Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Achievement Awards
Conference Participation
Hobbies and Interests
References
Languages
Physical fitness
Timeline
Jack Allan

Jack Allan

Regina,SK

Summary

  • Managed the various aspects involved in independent retail store ownership.
  • Ready, willing, and able to deliver excellence independently or collaboratively.
  • Increases sales and profitability with strategic marketing campaigns, and promotions.
  • Fashion trend interpretation, and assortment planning for trend coverage.
  • Negotiates terms and discounts with vendors to maximize cost-effectiveness.
  • Efficiently recognizes and troubleshoots critical issues, by developing creative solutions.
  • Prospecting, business development, and rapport building with clientele and vendors.
  • Strictly adheres to safety standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintains equanimity in high-pressure, or fast-paced environments.
  • Complete sell-through and margin analysis, SKU distribution, and manage inventory.
  • Advanced computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Photoshop, Email, social media promotions, Internet, and Intranet utilization.
  • A highly motivated Retail Management Professional, with 15 plus years of experience pioneering ideas to increase profits, and expand marketing territory. A Manager who leads staff to success, consistently exceeds sales goals and corporate expectations, and demonstrates expertise in footwear, clothing, and accessories.

Versatile business leader bringing 15 plus years of experience as accomplished President. Strategic problem-solver, change manager and visionary executive with success implementing plans to meet current and future needs. Key expertise in the footwear industry.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

President

Marler Shoes Ltd.
    • Transformed an eighty-one year old retail establishment into a leading sales contender for fashion, footwear, and accessories
    • Produced multiple years of gross revenue in excess of $1.6 million
    • Directed and optimized the complexities of the business including purchasing, inventory management, vendor management, store presentation, employee relations, and office management
    • Led, managed, and mentored a sales team of ten employees to thrive and consistently exceed sales targets
    • Cultivated a strong reputation within the community, which resulted in a highly successful employee recruitment program
    • Created a desirable workplace environment, consequently eliminating turnover rates and increasing employee retention
    • Motivated the sales team using strategic methodologies that focused on developing sales goals and improving productivity, while continually providing exceptional customer service
    • Adapted women's private label of Italian footwear leading and implementing changes to designs, materials, and embellishments
    • Skilfully evaluated and maximized the talents of each employee, by improving deficiencies and harnessing existing skills
    • Increased margins by an average of 10% through vendor negotiations, and creating beneficial partnerships
    • Attended trade shows in New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Italy, and France to establish and strengthen vendor relationships
    • Reinvented the Marler's brand through an innovative advertising campaign that included print, television, and billboard advertisements
    • Acted as Creative Director during the filming of the campaign including styling the shoot, providing feedback to the creative team, and approving the final product.

Painting Contractor

Self-Employed
01.2012 - Current
  • Oversee each aspect of running a contracting business such as marketing, sales, bookkeeping, project planning, and conducting final walk through on completed projects
  • Develop staff's comprehension of safety and construction procedures, including drywall and finish work
  • Prepare and submit price quotations, and create fresh colour pallets for Clients based on their individual personalities and requirements
  • Source high-quality, low-cost supplies by negotiating contracts with vendors with 15% more value year over year
  • Liaise and build rapport with clients to ensure satisfaction, achieving 80% customer retention
  • Manage projects from inception to execution, while adhering to deadlines and budgets
  • Supervising employees on site to ensure quality control, and provide coaching
  • Manage projects effectively to ensure above industry profits were achieved.

Wholesale Sales Executive

Bendal Marketing
01.2010 - 01.2012
  • Managed wholesale relationship with retail clients in Ontario and the Maritimes, including product line presentation and order management
  • Assisted Bendal's key Canadian retailers in promoting, and maximizing sales of European shoe lines
  • Collaborated with manufacturers to direct product design elements such as style suggestions, and materials to be utilized
  • Regularly exceeded sales expectations set by the company, and successfully introduced new footwear lines to Canadian market
  • Advised on retailer footwear selections through product knowledge, and following marketplace trends
  • Selected shoe styles for retail customers to sample, and offered alternatives to match their preferences
  • Nurtured relationships with customers by working with them, identifying their needs, and recommending the ideal product fit.

Education

High School diploma

Skills

  • Strategic business planning
  • Program Oversight
  • Negotiation
  • Financial Planning
  • Employee Coaching
  • Human Resources
  • Balanced Work Ethic
  • Marketing expertise
  • Employee Motivation and Performance
  • Industry Expertise
  • Project Oversight
  • Leadership and People Development
  • Trade Negotiations

Achievement Awards

Paragon Award, 2010, A finalist receiving recognition for “Outstanding Marketing Strategy”, by successfully creating a distinguished retail advertising campaign.

Conference Participation

Annual Trade Conferences, 1995-2011, Various Locations, Attended annual trade conferences on inventory management, employee training, and marketing to develop skills and improve managerial capabilities.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Keen follower of current events, particularly pertaining to the fashion industry and business trends.
  • Committed to health and maintaining work-life balance, and have completed eleven marathons in various cities across North America.
  • Self-taught, and avid guitar player.

References

References are available upon request.

Languages

English
Elementary

Physical fitness

Attend a palates type workout at least 5 days a week.

Timeline

Painting Contractor - Self-Employed
01.2012 - Current
Wholesale Sales Executive - Bendal Marketing
01.2010 - 01.2012
President - Marler Shoes Ltd.
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Jack Allan