the needs of studentsTo the University: A liasion between the budget control office, the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, and special task appointments to monitor spending allocated to the budget including; Audits, FY planning and allocation, reports on spending, and mandatory debriefs on montly… Show more Assistant to the Professor: Responsible for the day to day management of the chairs schedule, personal docs and files, as well as the individualzed tasks changing rapidly to meet the needs of studentsTo the University: A liasion between the budget control office, the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, and special task appointments to monitor spending allocated to the budget including; Audits, FY planning and allocation, reports on spending, and mandatory debriefs on montly meetingsTo the Performing Arts Center:Operations management of the day to day schedules of four separate spaces, from a black box dance studio, to a 500 seat procenium arch theatre. Creation and developement of the space's first inventory tracking system.Financial Managemen of the $15.6 Million Annual budget including: Planning, Purchase Orders, Payroll, Accounting, processing accounts, inventory.To the Community:As a representitive of the student body, and an employee of the University, resecting and abiding by the code of conduct, ethical business practices, as well as the furthering of the core vaules of the School were essential. Fostering a creative expression zone in every office and between professor and student as well as our primary sharholders- the community Show less

ResponsibilitiesPart Time Floral responsibilities included: Cleaning and sanitation, hydration and care of floral goods, fresh flowers, silk, plants, and other botanical varieties. Processing merchandise, display and cleaning of the sales floor, design space, bathrooms, and exterior of the shop. Delivering flowers, wedding delivery assistance, carry-over, customer service, and designs.AccomplishmentsAs a young floral apprentice, this space was primarily a working and learning… Show more ResponsibilitiesPart Time Floral responsibilities included: Cleaning and sanitation, hydration and care of floral goods, fresh flowers, silk, plants, and other botanical varieties. Processing merchandise, display and cleaning of the sales floor, design space, bathrooms, and exterior of the shop. Delivering flowers, wedding delivery assistance, carry-over, customer service, and designs.AccomplishmentsAs a young floral apprentice, this space was primarily a working and learning environment. Establishing credibility, and showing potential were among the strongest needs of the business at the time. Show less