Rick Planos Email & Phone Number

Evanston, Illinois, Us

Develop actionable customer acquisition and engagement strategies; transform retail store, luxury and hospitality environments for both domestic and global clients.• Created national rollout plans for B2C / B2B mobile apps and software options for global technology brands in the U.S., Malaysia, Israel, and India.• Work with clients to solve challenges facing retail, hospitality and global brands today. Clients include:• CONSUMER ELECTRONICS: Best Buy, Samsung, AT&T, Micro Center, Target • LICENSED / BRANDED MERCHANDISE: Disney, Lenscrafters, Columbia, Hershey's, Samsonite, Clarks, Nautica, Hallmark, Starwood Retail Properties, Chicago Cubs• RESTAURANTS: California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), Capital Grille, Darden Concepts, Coopers Hawk, Levy, Eataly• LUXURY AND GOURMET: Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Le Creuset, Breitling, Omega, Rolex, Nespresso, Arhaus, Coach• STORE CLOSINGS: Great American, Hilco, Gordman's, Gander Mountain• VOLUNTEER: Make a Wish Illinois (Wish Granter, Presenter, Fund Raiser), University of Illinois (Student Mentor), Curt's Cafe (Volunteer, Mentor), Humane Society (Foster Pet Home, Volunteer) Hope Center (After School Tutor, Fund Raiser, Volunteer) Time to Read (Team Leader) Specialties:Margin, Revenue & Share Growth, Continuous Process Improvement, P&L, Turnarounds, Metrics & KPIs, International, Employee Engagement, Omnichannel, Real Estate Selection, Franchising, Licensing, Strategic Planning, Consultative Sales, Negotiations, Store Design, Merchandising, eCommerce, Product & Concept Rollouts, Brand Management, Start-Ups, Cost Cutting, Coaching and Mentoring, Non Profits

Urbana, Il, Us

Urbana, Il, Us

SHIELD Illinois is a screening and diagnostic testing program that deploys the University of Illinois’ innovative PCR covidSHIELD saliva test across the state. SHIELD Illinois is an example of the University of Illinois’ land-grant mission, as a non-profit unit working to control the spread of COVID-19 across the state of Illinois, safely open schools, protect workplaces and save lives. Currently SHIELD Illinois tests over 1/3 of the State of Illinois.

Chicago, Il, Us

Supported Senior focused 501C3 non profit with fundraising, programming, community building and outreach. Contributed to Brain Health initiatives, event planning, and career development for active adults in the Chicago area.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Led a fun experiential new four wall retail concept for two cutting edge brands that are leading the way for the next generation of retail. Delivered results ahead of the NYC flagship leading to the current design of Google four wall retail footprint. #googlepopup

Coral Gables, Florida, Us

Led the most aggressive rollout of co-branded wireless shops in the industry, recruiting, hiring, training, strategy development.

St Louis, Missouri, Us

Unique global interactive environment where kids create their best buddiesRecruited to lead extensive re branding and turnaround. Led most tenured team through massive organizational change. Led cross-functional team delivering new products, marketing and promotional ideas.• Delivered top 20% comp holiday sales results two years in a row; teams led company results in critical bounce back holiday strategy. Beat comp sales holiday season 2014 and 2015. Top DM in employee retention 2013.• Developed revenue, customer acquisition and sales team for 16 locations in four states in high-touch, interactive, metric driven children’s business. Originated clear, actionable strategic plan and omnichannel vision for customer journey and customer experience, both through online eCommerce and in-store revisions.• Opened and perfected three new concept locations: Co-branded shop-in-shop, technology focused store of the future and tourist store. Refined customer journey to align with sales goals. Implemented value engineering strategies and high-tech designs. Drove new revenue streams.• Led cross functional task force in customer and associate engagement, training and coaching. Developed refined and targeted store visit protocol to redirect towards sales focused teams.• Leveraged experience in licensing, franchising, apps and innovative technology platforms. Drove new revenue.• Exceeded company and region in employee engagement (360-degree surveys) both years measured.• Improved contribution margin every year employed. Every store profitable all three years during tenure.Specialties:Margin, Revenue & Share Growth, Continuous Process Improvement, P&L, Turnarounds, Metrics & KPIs, International, Employee Engagement, Omnichannel, Real Estate Selection, Franchising, Licensing, Strategic Planning, Consultative Sales, Negotiations, Store Design, Merchandising, eCommerce, Product & Concept Rollouts, Brand Management, Start-Ups, Cost Cutting, Coaching and Mentoring

Cupertino, California, Us

Leading multinational technology company and retailer designing, repairing and training computer, mobile devices and computer accessories and software.Hired to lead new store. Delivered top five performance levels in sales, repairs and customer service.• Increased overseas mobile phone sales to led store to record $45M in sales in 4500 sq ft.• Promoted to larger-volume store within six months based on leadership in driving sales success, product launches and cost-effective management. • Pioneered intern program for smaller markets leading company to change strategies to be more inclusive of all markets. Recruited and developed 125 team members and 12 managers.• Grew sales more than company trend by selective hiring and perfecting scheduling systems or processes.• Led market exceeding all metrics including repairs, guest service, turnaround time, educational class reception.• Led teams to deliver guest service scores above both district, region, and company standards. • Managed multiple new product launches. Generated thousands of new customers and major revenue growth.• Drove revenue for large Apple stores generating $30-$45 million annually through consistent strategy and tactical execution; at one point ranked #7 globally in comp sales increases.• Consistently ranked #1 in market Quarter-to-Date (QTD) overall metrics.Specialties:Margin, Revenue & Share Growth, Continuous Process Improvement, P&L, Turnarounds, Metrics & KPIs, International, Employee Engagement, Omnichannel, Real Estate Selection, Franchising, Licensing, Strategic Planning, Consultative Sales, Negotiations, Store Design, Merchandising, eCommerce, Product & Concept Rollouts, Brand Management, Start-Ups, Cost Cutting, Coaching & Mentoring

Self-employed retail, business and career consultant. Advised investment groups on feasibility of retail concepts and turnarounds. Researched franchise concepts and reported on potential profitability. Developed career strategies for executive candidates.

Omaha, Nebraska, Us

100-year-old iconic family owned and operated luxury gourmet food and gift brand Hired to turnaround money store losing division. Developed and implemented new real estate strategy, merchandising and customer centric store designs. Held full P&L division responsibility for 80-store division• Grew division profitability three consecutive years. Increased average store sales 20%.• Opened 15 new concept stores and closed 20 unprofitable locations to generate a profit rather than anticipated loss. Created four new store design prototypes. • Increased gross margin over five points. Revitalized product selection, merchandising and eCommerce customer experience.• Reinvigorated culture by incentivizing sales personnel and creating breakthrough training, sales and rewards. Lowered turnover and increased brand loyalty across all customer segments.• Enhanced real estate strategy to leverage move to upscale lifestyle center locations. • Enhanced division website and added customer service measures.• Developed up-sell initiatives to improve gross margin and average ticket target.• Turned around years of poor customer service scores. Annual service standards improved over 18%.• Refined airport and pop up store design, layouts, and assortments to drive service, brand recognition and profitability.

New York, Us

Managed P&L for 110 locations generating $560M in sales. Oversaw development of 11 District Managers and 110 Store Managers. Served as key member of Corporate Executive Operating Committee. Reported directly to the president of Barnes & Noble. • Achieved 7.5% overall increases for fiscal 2001 in book, music and café businesses. • Reduced original payroll budget by $1.5M exceeding stretch goal by $250K.• Created and delivered training vehicles for 1000 Sales Managers and 100 District Managers.• Established streamlined store opening systems, saving $500K for region.• Delivered best in company sales performance throughout holiday 2001. Grew revenue +9.9%.• Implemented program that recruited 300K members to corporate loyalty program during inaugural year.• Led 110 co-branded Starbucks cafes. Drove traffic and $560M sales.

Burbank, Ca, Us

Global role overseeing sales development and expansion of 55 international franchise locations in 13 countries generating between $150 and $175M in annual revenue. High-profile strategic role reporting to senior leadership team of multi-billion-dollar entertainment and licensing company.• Pioneered retail entertainment concepts, created Best Practices Program to share global best practices and launched high-performing flagship, kiosk, airport, outlet, and shop in shop locations in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Spain, and the Philippines. • Promoted from District Manager to Regional Manager to VP in seven years while opening over 75 locations globally. Developed and perfected entertainment retail start up including strategic planning, store design, visual merchandising, value engineering, people development, policy and procedure, site selection, and product development.• Received highest company awards for outstanding leadership, customer service, and holiday upsell three years in a row.• Established fully integrated sales channel strategy including temporary (pop up) stores, kiosks, outlet (clearance stores), airport stores, and shop in shops within major department stores. • Earned highest award for customer service 3 out of 5 years for my teams earning the highest and most consistent guest service scores as evaluated by outside shoppers.

Graduate Certification, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

Graduate Degree (Ongoing Coursework), Business And Information Technology / Digital Experience / Social Media

Bachelors Of Science (Bs), Marketing

Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

Certificate Of Personal Achievment, Non-Profit Education