Michael Epstein Email & Phone Number

Timonium, Maryland

Coordinate and direct day-to-day operation of $6M flooring retailer. Manage staff of 12-15 employees and 10 subcontractor teams to insure installation deadlines are met. Oversee accounting, purchasing, warehouse and rug fabrication departments. Communicate directly with customers to set expectations for installation. Create and maintain installation, fabrication, and delivery schedules. Follow up post installation to verify there are no unresolved issues. Responsible for collection of accounts receivable. Primary contact within the organization for problem resolution. • Ability to manage objectives lead to an 85% growth in volume and an increase in profitability.• Quick problem resolution and improved tracking in Filemaker Pro / Floor Manager software contributed to 70% reduction in outstanding accounts receivable.• Change agent who is able to build high performing teams that collaborate to create a winning culture• Proven leader that managed growth in lean environment• Work directly with owner to develop and implement strategies for growth. • Open and honest leader who has encouraged team members to make suggestions to improve efficiency within the organization.• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Baltimore, Maryland Area

Owner of high end men’s footwear retailer. General responsibilities include budgeting, buying, merchandising, marketing, and selling. Maintain all business relationships with vendors, banker, and accountant. Developed and implemented new marketing practices to grow business. Utilized and maintained retail software at POS and back office to manage business. Responsible for identifying emerging trends and acting upon them to grow the top and bottom line. -Grew business by 50% over two year period through new marketing / promotion plan. Used vendor coop programs to increase marketing budget.-Faced with stagnant sales, created an outside sales division to call on executives in the Baltimore area. This new division accounted for a 20% business increase. -Utilized computer software to efficiently handle reorders of best-selling merchandise to reduce missed sales. -Developed employee loyalty through team building and reduced employee turnover. Consistent employees built loyalty among customers.-Implemented a customer special order program. Responsible for placing orders and follow up with customer. At its peak this program accounted for 20% of total volume. -Generated sales leads through development of customer questionnaire. Used information gained to contact customers directly leading to a 25% increase in business. Accumulated a mailing list of more than 7000 names.