Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Chris Fowler

Calgary,AB

Summary

Dynamic Metis leader with over 20 years of extensive experience in store management and operations. Proven success in driving revenue growth, achieving a remarkable 10% increase during tenure at M&M Food Market, and recognized with the 'Store of the Year' award at Loblaws, ranking #1 out of 300 stores. Exceptional skills in customer service and team leadership, dedicated to fostering community relationships. Prepared to leverage expertise in operations and team development to contribute to Loblaw Companies

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Store Owner

Freshco
12.2018 - 06.2025

Franchise owner with 25+ years of experience in managing operations of high-volume retail stores. Proven track record of success driving retail/store operations, achieving ambitious sales and revenue goals. Solid background in customer service, P&L management, shrink control, and loss prevention.

  • Manage daily operations activities of a team consisting of 6 assistant managers and 45 associates
  • Administer monthly budgets averaging $210,000
  • Establish goals and development plans, collaborating with assistant managers to hit monthly and quarterly budget goals
  • Develop daily, weekly, and monthly goals for each department, driving average sales up by 19% and shrinkage down by 23%

Director Operations - Prairies Region

H&R Block, Inc.
01.2016 - 11.2018
  • Oversaw 28% of the entire business for a $350M company, successfully enhancing revenues in the region by 5.5%.
  • Transformed an underperforming region, elevating its performance to become the top performer across all metrics.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
  • Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.

Director Operations - Western Canada

M&M Food Market
01.2014 - 12.2016
  • Achieved revenue growth exceeding 10% during tenure by implementing strategic initiatives.
  • Nurtured robust relationships with owners and franchisees, fostering collaboration across the region.
  • Drove significant market share growth with launch of innovative product lines.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.

Group Asset Protection Team Leader

Target Canada
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Supervised, coached, and mentored a team of 9 district asset protection managers to ensure optimal performance.
  • Executed the company's strategic plans for loss and theft prevention, bolstering overall asset security.
  • Facilitated ongoing professional development opportunities for team members through targeted training programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Implemented innovative technology solutions for better surveillance, monitoring, and reporting of potential threats to assets.
  • Performed risk assessments on key areas within the business, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation measures accordingly.
  • Strengthened communication between departments by organizing regular meetings to discuss asset protection issues and initiatives.
  • Promoted a strong culture of integrity and accountability within the organization, contributing to an overall decline in incidents related to asset loss or damage.

Senior Director, Operations

Loblaws
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Attained 'Store of the Year' recognition, ranking #1 out of 300 stores in Canada.
  • Oversaw 1800 unionized staff within a business generating $600M in annual revenue, ensuring operational excellence.

Director Operations - Western Canada

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.2008 - 01.2011
  • Delivered comprehensive retail leadership across all operational facets for 123 stores.
  • Produced 'The Most Profitable District' among all Canadian locations, demonstrating strategic acumen.

District Manager, BC & AB

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.2001 - 01.2008
  • Recognized as 'DM of the Year' for overseeing operations across 370 stores, highlighting exceptional management skills.

Regional Personnel Manager

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.2000 - 01.2001

Store Manager

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.1991 - 01.2000

Education

MBA - Business

Harvard Business School
Boston , MA
05-2014

EMBA - Business

Walmart Canada Corporation
Toronto, ON
05-2011

Skills

  • Team management
  • Cultural awareness
  • Supervision and leadership
  • Conflict resolution
  • Staff training and development
  • Operations management
  • Inventory management
  • Revenue management
  • Strategic planning
  • Staff management
  • Recruiting and interviewing
  • Business development
  • Risk management
  • Decision-making
  • Negotiation
  • Disciplinary techniques
  • Salesforce management
  • Team leadership
  • Budget control

Timeline

Store Owner

Freshco
12.2018 - 06.2025

Director Operations - Prairies Region

H&R Block, Inc.
01.2016 - 11.2018

Director Operations - Western Canada

M&M Food Market
01.2014 - 12.2016

Group Asset Protection Team Leader

Target Canada
01.2013 - 01.2014

Senior Director, Operations

Loblaws
01.2011 - 01.2013

Director Operations - Western Canada

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.2008 - 01.2011

District Manager, BC & AB

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.2001 - 01.2008

Regional Personnel Manager

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.2000 - 01.2001

Store Manager

Walmart Canada Corporation
01.1991 - 01.2000

MBA - Business

Harvard Business School

EMBA - Business

Walmart Canada Corporation
Chris Fowler