Strong passion for strategic planning, business processes, operational excellence, eCommerce, talent development and accelerating growth across all lines of business. A highly effective, dedicated omnichannel cross-functional leader with substantial experience and knowledge in handling strategy, problem-solving and accelerating consumer and brand growth. A self-motivated, priority-driven, collaborative individual who is accustom to fast-paced evolving environments with diverse organizational and operating challenges to achieve successful outcomes. Self-starter, flexible thinker who always thinks with a strategic mindset.
Professional Experience
More than Twenty-five Years of Retail, Strategy, Operations and Technology Leadership Experience
Global CRM (Customer Relationship Management) consumer-centric technology platform providing iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and iMessage) and macOS business apps, services and support exclusively to the Apple® US and International small business market.
SVP Global eCommerce Strategy and Operations Consultant and Advisor
Gro Software, LLC - San Francisco, CA
2017-Present
A vital member of the senior executive startup team responsible for the growth, profitability and strategic vision of an award-winning global Apple iOS CRM platform. An influential forward-thinking cross-functional leader that drives innovation and transformational change in a fast-paced marketplace environment to align corporate strategies with consumer needs.
Global CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software company providing cloud-based software, services and support to the Apple, Inc. small and medium enterprise consumer market in the US, Europe, China, Japan, South America, and the Middle East.
Strategic Planning Management Consultant and Advisor
Ntractive, LLC - Grand Forks, ND
2008-2016
Key member and management consultant/advisor to the global CRM executive startup team. Responsible for corporate strategic planning, raising investment capital, management consulting, business development, developing business plans, analyzing and measuring financial data, competitive analysis and create corporate action plans.
Lowe's Companies, Inc., doing business as Lowe's, is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada
District Operational Excellence & Strategy, Leader Mentor and Coach
Lowe's Companies, Inc. - Minnesota and North Dakota
2016-Present
A self-motivated, independent omnichannel retail leader who creates a culture of high achievers within the organization to elevate the customer experience. Key focus on investing in our core talent to propel our leaders forward toward continuous success. Successful track records of creating, developing, influencing and growing diverse high-potential talent pools of leaders who are highly skilled in strategy, methodical processes and analyzing complex problems.
Store Operations
Lowe's Companies, Inc. - Grand Forks, ND
2004-Present
A key member of the leadership team responsible for building the operational blueprint for business strategy, implementation, and execution. Known in the market for top-notch operations and running a tight ship while constantly exceeding organizational goals. Responsible for analyzing financial trends and metrics to align market goals with the organizational plans.
McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. More than 90% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.
Store Manager (Multi-Tenant)
McDonalds - Minnesota
1990-2004
Youngest McDonald's employee to be promoted to Store Manager in the Central US. Influential multi-tenant Store Manager who was responsible for providing leadership, talent development, and business strategy execution. Consistently exceeded financial goals by analyzing data, reducing operating costs, and increasing top-line performance. Coached, trained, and developed high-performance teams and leaders to deliver excellent customer experiences with positive.
"I had the pleasure of working with Melissa while at Lowe’s for nearly 10 years. Melissa’s skills in operational excellence, attention to detail, customer focus, and driving top-line and bottom-line performance are unmatched. She consistently leads and develops high performing teams producing top tier results. Melissa would be of great value to anyone seeking a dynamic leader within an operations leadership role!"
Kendall McMullin
Agiliti Health, Inc.
Global Strategic Planning & Technology Growth
Accelerate Short and Long Term Growth Opportunities
Launched
Strategic Planning and Analysis
Digital strategies and business planning processes to achieve short-term and long-term financial, organizational and brand goals to move the organization in the right direction for success and growth.
Increased
Financial Analysis and Models
Revenue and profit growth with strategic enterprise initiatives, analyzing financial models and developing action plans to drive positive business outcomes in the global marketplace.
Expanded
Global Business Planning
Global market share and drove financial and brand growth in the marketplace while under tight budget constraints.
Delivered
Go-To-Market Planning
Clear vision and a roadmap for go-to-market success by gathering consumer and competitor data to create both short-term and long term strategies.
Guided
Influenced Stakeholders
Series A (570K) and Series B (1.6MM) investment rounds from angel investors and venture capital to extend the financial runway. Guided stakeholders through the due diligence process, created a SWOT analysis, financial analysis, and key metrics to help develop the financial business model for the consumer subscription service.
MM Raised
Researched
Growth Opportunities
Consumer metrics, insights, behavior, and habits to open up new markets, and drive growth opportunities in existing markets.
Analyzed
Complex Problem Solving
Customer and competitor financial models, data and metrics to increase customer traction and acquisition in our key vertical markets.
Advised
Cross-Functional Leadership
Lead the MBA financial team, founders and stakeholders on driving the organization in the right direction for global market growth and profitability in the US, Europe, and Asia. Strong focus on global strategy and financial model analysis. Outlined strategies for merger & acquisition (M&A) targets for the organization.
Strategic Planning In Operations & Technology
Strategic thinking is key to settings goals, managing priorities and identifying risks...
Brand Equity, Storytelling and Digital Strategies
Short-term and Long-term Brand, Product and Organizational Direction
Consumer Products Awards, Honors and Highlights
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Lowest Inventory Shrink (0.15%)in District (ND/MN)
2020
Apple App Store
Gro Software, LLC
Gro CRM - #3 in "CRM" Category
2018-2020
Finances Online
Gro Software
"Great User Experience" Award
2017
Finances Online
Gro Software
"Rising Star" Award
2017
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Store of the Year
2008
"Melissa is the greatest manager I've ever worked with. She leads by example and many people find her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to be a very motivating force every day. Melissa has impeccable problem-solving skills and extensive knowledge across every channel of the business. She builds great relationships with customers as well as employees to create the best experience possible."
Creates a Culture of High Achievers to Elevate the Customer Experience
Influenced
Talent Development
455M+ operational growth in the market by mentoring, coaching and training leaders on strategy, process improvements and best practices.
MM Growth
Accelerated
Cross-Functional Training
Market KPIs with cross-functional leadership training, support, and sharing of best practices with all stakeholders.
Developed
Process Improvements
A culture and environment of strategy, operational excellence and continuous process improvements within the district.
Delivered
Performance Management
Strategies, objectives, and values to operational teams to drive accountability and results within the district.
Impacted
Operational Excellence
35M+ operational strategy and processes to drive sales to shrink down to the lowest in the district (0.2% YTY).
% Sales to Shrink
Achieved
Omni-Chanel Retail
Consistent YTY KPI targets and goals in the 99% percentile which has resulted in numerous recognitions.
% KPI Achieved
Achieving Operational Excellence In Your Organization
Operational excellence is the execution of an organization's strategy that is better than its competitor...
Modern Consumer Retail Terms You Need To Know
Relationship retailing is a strategy that businesses use to create long-lasting relationships with customers...
"Melissa is an excellent leader. She has this ability to get people to join her in her endeavors because she will get down and do the work right along side you. She is very relationship-focused and builds great teams."
Jennifer Aipperspach
Meridian Behavioral Health, Inc.
Professional Education & Certificates
A Passionate High Achiever and Self-starter Who is Driven to Succeed
Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)
Professional Certificate
Credential ID: In Process
2020 - Present
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
Professional Certificate
Credential ID: n8FaOOP73V
2019 - Present
University of North Dakota
"Melissa is a dynamic cross-functional leader with a real passion for retail management, omni-channel customer experience and accelerating key business growth. She builds synergies with other leaders to shape, steer, and advise on all aspects of business strategy within the organization. Melissa would be a tremendous asset to anyone seeking a focused, enthusiastic and influential leader!."
Micah Larson
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Work-Life Balance
When I'm not at work, you can find me traveling, working out ("Where are my Nike tights!"), cycling and spending time with my family
