Lara DePauli
Sicamous,BC
Summary
Professional with strong background in retail management, poised to drive business success. Skilled in inventory control, customer engagement, and financial oversight, ensuring operational efficiency. Focused on team collaboration and adaptable to changing business needs, delivering consistent and measurable results. Known for strategic thinking, reliability, and passion for creating positive customer experience.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Owner
Little Earth Children's Store INC
05.2011 - Current
- Developed a loyal customer base with personalized assistance, attentive listening, and friendly interactions.
- Adapted store operations to meet changing market conditions and customer needs while preserving overall business stability.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment to create an inviting shopping experience.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing customer inquiries or concerns promptly.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new product opportunities and ensure alignment with consumer preferences.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing agreements and secure high-quality products for the store.
- Strengthened relationships with vendors to ensure reliable product deliveries while maintaining healthy business partnerships.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Managed inventory levels for optimal stock availability, reducing excess stock and minimizing costs.
- Increased store sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and attractive merchandise displays.
- Monitored financial performance with regular budget reviews, identifying areas for cost reduction or revenue growth opportunities.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
- Boosted sales during peak seasons by designing promotional events and coordinating targeted advertising campaigns.
- Cultivated a positive work culture that fostered teamwork, open communication, and continuous improvement among staff members.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Improved store efficiency through proper staff scheduling, task delegation, and timely performance evaluations.
- Proactively addressed potential safety hazards within the store environment, maintaining a secure and compliant space for staff and customers.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on store equipment to ensure operational efficiency and prevent costly repairs or replacements later on.
- Provided financial management through preparation of bank deposits and settlement of sales, returns, and transaction reports.
- Optimized product positioning within the store layout to increase visibility of key items resulting in higher sales conversions.
- Mentored staff members in various aspects of retail operations, promoting professional development among team members.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
Private Charter Broker
Perimeter Transportation
02.2007 - 06.2010
- Developed strong relationships with clients, earning their trust and loyalty through consistent communication and portfolio updates.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing any concerns or questions from clients promptly and professionally.
- Negotiated favorable terms for clients during transactions, maximizing their profits in both buying and selling scenarios.
- Answered inquiries and provided information to sales representatives, distributed appropriate paperwork, and fulfilled quote requests to deliver excellent customer support.
- Developed a reputation for integrity and ethical conduct within the brokerage community, leading to increased trust from clients and colleagues alike.
- Conducted research to answer questions and handle issues using multiple systems and resources.
- Cultivated a wide network of professional contacts, increasing referral business and expanding client base over time.
- Prepared contracts and related documentation according to strict standards.
- Utilized advanced technology tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the brokerage team.
- Fostered team environment that encouraged knowledge sharing and collaboration, leading to improved brokerage services.
- Drove revenue growth, negotiating favorable terms with new financial products providers.
- Built and deepened productive relationships with prospective and competitive customers to drive sustained growth.
English Teacher
Youcan English School
03.2003 - 03.2006
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing extra support or enrichment opportunities, resulting in improved academic outcomes.
- Improved English proficiency through immersive language activities and real-life conversation practice.
- Implemented reward system to motivate students and recognize academic and personal achievements.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
Travel Broker
Brewster Transportation
02.2000 - 02.2002
- Built rapport with customers through empathetic listening and understanding their unique needs or preferences.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complex issues effectively.
- Managed high call volume, ensuring timely response and effective resolution to all customer concerns.
- Reduced wait times through efficient call handling, enhancing overall customer satisfaction rates.
- Developed a comprehensive knowledge of product offerings to better assist customers with informed recommendations.
- Supported team members during peak periods by sharing workload and providing guidance when needed.
- Contributed to positive team culture, driving motivation and productivity among peers.
- Followed up with customers after completed sales to assess satisfaction and resolve technical or service concerns.
- Increased repeat business by personalizing customer interactions and remembering client preferences.
- Negotiated solutions in challenging situations to retain customer loyalty.
- Managed high volume of customer calls, maintaining calm and professional demeanor.
- Resolved customer complaints, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
Housekeeping Room Attendant
Banff Springs Hotel
06.1998 - 09.1999
- Removed bed sheets and towels from rooms and pre-treated stains to maintain and restore linen condition.
- Replaced used towels and other bathroom amenities such as shampoo, paper towels, and soap.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by maintaining clean and well-stocked rooms in a timely manner.
- Sanitized all kitchen surfaces, wiped down cabinets, and swept and mopped floors
- Promoted a safe work environment by adhering to health and safety regulations while performing duties.
- Engaged with guests on room requirements and amenities to promote overall satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional customer service when interacting with guests during their stay, creating a positive impression of the hotel''s commitment towards excellence.
- Completed pre-cleaning duties by setting up cleaning carts with fresh linens, cleaning supplies, and requested guest supplies.
- Improved room turnaround times by efficiently managing daily tasks and prioritizing room assignments.
- Reduced housekeeping complaints by ensuring consistent adherence to hotel standards and procedures.
- Consistently met or exceeded room inspection scores by diligently following established guidelines for cleanliness and presentation.
Creative Director/Set Designer
Banff Centre of the Arts
10.1996 - 03.1997
- Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
- Attended rehearsals to make necessary adjustments and improvements to set designs based on performance needs.
- Incorporated historical research into designs, enhancing authenticity and audience immersion.
- Participated in pre-production meetings with stakeholders to ensure clear understanding of artistic vision across all departments involved in a production.
- Collaborated with directors to develop visually striking sets for successful productions.
- Optimized space usage on stage by designing multi-functional sets for seamless transitions between scenes.
- Delivered creative solutions for challenging spaces, transforming them into engaging environments.
- Coordinated set design, propping and decoration in conjunction with photo art directors.
- Designed versatile sets that could be easily adapted for various scenes and productions.
- Devised strategic approaches for highlighting important focal points in each design.
Education
Human Resources Diploma - Human Resources
Ashton College
Vancouver, BC06-2006
Diploma In TEOFL - Teaching English As A Second Language
Canadian College of Educators
ONLINE01-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
University of Victoria
Victoria06-2002
Associate of Arts - English/Music
Associate Of Arts Diploma
Briercrest, SK06-1992
Skills
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Training and mentoring
- Decision-making
- Excellent time management skills
- Exceptional interpersonal communication
- Complaint resolution
- Team building and leadership
- Exceptional telephone etiquette
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Schedule management
- Staff management
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Administrative support
Timeline
Store Owner
Little Earth Children's Store INC
05.2011 - Current
Private Charter Broker
Perimeter Transportation
02.2007 - 06.2010
English Teacher
Youcan English School
03.2003 - 03.2006
Travel Broker
Brewster Transportation
02.2000 - 02.2002
Housekeeping Room Attendant
Banff Springs Hotel
06.1998 - 09.1999
Creative Director/Set Designer
Banff Centre of the Arts
10.1996 - 03.1997
Human Resources Diploma - Human Resources
Ashton College
Diploma In TEOFL - Teaching English As A Second Language
Canadian College of Educators
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
University of Victoria
Associate of Arts - English/Music
Associate Of Arts Diploma
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