Bruce Bixler's Email Addresses & Phone Numbers

Linked "In Transition" Social Media Instructor, Coach & Advisor @ Social Media Social Media Advisor, instructor, and coach helping others "In transition" to improve and enhance their Social Media and LinkedIn Profiles. Mentor, teach, and educate job seekers on the networking power of LinkedIn, Twitter, and other Social media. From June 2009 to December 2010 (1 year...

Linked "In Transition" Social Media Instructor, Coach & Advisor @ Social Media Social Media Advisor, instructor, and coach helping others "In transition" to improve and enhance their Social Media and LinkedIn Profiles. Mentor, teach, and educate job seekers on the networking power of LinkedIn, Twitter, and other Social media. From June 2009 to December 2010 (1 year 7 months) Department Sales Manager @ The Home Depot Started career with Home Depot as sales associate, after 6 months promoted to department PRO, then promoted again after 6 months to Department Manager. Trained, developed, and mentored store associates into a cohesive team. Successfully increased sales from $3,800,000 to nearly $6,000,000 in two years. From August 1997 to August 1999 (2 years 1 month) Merchandise Service Team @ Lowe's Companies, Inc. Arlington Heights, IL.Product Services Associate @ Lowe's Companies, Inc. Product services for ArlingtonHeights store. From April 2015 to February 2018 (2 years 11 months) Arlington Heights,ILCOO, Retail Owner, & Retail Buyer @ Evan Andrews Internet Retail Sales - On-line retail selling. Retail Owner, COO, & Buyer of retail products, manager of sales. Effectively merchandise products, services and online campaigns on the website by helping translate Product Management and Customer Segmentation strategies into appropriate tactics that improve the online shopping experience and product category performance.Plan, execute, and optimize online merchandising campaigns by leveraging onsite merchandising zones (i.e. home page, banner ads, landing pages, etc.).Works cross-functionally with business owners to develop online merchandising solutions: Creates consistent multi-channel campaigns.Ability to distill complex language into easy-to-understand, grammatically correct language in an active voice and to quickly synthesize information from a variety of sources (internal and external) into one effective output. Write (with little or no supervision) and articulate persuasive documents that compel the reader to think or act differently From April 2009 to December 2011 (2 years 9 months) IllinoisDivisional Installed Sales Asst, Retail Stores @ The Home Depot Audited Service Providers costs, established that Product vendors were overcharging for materials, brought costs back to signed negotiated amounts saving the Home Depot more than $500,000 over the course of a year. Functioned as point of contact between two regional Service Directors (12 states) and District Service Managers, Stores Managers, & Stores.Intermediate to advanced level skill in Microsoft Excel (for example pivot tables and V-lookup)Implemented procurement strategies, from initial identification of procurement needs through delivery, for indirect goods and services.Assisted with execution of short-term and long-term strategies that align with the Company goals for reducing costs and company financial goals. Responsible for less complex negotiating, coordinating, and assuring that assigned indirect spend categories and services are purchased at the lowest possible cost. Assessed near-term and long term plans to establish supplier priorities balanced with business needs.Consulted with Management, and other subject experts to develop alternative solutions; advises on options, risks, total cost of ownership, and business impacts.Deliver savings to categories through sourcing initiatives, negotiations, alternative sourcing options.Meet Service Level Agreements set by companyDrive contract and vendor compliance to the new and existing Enterprise agreementsStrong Microsoft Office capabilities: Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, advanced level skill in Microsoft PowerPoint, and pivot tables in Excel From 2004 to 2009 (5 years) Divisional Retail Buyer (Merchant) Assistant @ The Home Depot As a retail buyer assistant developed and executed resets, identified needs & changes to products and displays in assigned categories; coordinated and directed multi-functional teams - service groups & manufactures reps, and people - Import Buyer & Global Merchant that generated a 20% increase in sales for over 250 stores. Successfully opened over 150 new stores on time and under budget.Managed day-to-day on-going category supplier relations, and seeks out growth or revision opportunities. Coordinated & implemented all store directed visual presentation changes and communicates changes to Field Leadership and stores..Under the direction of Buyer, developed and executed category sourcing strategies, including development and execution of RFI’s and RFP’s, documents bid events through correspondence to suppliers; develops selection criteria; Conducted supplier negotiations and ongoing supplier management.Assisted with development and implementation of business plans, performance goals and metrics for each assigned category.Collaborated with Operations and others as needed on cross-functional sourcing opportunities. Developed inventory control, including lifecycle of product, and assists in project management of all sourcing activities.Ensured the assortments & presentations are productive, accurate & visually supported with signs and fixtures. In concert with the buyers, developed and coordinated sign & fixture programs to support merchandise initiatives. Performed data analysis & modeling. Participated in weekly category review meetings with teams to manage category performance, Developed and coordinated sign & fixture programs to support merchandise initiatives. Communicates changes to the field, monitors execution.Participated in strategic meetings with suppliers & business leaders to ensure execution of defined strategies. Identified nonproductive inventory & margin opportunities to maximize store performance From 2000 to 2004 (4 years) Allstate Insurance Program Assistant Retail @ The Home Depot Maintained vendor and customer database for Insurance purchases of carpet by Allstate claimants and The Home Depot stores for the Midwest Division. Expedited carpet purchases on claims presented to The Home Depot by Allstate Insurance Co. insurance claims adjusters to provide exceptional customer service to the Home Depot customer.Aligned for an assigned group of vendors, meet/exceed customer satisfaction and targeted objectives Confirmed daily orders and conferred frequently via email, phone, and fax, to obtain status of orders, and follow through. Managed receipt variance process, initiate continual improvement through tracking and addressing concerns Reviewed daily reporting, troubleshoot and initiate opportunities for improvement. Participate on conference calls with vendors as needed Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook/Email, Excel (intermediate level-pivot tables)Knowledge of Access, V-lookup, and other data basesExcellent communication skills (Verbal, Written, Grammar) Strong analytical, organizational and mathematical capabilities with attention to detail and proven skills in problem solving/decision making. Ability to set priorities that meet ever changing needs of the business; can multi task in a fast paced, challenging environment Experienced within a multi-location, distribution center or warehouse environment Advanced interpersonal skills, ability to interface with all levels of management. Performed day to day with a sense of urgency and motivation towards continual improvement From August 1999 to August 2000 (1 year 1 month) COO & Retail Buyer @ Bixler & Johnson COO, Manager, and Retail buyer for Bixler & Johnson gift Stores.Executed sales, margin and inventory plans, monitored performance versus plan to identify trend opportunities Managed all aspects of the merchandise offering – selection, negotiation, promotion and disposition Developed customer driven assortments that support the goals and key item focusEnsured the merchandise selection matches customer needs, customer orientation and satisfaction Developed line strategies, prepared for and presented products at Assortment ReviewsAttended relevant trade shows, markets and events to observe market trends, gather product information, selects merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors Visited stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observes competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans Established collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise Developed and maintained relationships with vendors. Interacts with the vendor community Managed vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives Selected products to maximize return of advertising expenses. Ensured promotional execution accuracy (pricing, signage, etc.) From 1988 to 1998 (10 years) Glen Ellyn, IL.Store Manager (Managing Director) @ Carson Pirie Scott Managing Director (Store Manager) for Carson Pirie Scott two Home Stores. Comprehensive managing of sales, personnel, advertising, display, deliveries, HR, and P&L. Successfully guided stores from deficit sales to profitable business units.Established and maintained relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, in the business community and with vendors.Analyzed and reported data in order to identify issues, trends, or exceptions to drive improvement of results and find solutions.Identified operational issues and recommending and implementing strategies to resolve problems.Managed and lead cross-functional teams, including interacting at the executive levelPlanned, developed, and managed departmental expense and capital budgets.Directly managed people, including hiring, developing, motivating, and directing people as they work From April 1985 to July 1986 (1 year 4 months) Buyer @ Carson Pirie Scott Retail Buyer (Merchant) for Carson Pirie Scott flooring department all stores. Purchased and facilitated delivery of domestic and imported area rugs. Sourced and selected 2 imported skus that generated over $250,000 in sales for the chain over the period of one year.Executed sales, margin and inventory plans Monitored performance versus plan to identify trend opportunities Managed all aspects of the merchandise offering – selection, negotiation, promotion and disposition Developed customer driven assortments that support departmental goals and key item focusProvided collaborative guidance, direction and supportEnsured the merchandise selection matches customer needs, customer orientation & satisfaction Confirmed merchandise mix balances quantity, style, size and price consistent with company & individual market requirements Prepared for and presents products at Assortment Reviews/ Business Reviews Attended relevant trade shows, markets and events to observe market trends, gather product information, selects merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors Visited stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observes competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans Established collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise Developed & maintained relationships with vendors. Interacts with the vendor community within Sears’ standards and codes of ethics Managed vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives Selected products to maximize return of advertising expenses. Partners with marketing team to reconcile marketing plans and promotional calendar. Monitors and maintains promotional performanceDrove compliance and standards with processes, policies, tools, and associates within the group Ensured promotional execution accuracy (pricing, signage, etc.) From 1983 to 1985 (2 years) Greater Chicago AreaExecutive LinkedIn® Profile Writer ✍ In-person, Remote, Virtual Executive Profile Consultant @ Hobknobery I'm an Internet LinkedIn Strategy Coach… that provides consulting to clients who want to achieve online LinkedIn business success. Contact me if you would like a private ZOOM consultation. High net worth LinkedIn profiles are inherently complicated. Choose a LinkedIn expert with years of experience to answer every question & manage every complexity. Every LinkedIn profile is a self-portrait of the person who wrote it. Autograph your work with excellence. I've optimized thousands of LinkedIn profiles so my clients can be found. People look at your LinkedIn profile, your activity, and your connections as an indication of your value to them and as an investment in the future.How long has it been since you INVESTED time in your professional development? I build LinkedIn profiles for people that don't have the time, patience, or Knowledge. I show you how to increase your visibility, tell your story, build a Unique Value Position & structuring your online profile to effectively chronicle your achievements & key skills. Learn how to take control of your digital presence & present yourself in a way that, not only inspires, but builds confidence in you, and your services. .The executives' I coach have been found by customers or landed their ideal jobs because their profiles are strategic, skill-focused, & SEO friendly. Many of my clients are referrals as a direct result of satisfied profile reviews.Your headline is the most important part of marketing your LinkedIn profile.This coaching is hands-on & focused on your goals. We make sure your profile demonstrates your value. Your profile is personally done by me, not outsourced, and NOT built from a template.Your goal is to turn a static online profile into a dynamic virtual relationship. ►NEED HELP WITH YOUR LinkedIn PROFILE? Email me at [email protected] Specialties: LinkedIn Sales Navigator, profiles, Private consultations LinkedIn, Instructor-led Training, Social Selling, Customized Workshops Greater Chicago AreaLinkedIn Social Media Manager | Social media Marketing | LinkedIn® Consultant @ Hobknobery Hobknobery provides professional education of LinkedIn & digital media platforms that connect you with industry experts—changing the way the C-suite leaders learn & share information. I have been honored to have been selected as one of the top LinkedIn experts in the world in 2011 & 2016.You have to make your client the hero. You have to tell your customers' stories about how they solve problems using your services. As a LinkedIn expert, I can show you how to get better results or use a LinkedIn feature more effectively and it will both save you time, & help you get better results. As a LinkedIn Small business advisor I'm committed to helping you navigate your #LinkedIn needs with the right solutions, advice and dedicated one-on-one partnership We show you how to achieve LinkedIn marketing strategies that amplify your company’s voice. We are effective and we take pride in everything we do, the old fashioned way, we EARN IT. Just endlessly trying and simply repeating back a customer's priorities and values to show how aligned you are doesn’t work. We will collaborate to align your company's core objectives.✹ I consult with senior executive clients (CEO's CFO's, CMO's, Directors, VP's) about how to improve their LinkedIn® profiles and other platforms to drive traffic, build relationships, & research companies, leveraging the power of LinkedIn to find new customers and clients. Influencer marketing/✹ Develop social media calendars that deliver engagement, written communication strategies for connecting. If you need someone that is expert at connecting or you need a pro to manage a LinkedIn Group, ✹ Benefits for your business include Lead development, social media, and promotable content for all platforms, & engagement increased►NEED MORE HELP WITH YOUR LinkedIn COMPANY PAGE? Email me at [email protected] Specialties: LinkedIn Sales Navigator, profiles, Private consultations LinkedIn, Instructor-led Training, Social Selling, Customized Workshops. Greater Chicago AreaLinkedIn Speaker | Keynote Speaker | @ Hobknobery As an executive speaker, LinkedIn profile writer, and personal strategist, I help executives, companies, and professionals deploy the right words and communications strategy to produce results.'IF YOU THINK IT'S EXPENSIVE TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL TO DO THE JOB, WAIT UNTIL YOU HIRE AN AMATEUR" - Red Adair If you need an expert for speaking engagements including conferences, corporate or executive retreats, internal workshops, and more. Contact me at [email protected]'m an expert in the LinkedIn professional services marketing education space, and an internationally recognized LinkedIn specialist. I enjoy working with senior executives at the intersection of business strategy and information technology. Presentation topics: • How to fully use LinkedIn’s MOBILE app and extra features• How to Create a High Impact, High Value LinkedIn Company page• How to Create a LinkedIn Profile for inbound marketing.• How to fully use LinkedIn’s advanced features• Marketing your LinkedIn profile• How to use skills, groups, and companies for search• How to Use LinkedIn Campaigns that produce massive results • How to Use Social Selling for business Are you looking for a Keynote Speaker [Social Media Speaker, LinkedIn Speaker, Social Selling Speaker] that will educate & inspire your delegates on social media, social selling or influence marketing? I offer engaging & custom presentations to fit your audience! We will consult with you to meet your needs.Want a shortcut? I can help!►NEED MORE HELP WITH LinkedIn PRESENTATIONS, OR WORKSHOPS? Email me at [email protected] Specialties: LinkedIn Sales Navigator, profiles, Private consultations LinkedIn, Instructor-led Training, Social Selling, Customized Workshops Greater Chicago AreaArea Product Services Lead @ Lowe's Companies, Inc. Area Product Services for Retail store projects for 12 Northern Illinois area Lowe's stores for both resets and major projects & new product introductions.Coordinate with stores for new and existing products in all departments. From February 2011 to April 2015 (4 years 3 months) Arlington Heights, ILRetail Training Program Outside Garden Live Nursery @ Lowe's Companies, Inc. Retail Training Lowe's Inside Lawn & GardenRetail Training Lowe's Season SalesRetail Training Lowe's Outdoor Power Equipment From April 2009 to February 2011 (1 year 11 months)