Nikki Duncan Email and Phone Number

As a project manager, I thrived in the art of turning complex goals into actionable plans. Whether it was overseeing the seamless migration of technology across multiple locations or guiding teams through ownership transitions, I approached every project with a blend of strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail. Every initiative was an opportunity to innovate—to optimize processes, deliver measurable outcomes, and ensure every moving part aligned with the organization’s larger objectives.Project management wasn’t just about timelines and deliverables for me; it was about connecting the dots between people, technology, and strategy, ensuring every stakeholder was informed and empowered to contribute to success. From the rollout of new training protocols to the execution of major store openings, I kept my finger on the pulse of every detail, guiding teams through obstacles and delivering results that consistently exceeded expectations.Key Accomplishments: ~ Led the migration to Dynamics 365 POS across 112 stores within one year, driving operational efficiency and boosting sales by 20%. ~ Facilitated the opening of 55 new stores, 41 ownership transfers, and 68 franchise renewals, ensuring seamless transitions and continuous growth. ~ Implemented a $40,000 training initiative that optimized learning outcomes for 75 franchisees, helping them embrace a major business shift with confidence. ~ Streamlined project management processes, reducing bottlenecks and improving team coordination across multiple, large-scale projects.

As a servant leader, I approached leadership with empathy and adaptability, tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and personalities of our team. I wasn’t just managing operation support for 130+ high-performing franchise locations—I was fostering a shared vision that spanned from the highest executive level to the customer-facing associates. Leadership, for me, was about more than directing; it was about empowering others, ensuring that the tools and resources were in place for my teams to succeed, and guiding them through change with confidence and support.Throughout my years, I prided myself on being a steady hand, the kind that team members could trust in times of transition. Change management wasn’t just about implementing a new tool or system—it was about supporting teams through that change, ensuring that they felt capable and confident in their ability to adapt. I thrived on collaboration, bringing cross-functional teams together to align perspectives and turn executive visions into concrete, actionable processes.Key Accomplishments: ~ Supported operations across 140 franchise locations, fostering a shared vision from top-level management to customer-facing teams. ~ Guided teams through significant organizational changes, empowering them to embrace new tools and processes with confidence. ~ Created training resources that became lifelines for ongoing coaching and development, ensuring long-term talent growth and operational excellence. ~ Led cross-functional collaborations that resulted in streamlined processes, enhancing operational efficiency and alignment with company goals.

Operations management was where my strategic mindset truly came to life. In overseeing the operations of a national company with 130+ locations, I was driven by a singular goal: to ensure that every process ran smoothly, every team member had the tools they needed, and every operational decision aligned with the broader organizational objectives. Whether implementing new systems or streamlining compliance efforts, I focused on building efficiencies that left a lasting impact, ensuring the entire operation ran like a well-oiled machine.For me, operations management went beyond the day-to-day tasks—it was about creating systems that fostered long-term success. I loved taking on complex challenges, identifying the root causes of inefficiencies, and crafting solutions that solved immediate problems and paved the way for future growth. From compliance validation to resource management, I ensured that every operational decision added value, not just for today but for the long term.Key Accomplishments: ~ Increased operational efficiency by implementing project management processes and automation that kept 140 franchise locations aligned with company goals. ~ Developed compliance validation deliverables that added clarity to regulatory requirements and awarded upwards of $200,000 in financial value annually for franchise locations. ~ Created a resource management system that ensured teams had everything needed to execute their responsibilities effectively, reducing downtime and operational disruptions. ~ Coordinated logistics for high-stakes events and network gatherings, ensuring every detail—from planning to execution—ran seamlessly.

GOAL: Make a lasting impact and empower others.For over two decades, I embraced the role of Administration Manager with the same dedication I’d give to planning a flawless event or crafting the perfect story arc. Every day was an intricate balancing act—ensuring seamless communication across a network of 140 franchise locations, optimizing processes to lighten the load on my team, and diving into the heart of operational challenges with a mix of strategy and empathy. I became the go-to problem-solver, not just managing records and logistics, but building bridges between people and processes, turning complex systems into streamlined solutions that empowered everyone involved.Through the years, I refined how we operated, cutting the administrative workload in half by reworking our email and to-do list management into something more intuitive and efficient. My role as the gatekeeper for the Area Franchisee wasn’t just about keeping things running; it was about making sure everything clicked together like a well-plotted novel, where every chapter added value. Whether it was preparing detailed business reviews that turned data into actionable insights or coordinating virtual and in-person meetings that kept teams connected, I ensured that every task I touched was polished and purposeful.Key Accomplishments: ~ Reduced time spent on administrative tasks by 50% through automation and process streamlining. ~ Created project and compliance tracking tools that kept the team informed and aligned, reducing miscommunications and delays. ~ Developed a robust communication database and file management system, enabling quick access to historical data and effortless information recovery.Each chapter of my career has strengthened my belief in leadership, strategy, and servant-hearted management.

Managing a $40,000 budget to deliver print training was the challenge I needed to learn how to teach others. The goal was clear: empower 50+ store owners, managers, and associates to master a new print curriculum and gain ground in the Print Services Market Share. Armed with my knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Suite, I guided trainees through every aspect of the print process—from confidently discussing print concepts with clients to executing both basic and complex tasks, including wide-format printing, finishing services, and design fundamentals.From business cards to notepads, NCR forms to posters, I taught the art of collateral creation with a focus on precision and creativity. I walked the trainees through the intricacies of mounting, cutting, binding, and the critical concepts of bleed and no-bleed. We even explored the world of photo editing and graphic design, helping each participant unlock new potential in their print capabilities.The training wasn’t just about learning software or machines; it was about transforming the way they saw print production and marketing their products and services to customers. I tailored the curriculum to ensure that each participant, regardless of their starting point, left feeling confident in their ability to produce professional-quality prints and manage a thriving print business.

The Story Behind The Stories: My Writing JourneyAs an author, my passion for storytelling began as a hobby that blossomed into a career that allows me to create worlds where love and resilience reign supreme. Since 2007, I've penned over 20 novels, each exploring the depths of human emotion, suspense, and romance. My journey hasn't been without its challenges—after nearly 1,000 rejection letters, I finally received my first publishing contract in 2009. This led to the release of my debut book, Sounds to Die By, on my wedding anniversary, making it a doubly special day.Writing for me is about more than just creating romantic tension. It's about strong women and the men who respect and cherish them as equals. Whether I'm weaving tales of thrilling romantic suspense or crafting heartwarming love stories, my characters embody resilience, passion, and the belief that love can conquer all. From navigating the complexities of modern love to placing my characters in high-stakes, adrenaline-charged scenarios, my books are a blend of heartfelt connection and suspenseful intrigue.When my publishing company closed, my pace of four books a year drastically slowed. I have re-packaged and released my previously written work. My creative juices still flow, releasing new stories when inspiration strikes. Each novel I write carries a piece of me—whether it's drawing from real-life places, like in 12 Miracles of Christmas, or capturing the essence of love and healing in stories like from Stardom to Service: Healing His Heart.Through the highs and lows, I remain committed to telling stories that resonate with readers, blending the excitement of romantic suspense with the warmth of contemporary romance. It's my love for crafting characters that leap off the page, paired with the occasional tear and a guaranteed happy ending, that keeps me coming back to the keyboard.

Nurturing the Next Generation of AuthorsAs a published author with over 20 novels, I’ve had the opportunity to share not just my stories with readers, but also my passion for storytelling with aspiring writers. Through the Continuing Education Department at UTA, I was able to blend my experiences from the world of publishing with hands-on instruction to encourage and guide the next generation of authors.Teaching courses such as Beginner Fiction, Things to Know Before You Begin, Creative Writing: Non-Fiction, and Publishing A-Z, my goal has always been to make the world of writing feel approachable, whether for students at the start of their journey or those refining their craft. Drawing from my own experiences—ranging from navigating the complexity of characters and plots to facing the realities of the publishing industry—I aimed to help students cultivate their unique voices and stories.In my Beginner Fiction class, we explored the art of crafting characters that resonate, while Creative Writing: Non-Fiction challenges students to channel their real-life experiences into compelling narratives. In Publishing A-Z, I offered practical advice on navigating the complex publishing world, demystifying the process from manuscript submission to marketing. These courses were designed to be both encouraging and practical, empowering students to take their writing to the next level.By combining my expertise as a published author with my commitment to nurturing creative growth, I helped students not just write, but thrive in the world of creative writing. It’s rewarding to see the spark of excitement as new writers realize that their stories matter and can be shared with the world.

A Journey in Client Relations and Office ManagementIn 1994, my professional career began as an administrative assistant in the print shop. My time in the Print Department allowed me to build strong organizational abilities, while also gaining hands-on experience with production timelines and deadlines.I soon moved into the role of a front desk receptionist, where I embraced the responsibilities of a "Director of First Impressions." From the moment guests walked through the door or the phone rang, I was the face of the company, ensuring that each client and team member felt welcome and supported.During my time there, I managed a range of responsibilities, from answering phones and directing calls to overseeing mail distribution and maintaining a smooth office environment. My role required more than simply managing logistics—I became the central hub of communication, always knowing who was in the office and ensuring that operations ran seamlessly.Each interaction, whether with colleagues or clients, was an opportunity to reinforce the company’s values and professionalism. It was through these early experiences that I learned the importance of clear communication, attention to detail, and the impact of making a positive first impression—a foundation that has carried through every stage of my career.