Current Employment Status

I am currently employed with Linens N Things as the Assistant Store Manager - Merchandising. In January, the company decided to progress towards one Store Manager and one Assistant. The Assistant with over 11 years with the company moved into my spot as the Assistant Store Manager - Operations. I have been informed that within the month of March, my position will be phased out completely. My employer is aware and supportive of my active job search.

Resume

For your convenience and time saving, the following download is a one page resume for your consideration. If you prefer, please feel free to email and I will mail a hard copy to you via snail mail.

References

Thank you for taking the time to support me by posting references here. It is my desire to create a mini-pre-interview environment for future employers on this blog. Your effort is GREATLY appreciated.

If you click on the # of comments, a pop up window will open, scroll to the bottom, and enter your reference.

If you can already see the list of references, then scroll to the bottom and look for small text which reads Post Comment.

If you click on the envelope, it will send me a link to the references with your comments, it will not post it in the web site. If you prefer to not post directly to this site, feel free to send me an email giving me permission to use you as a reference.

Again, A huge appreciation for your time!!!!

Darren

How does a guy develop a passion for Retail?

I am a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and when my enlistment was up, I moved to a small coastal town in Oregon.  I have worked in several industries learning about all sorts of business from Nickel Ore Mines to Locksmith, to Casino Development to the State Employment Department to Video Stores.  However, in this small town, several of the companies either went under, or reduced the staff to only include the owners.  I spent some time after college at Southwestern Oregon trying to decide what to do.  I have interests in food, people, sales and customer service.  After talking to a few friends who were Grocery Store Managers, I realized that a career in retail management could capsulate all of the previous experience and offer growth, challenge and a wage in which I could support my family. 

After six years of training and experience, I am glad that I made this choice.  It is exciting to be a part of an industry that is always moving and changing and growing to accommodate seasons and the ever changing desires of consumers. It is thrilling to be in charge of hundreds of employees.  It is gratifying to teach and train young college students and teach them about work ethic and responsibility. It is also gratifying to find employment that works around a persons private needs, and still benefits fully the company's needs and goals.

My Favorite Assignment~Store Planner

When I worked for Wal Mart, they had teams of people called "Store Planners".  I joined their Store Planning team and traveled around to stores setting them up.  We set up the grocery side of the SuperCenter in Coos Bay, Oregon, and then I was a leader in the re-arrange for the store in Bend, Oregon, then traveled to several stores in the Eugene area to make changes.  We worked with teams of people both on contract and current store employees.  Change is hard for employees and customers, however the challenge is exciting to make the move for change while continuing to boost the morale of current employees and to encourage loyal customers.  If an assignment were available in Store Creation or Store Planning, I would be thrilled to lead or join the team!

The Employment Department and Human Resources

I worked for the Oregon Employment Department in North Bend, Oregon while I went to college serving the Veterans looking for work. Matching job seekers to employers is quite a rush. I feel that same rush when performing my Human Resource responsibilities at work today. I get to see so many applicants, and hear their needs. It is very satisfying to match them to fill a company need. I would definitely say my favorite part of my current job is in creating manpower plans, schedules, staffing and staff development. I enjoy finding ways to boost morale. I have been known to create things at home with my family and bring them into to work to say "thanks". Ornaments at Christmas, Cards on Heart Day. My favorite has been the life savers. I like to keep a few individually wrapped lifesavers in my desk to take out and walk the floor and give to employees. When they know that I appreciate their efforts, it helps them to give more - and helps with employee retention. I am constantly looking for simple ways to honestly praise employees and to urge them on to better their best performance.

I would be interested in any Human Resources or Operations positions that my become available.

A Career Goal ~ Store Management

I have a career goal to have my own store.  I have worked all areas of retail from entry level to the #2 Manager.  With my time at Linens N Things, I have had the opportunity to work side by side with a great Store Manager and assist him in every way possible.  I have learned a  lot and experienced a lot in this time.  Unlike the larger store of Wal Mart where my position was separate from the Store Manager's daily activities, I have walked side by side with our Store Manager here.  I feel totally qualified and eager to take charge of my own store should the opportunity show itself.