1. ROBERT I. BOWEN
193 Green Bay Drive Boardman, OH 44512 (330) 501-5415
bbowen44@zoominternet.net
LETTER OF INTEREST
Confidential
Dear Hiring Manager:
As you review my cover letter and resume for the position you have available, I realize that you might
be asking: What can this Operations Management Professional — who has experience with one of the
largest retailers — offer our company that’s unique and will allow us to move forward?
My answer is: Plenty!
Based on my accomplishments in relevant retail management roles as well as my Bachelor’s degree in
Economics, I have been able to succeed despite competitive factors. In addition to my proven
experience, my working knowledge of economic principles that drive profits has allowed me to make a
positive difference.
Given the opportunity to serve you, I would bring to the position:
Strong team leadership skills: With 20 years of experience with Kmart, I have a solid foundation to
draw on while equipping and motivating assistant managers and up to 125 sales associates to meet
your objectives for growth and profits.
A proven ability to adapt to economic factors: My management team has had to adapt to
widespread changes since Kmart became part of Sears Holding Corporation. These initially involved a
72 percent reduction in advertising distribution for our store as well as other changes to budgets and
procedures. During this time, I motivated managers to focus on the transition as an opportunity to set
and achieve new goals by consistently demonstrating our strong merchandising skills and higher
standards for customer service.
Sales increases: I am proud to say that sales for the Boardman Kmart consistently trended above
average for stores in both the district and the region while I served as General Manager there. Drawing
on my Economics degree, I demonstrated proficiency early in my career with tracking sales trends and
adjusting merchandising to impact progress. For instance, I led the Kmart in Niagara Falls, NY, to #1
and #2 standing in sales revenues in the entire retail chain for three consecutive years.
A disciplined manager who focuses on results, I continue to set priorities and approach my role with a
sense of ownership, responsibility, and dedication to progress.
Having served as General Manager at the Kmart in Hermitage, PA, since 2008, I recently decided to
explore the job market for other positions closer to home. To that end, I’d like to confidentially present my
qualifications in a personal interview.
May we meet? Thank you for your time and serious consideration.
Sincerely,
Robert I. “Bob” Bowen
Enclosure

2. ROBERT I. BOWEN
193 Green Bay Drive Boardman, OH 44512 (330) 501-5415
bbowen44@zoominternet.net
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Qualified for roles involving:
Customer Service Financial Management Market Research & Operations Analysis
Property/Facilities Management Sales Promotions/Marketing Recruiting, Training, Supervising
Reliable Operations Management professional who offers a strong employment record with a leading
retailer: Bachelor’s degree in Economics contributes to unique qualifications involving proficiency with
analyzing operations and tracking sales trends to impact progress. Offer strong background with hiring,
training and developing employees to effectively market products and services.
QUALIFICATIONS
KMART CORPORATION, management career path, 1989 to Present
General Manager, Hermitage, PA, location (2008 to Present)
General Manager, Boardman, OH, store (1996 to 2007)
Professional experience is marked by a strong record of progress, leading to role of General Manager.
Oversee a full range of operations issues at this store with sales volume of up to $12M, and previously
with managing a store located in an area with several competing retailers within a three-mile radius.
Demonstrate proven background with customer service, merchandising, and staffing/scheduling matters
for up to 125 employees.
Human Resources
Provide leadership to up to three salaried Assistant Managers, two floor supervisors and 12 department
heads as well as Loss Prevention Specialists. Regularly conduct management team meetings to
discuss sales trends, merchandising strategies, and provide other store and corporate updates.
Build and maintain a high performing hourly associate team. During peak operations, coached up to
125 sales associates as General Manager.
Provide staff leadership and training: Trained and developed several Assistant Managers, including
one who became a District Manager and others who have become General Managers at other stores.
Profit & Growth Initiatives
Forecast demand for new and popular merchandise, making adjustments to orders as needed.
Significantly reduced shrink from 1.25 to .68 within the first year at the Hermitage store.
Negotiate with local contractors: Gather cost quotations and oversee building maintenance and
equipment repairs. Also provided management direction during a store remodeling effort.
Experienced with merchandising and sales promotions that draw customers’ attention at the store’s
entrance and prompt them to seek other bargains.
General Manager, Dubois, PA, location (1995 to 1996)
Merchandising Manager, Niagara Falls, NY, store (1989 to 1995)
Recruited for a General Manager position after proving ability to fulfill GM duties as needed.
As Merchandising Manager, the Niagara Falls store ranked #1 and #2 in the entire chain for three
consecutive years based on sales revenues.
Provided direction for up to six weeks before grand openings at new stores. Assisted with floor plans as
well as merchandising displays and staff training at three stores.
Started retail career as an Assistant Trainee and an Area Assistant. Advanced to management roles in
recognition of strong work ethic and professional standards.
EDUCATION, TRAINING
BACHELOR OF ARTS, Economics, Framingham State College, Framingham, MA
Attended various company-sponsored Management training seminars and updates
Computer skills:
Microsoft Word and Excel; Brass Ring for staff recruitment and Red Prairie for scheduling