Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Community Service
Timeline
GeneralManager
Cindy Epp

Cindy Epp

Leamington,Canada

Summary

In my role as the General Manager and head of operations at MCCThrift On Mill I acted in accordance with the policies and guidelines established by Mennonite Central Committee Ontario (MCCO). I worked with my staff, and volunteers to promote a friendly, caring presence in the community, showing value and respect to all, promoting faithful stewardship and raising funds for MCC.

I believe that my 9 years of experience working with our community, staff, donors and our volunteer base has well prepared me to offer a high caliber of expertise with regard to client services in the employment sector.

My former career as an RPN, nursing within hospital and community was of great benefit as I possess great kindness, gentleness and compassion. I am able to create trust connections easily.

As GM I provided oversight and support for up to 9 staff and a roster of up to 150 volunteers. I was particularly skilled at cultivating and maintaining organizational loyalty as well as a positive team approach.

I am a problem solver by nature. I enjoy implementing strategic direction utilizing relevant data for the purpose of growth and development in business. Over my 9 years with MCC I was able to bring the Leamington thrift shop from $240,000 per year in revenue to closing the fiscal year of 2022-2023 at $1.2 million.

When I am given a goal or possess a personal one as was the case with the shop revenue target, I am able to meet and often exceed expectation. I am well able to follow pre-existing workplace structure without attempting to create a new model.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager

MCCThrift On Mill
02.2020 - 09.2023

Qualifications

  • Confidence in leadership roles maintaining approachable atmosphere
  • Sensitivity for working with individuals facing personal challenges such as transient housing, newcomers to Canada, learning disabilities, mental health diagnosis, history of substance misuse disorder, lack of marketable workplace experience
  • · 16+ years' experience working with public/community of Windsor Essex
  • Ability to assess the most effective learning style for individuals- auditory, visual or hands on experience then to adapt training & or mentorship for the client
  • Confidence acting as liaison with client and employer
  • Passionate in advocacy on behalf of clients
  • Experience operating within Ministry of Labor/Workplace Policy and Procedure
  • AODA & CPR/First Aid Certified

Development and leadership

  • Demonstrated high standard of excellence in coordination, supervision, leadership, and administration roles
  • Proven ability to provide leadership in a fast-paced environment, creatively engaging talents of volunteers and staff
  • Strong planning, monitoring, budgeting, evaluating, and reporting skills
  • Dealt with conflict democratically and effectively - staff, volunteers, colleagues, donors and client base
  • Able to make quick and thoughtful decisions
  • Ability to create an atmosphere of respect and geniality with coworkers and supervisors

Communication experience

  • Participated in discussions for the creation and implementation of Strategic Planning and Direction as a member of the Cross Departmental Leadership team for MCC Ontario
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills required: reading, writing and analytical skills equal to a college or university degree
  • Ability to relate well with a wide range of people and be comfortable in communication with volunteers, staff, MCCO (Mennonite Central Committee Ontario) constituency, the public, church small groups and volunteer groups of all ages.
  • Lead tours of the shop as well as provided education regarding the nature of the organization, overviews of project and programs within Ontario and MCC Canada as well as Creation Care Best Practice within the shop
  • Public speaking
  • Ability to communicate in an articulate, engaging manner with tact and diplomacy when speaking with either colleagues or constituency, donors, volunteers and my staff team.
  • Social Media literacy, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In
  • Experience with outreach for the purpose of information sharing and business promotions within the marketing and business sectors of Windsor Essex County

Work and Organizational skills

  • Proficient in data analysis, budget management, business administrative duties: invoicing, email correspondence, marketing/advertising, providing departmental and financial reports, supply orders
  • Experience with computer programs that facilitate remote connectivity (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom, etc.)
  • Excellent organizational and relational skills with exceptional attention to detail
  • Creative and visionary – growth and development of the business as well as trouble shooting and strategic direction planning
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting, prioritizing a wide variety of tasks
  • Respect for and discretion in dealing with confidential material
  • Enjoy the process of decision making and problem-solving understanding when to ‘ask up’ for direction as needed
  • Working knowledge of MS Office programs including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint
  • Understanding of responsibilities as they relate to provincial health & safety legislation

Management Experience

  • Provided vision and overall direction for the MCC Thrift Shop based on MCCO Thrift Network and MCCO’s strategic plan, including developing, monitoring, and evaluating project plans and annual plans for the thrift shop
  • Actively participated in MCCO Thrift Network meetings, collectively developing and planning strategic plans and operating principles
  • Participated in Cross Departmental Leadership meetings
  • Developed appropriate shop budgets within MCCO budgeting system and cycle
  • Liaised with Advisory Council/Operations Council, community, supporting churches and local schools to build relationships and gain support for the shop
  • Responsible for the daily operations of the shop including opening and closing; supervision of cash needs for float, banking and deposits
  • Responsible for office/financial work including accounts payable and receivable, financial and business information, managing cash/deposits/daily reconciliation in consultation with the Thrift Finance Manager
  • Responsible for advertising and promotions for the MCC Thrift Shop in consultation with the MCCO Graphics Coordinator and Thrift Coordinator
  • Responsible for measuring and managing the sales growth of the shop in consultation with the Thrift Coordinator and Thrift Finance Manager
  • Provided a hospitable atmosphere for customers, donors, staff or volunteers inclusive of and making accommodations for those with varying physical or cognitive delays or abilities, cultural backgrounds, sexual/personal identification, socioeconomic status accepting of all faith bases or religious beliefs
  • Responsible for supervision, evaluation, support, training and staff development for my staff team
  • Arranged and chaired frequent staff meetings, conduct regular check ins and complete annual PAR process
  • Participated in public speaking engagements - with commitment to MCC's values and mission
  • Responded to requests for information and presentations in a timely manner. Developing and delivering effective and engaging presentations
  • Ensured appropriate records are kept and current, including human resources documentation/evaluations/job descriptions, and risk management documentation

Health & Safety

  • Ensured employees adhered to company policies and legal regulations
  • Ensured my staff followed risk management policy and procedures ensuring a culture where risks are identified and mitigated as a team
  • Ensured health and safety policies, procedures and regulations were enforced as needed
  • Responsible for ensuring all staff Health and Safety Certifications were updated as per provincial guidelines

Production Manager

MCCThrift On Mill
09.2014 - 02.2020
  • Oversaw all processing of product from receiving to sales, including donation receiving, sorting, cleaning, repairing, distribution, pricing, storage
  • Managed and maintained a safe, efficient and clean workroom including the safety and comfort needs of volunteers and staff
  • Responsible for store layout, displays and signage (including special features)
  • Coordinated merchandise exchanges through seasonal and specified floor time allotment changes
  • Supervisor of 5 staff & 135 volunteers
  • Assumed GM responsibilities and duties in their absence

Education

4 Years - Political Science -

University of Windsor/University of Western
Windsor, ON London, ON
05.1994

Skills

  • Leadership and team management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Strategic planning and direction
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Data analysis and budget management

Certification

  • AODA Certified
  • CPR/First Aid Certified

Languages

English
Spanish
Portuguese

Community Service

  • BIA Leamington Board Member
  • Chamber of Commerce Board Member
  • Committee member for the SECC Homeless Project
  • Contributor to the HUB drop-in center

Timeline

General Manager

MCCThrift On Mill
02.2020 - 09.2023

Production Manager

MCCThrift On Mill
09.2014 - 02.2020

4 Years - Political Science -

University of Windsor/University of Western
Cindy Epp