Lifestyle

Outdoor

Program Manager / Category Manager

My favorite definition of leadership is one I learned years ago.  Kouzes and Posner define it as  "The art of mobilizing others to want to struggle to achieve a shared vision"?.  This definition was recently updated to read "?...to achieve shared aspirations"?, but I default to the original.  It has stuck with me to this day and will remain my guiding light through my career as a "Serial-Retailer with a Business Owner approach".

A what?  Well, it started when I was a Teenager.  My Grandfather, the consummate hustler, introduced me to the world of Sales and Entrepreneurism and I was hooked, immediately!  I spent my weekends and summers tagging along with him to trade shows and business calls where I was allowed to observe and eventually try my hand at the art of selling.  

After falling flat on my face a few times, I started to find my rhythm.  I found the thrill of making the sale and growing a business addicting.  As I grew in my various roles, I also learned the importance of making my internal customer my first priority.

My focus eventually turned to Specialty Retail and I continued to approach each opportunity with the mindset of a Business Owner.  My Retail Journey includes experience ranging from Sales Associate to Regional Manager to Program / Category Manager.  Along this journey I’ve been told my approach as a Business Owner is my strongest attribute and a core factor of my success.  

The time has now come for me to seek a new opportunity as a Regional Manager or Category Manager. An opportunity with a new business, a business in need of mending or one that operates light years ahead of the industry are equally appealing to me.  

I am available to share more about my experience as a Serial-Retailer and Business Owner.  Please feel free to contact me at davidblenkle@yahoo.com.  

Specialties: Entrepreneurship, Talent Development, Brand Evangelism, Collaboration, Team Building, Resolution-Based Approach, Cross-Functional Team Player, Analysis, Strategy.

Inspired a brave and unconventional approach in reinventing a stagnant Prescription Eyewear industry using a measured balance of analytics, forward-looking strategic planning and an occasional leap of faith. Significantly grew the Category following the creation and successful test phase of the Prescription Eyewear Program.  Key functions include:
 
•	Building strategy roadmap to achieve three-year goals.
•	Influencing buy-in from stakeholders, partners and internal customers to deliver strategy roadmap.
•	Working cross-functionally with HR, Operations, Marketing, Finance, Real Estate, MBP&A, Manufacturing, Visual Merchandising, Field Leaders and other key departments to plan and execute initiatives.
•	Creating merchandise assortments.
•	Defining, evangelizing and executing the consumer experience across the chain.
•	Identifying, attracting and hiring Certified / Licensed Opticians.
•	Developing and implementing training programs. 
•	Exceeding stakeholder expectations related to financial results, consumer experience and brand representation.

Full financial achievements are not disclosable at this time.

Regional Manager	2008 - 2014
Cultivated 80+ locations, 5 District Managers and $140m in annual revenue in the Western U.S. and Canada.  Directed sales, customer service, operations and merchandising as well as recruiting, training and development of field leaders.  Notable accomplishments include:
•	Reached positive year over year comps 2008 - 2014 as well as top revenue growth in 5 fiscal years.
•	Developed and promoted six Store Managers to District Managers and one District Manager to Regional Manager.
•	Doubled Region’s store count and revenue.
•	Created and implemented several sales and profit driving initiatives including payroll reform, store level incentive program and co-creation of retail prescription eyewear program.

Regional Sales Manager

Regional Manager
Led as many as 23 stores with total annual revenue of over $10 Million.   Developed key partnerships with Real Estate, Construction, Store Operations, HR, Loss Preventions and Merchandising which were instrumental to the success of this position. Achievements and recognition include:

•	Awarded “Rookie District Manager of the Year” and “Best Team Developer”.
•	Achieved #1 Comparable Sales within West Coast Group July 2005 – June 2006.
•	Improved inherited shrink results of 7% to less than 2% within a single quarter.
•	Reduced Store Manager turnover by 50%. 
•	Created Company’s electronic “Candidate Offer Sheet” used as an effective recruiting tool company-wide.
•	Directed execution of West Coast Product Knowledge Supplement used to enhance associate knowledge and increase ADS and overall Revenue.
•	Authored Company’s modernized On-Line Employment Ad to attract Brand-Right Candidates.
•	Delivered #1 overall results, including top honors in Sales Increase to Plan, Units Per Transaction and Shrink.

Regional Manager

Find out detailed information about David Blenkle, Program Manager / Category Manager in Watsonville, CA

David Blenkle: Program Manager / Category Manager in Watsonville, CA

David Blenkle

Oakley

Oakley Retail

Sunglass Hut

University of New Mexico