1. Jeff Walters
3153 Pinewood Drive Home: 313-468-2592
Yorkville, IL, 60560 jdjwalt@yahoo.com Cellular: 313-468-2592
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Business Profile
Retail Merchandising Management Executive - results driven executive with a proven track record of
moving retail organizations to new sales and profit levels in an increasingly competitive market.
Strengths lie in a diverse background allowing for an immediate impact on sales, merchandising,
operations, and customer service in a fast paced retail environment. Regarded as a hands-on
manager with exceptional levels of communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills that motivate
people to perform at their maximum levels in a team environment. Through an extensive career have
implemented superior operational standards while sustaining a sales driven and customer-focused
culture. Skilled at identifying a retail organization’s opportunities and developing a plan for a
successful turnaround. Recognized as a team player with outstanding analytical skills; a high sense of
urgency; an acute level of detail; along with problem solving abilities allowing for consistently meeting
or exceeding company goals and expectations.
Areas of Expertise
- Operations/General Management - Financial Analysis
- Strategic Planning - Customer Service Standards
- Expense/Payroll Budget and Control - Performance Standards
- P & L Management - Organizational Restructuring
- Business Planning - Team Building, Coaching and Counseling
Career Highlights
Signature Retail Services – Chicago, IL
(A premier national retail sales, service, demonstration and fixture installation provider)
Vice President Operations - 04/2009 – Present
Lead executive of a $25 million retail service, category management, and merchandising company.
Charged with developing and executing a reorganization of the field management and operations
team of one thousand employees. Challenged to restructure a mid-west based company to a national
retail service provider, restructuring payroll and incentive plans, and developing and implementing
operational guidelines and best practices. Currently planning and developing changes and
enhancements to other programs such as workforce management software, e-recruiting and a web
based training platform.
- Developed and successfully implemented merchandising service and sales programs for
key clients such as: Kohler, Trex, G.E., 3M and Waste Management.
- Planned and initiated demonstration and brand awareness programs for new product
launches on behalf of key brands such as AZEK, Kohler, Philips Lighting, Senco and
Paslode.
- Streamlined reporting and scheduling process to achieve a 98% customer satisfaction rate
(over 700,000 service calls annually).
- Established a “Flex Labor” position within the company to handle surge activity and meet
tight timelines; 500 person work force ready to mobilize within 24 hours notice.
- Instituted a Project Pay program for surge work requests, reducing average hourly costs by
12%.

2. Director of Operations: 08/2006 – 04/2009
Lead field executive of a $15 million, retail service, demonstration and category management
company. Directed to develop and execute multiple sales and merchandising programs to meet or
exceeded client expectations, and maintain a successful profit model. Responsible for selecting and
hiring a talented management team to accomplish set goals and objectives, promoting a customer
driven culture. Utilized financial analysis to impact business enhancements and decisions..
- Achieved best in class performance in providing weekly service to one thousand retail
stores for a top five product category for a Home Depot direct service contract.
- Home Depot experienced a 25% sales increase during the first year of full program
implementation.
- Established specific monthly service, sales, margin, expense and profit goals for each
region.
- Developed sales and operating training programs for all management and field staff;
operating standards and disciplines.
.
Regional Operations Manager: 01/2004 – 08/2006
Directed the structured activity of 100 employees covering 150 retail locations in the Midwest region,
responsible for category management of $700 million in sales and managed a $3.5 million payroll and
staffing plan. Enhanced and improved all retail programs, multi unit service levels, and continued to
develop superior operational standards. Enhanced the POP replenishment system via ordering and
tracking mechanisms, program rolled out to all regions. Drove sales through collaboration with retail
personnel and field staff, specifically the Home Depot merchant team. Analyzed all store level
activities through effective use of dashboard reports to impact business decisions and to maximize
financial profit to the company.
- Led key initiatives that structured a consistent service model based on category sales and
hours alignment. Region ranked #1 in service compliance and execution for 3 years
straight.
- Spearheaded the development of a specialized regional reset team to improve compliance
with product presentation and standards. Region received #1 customer service award 3
years in a row.
- Established an “Issues Hotline” and reporting process to bring immediate attention
concerns with program compliance. The program was implemented companywide within
90 days of development.
District Sales Manager: 01/2004 – 08/2006
Lead all aspects of the day-to-day sales and service efforts of a staff of 25-30 field service associates
and 6 supervisors covering 50 retail locations in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD and NE. Developed a highly
motivated team by implementing cross training efforts, team building conference calls and spiff
programs to reward outstanding performance. Accountable for an immediate improvement of an
underperforming market and a return to compliance of company standards.
- Increased end cap placement for key Kohler Kitchen and Bath account by 300%.
- Reduced turnover/churn-over to less than 15% yearly.
Education
Northern Illinois University – DeKalb, Illinois – B.A. Corporate Communications
Military
United States Navy – Charleston, South Carolina; 1987 - 1989
USS Nicholson DD-982, BM3 (1st
increment)