R. Darren Stephan 160 James Street Building 24, Apt. 7 Toms River, NJ 08735 rdstephan@msn.com Primary Phone:(732) 281-2518 Store manager exceeds expectations OBJECTIVE I seek a challanging growth oriented company for which I can develop a solid pattern of success and liability based on demonstrated ability and performance. TARGET JOB Description of my perfect job: I seek a position for which I can grow and succeed in my career goals. The position must provide a fast pace, Challanges, And the support to assist execution. TARGET COMPANY Company Size: No Preference Category: Retail/Wholesale Description of my ideal company: A company that supports the individual to succeed. A company with a proven track record of success and proven leadership within it's field. EXPERIENCE 12/2002 - Present The Rag Shop Hawthrone, New Jersey Store Manager Was hired to re-merchandise sales floor plan in the company flag ship store. Within 30 days, generated a 38.5% comp increase through a higher standard of execution. Worked closely with all Senior Executives, Buyers, and Merchants to enhance new layouts, Adjacencies, And new test programs and/or products. 5/2002 - 12/2002 A.C. Moore Shrewsbury, New Jersey Asst. Store manager Responsible for maintaining the Frame, Memories, Art, and Seasonal Depts. Currently have increased areas a total of 20% to total store sales. Areas continue to drive the business. Responsible for ordering merchandise as staple and new concepts. Continued training on fast track to be promoted to Store Manager. 9/2001 - 5/2002 Ames Dept. Stores Neptune, New Jersey Store Manager Directly responsible for all facets of a mass regional retailer. Currently have achieved a 5% increase over sales plan while running a 4.7% payroll to sales ratio. Also, have created above average merchandising standards which has had a direct impact to our sales plan and merchandise flow. Direct influence to P&L through fiscal 2002. 2/2001 - 9/2001 Ames Dept. Stores North Olmstead, Ohio Store Manager Site closed due to company downsizing. Ran a 1.8%percent shrink to company average of 2.5% shrink. Site closed due to company downsizing.Also, maintained high return investment through-out liquadation to achieve a 100% bonus to the bottom line. 9/1999 - 2/2001 Ames Dept. Stores Middleburg Heights, Ohio Store Manager Responsible for setting and maintaining company standards in this 100K prototype.Direct influence to the Training, Scheduling, Payroll, Operations, And the P&L statement. Site closed due to company downsizing. 5/1996 - 9/1999 Hills Dept. Stores Aliquippa, Pa Senior Supervisor Of Hardlines Merchandising Responsible for creating company standards in direct regards to Merchandising,Layouts, Planograms, Allocation, Space management, Special projects,and blueprints. Trained all operational managers to exercise above standards and created timing and action plans for all 154 units to co-exist to completeion. Created all timing and action plans for all 154 units to co-exist to completion throughout all facets of merchandising. Also represented all senior executive reporting documents through consistent conferencing weekly. Throughout the position, directed all 154 units to exercise a total store enhancement in all Fashion Hardlines departments. Generated all fixture cost analysis, development, and shipping of stated fixtures. Allocation of merchandise, rate of merchandise sale ratios, and space management were key factors on a consistent basis. Inventory management with Buyers, Senior VP's, and store personal was a main vocus daily. 3/1994 - 5/1996 Hills Dept.Stores District 6, Ohio Hardlines Manager/Remodel Supervisor Responsible for all facets of Assistant manager incharge of hardlines merchandising while functioning as the district remodel supervisor. Traveled district to ensure proper timing and merchandising procedures were in place throughout remodels. 6/1987 - 3/1994 Caldor Stores Inc. Bricktown, New Jersey Hardlines Manager Hired as the seasonal dept. manager. Promoted to recieving manager and lastly to hardlines manager. Departed Caldor on behalf of offer from Senior Vice President to join Hills Dept. Stores. EDUCATION 7/1983 Ocean County Colege US-New Jersey-Toms River Associate Degree Basic Accounting with minor in business. Also hold a certificate of computer science. 6/1981 Lorain High School US-Ohio-Lorain High School or equivalent SKILLS Skill Name Skill Level Last Used Experience Merchandising Expert Currently used 12 years Project Planning Expert 2 years ago 5 years Merchandise Layouts,Planograms Expert Currently used 12 years Merchandise display concepts Expert Currently used 12 years ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Based on my history I have a proven track record of success and promotion. I believe myself to be an excellent, well rounded professional with the drive,tools, and determination to succeed.