Tommy Langford

3342 Mintonville Point Drive * Suffolk, Virginia 23435

* Cell: (804) 221-6042 * tl514c6e@westpost.net
RETAIL OPERATIONS PROFESSIONAL
Building Corporate Value * Start-Up Operations * Organizational Leadership
Respected and industrious executive with 19+ years experience meeting key perfor
mance metrics in competitive and commanding environments. Keen strategist and te
nacious leader providing an exceptional business perspective and sophisticated u
nderstanding of business development, branding, product merchandising, customer
marketing, and expansion. Confident, optimistic, and action-oriented leader with
the ability to forge key alliances and partnerships that capture and enhance ma
rket share and improve bottom-line financial performance. An achiever of excepti
on rather than expected results. Areas of Expertise:
* Business Planning & Forecasting
* Profit & Loss / Fiscal Leadership
* Consumer Trends & Merchandising
* Competitive Market Analysis
* Vendor Pricing & Contracts Negotiations
* Consultative & Solutions-Based Sales
* Service Delivery Optimization * Performance Metrics & Improvement
* Change Management / Reengineering
* Promotions, Incentives & Premiums
* Product Marketing Campaigns
* Inventory & Procurement Expertise
* Human Resources & Administration
* Team Building, Training & Leadership

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

THE FRESH MARKET, Williamsburg, Virginia * 2009 to Present

Manager
Managed all aspects of day to day operations to include merchandising, profit an
d loss, manager training, and human resource training/recruiting.
* Increased sales by 7% in six months through merchandising and product placemen
t in the store as well as improved customer service through proper training and
management.
* Provided management training and development for new store expansions in multi
ple states.
* Safety, maintenance, and energy coordinator providing training in cost cutting
energy measures, employee safety, and equipment maintenance.
* Hiring manager in charge of new employee recruitment and training.
* Managing partner over deli, meat and seafood departments to include responsibi
lity of meeting gross profit goals, staffing, and sales increase.
HARVEY T'S NATURAL MARKET, Norfolk, Virginia * 2006 to 2009
Founder/Director
Executive driving bottom-line directives of a start-up full-service organic and
gourmet market. Lead profit and loss initiatives encompassing strategic / tactic
al business planning, forecasting, business development, sales, marketing, and m
erchandising. Equally accountable for conducting extensive research and competit
ive analysis while ensuring financial, operational, and human resources integrit
y.
* Sourced and secured initial capital investment; conducted extensive industry r
esearch, developed a strong business plan, identified a 4,000 sq. ft. facility,
and launched all operational directives.
ELLWOOD THOMPSON'S NATURAL MARKET, Richmond, Virginia * 2000 to 2006
Director of Purchasing and Merchandising
Met key performance initiatives for a natural food market through bottom-line ac
countability of purchasing, sales, merchandising, strategic planning, budget man
agement / allocation, cost reduction programs, inventory, and daily operations.
Forecasted volume, sales, business performance, and profitability targets. Direc
ted new product launches and allocated resources. Ensured balance and consistenc
y between marketing, promotions, merchandising, and product demonstrations. Coll
aborated with cross-functional teams in initiating cost reduction and performanc
e / process improvement strategies. Built and led a team of seven department man
agers and 85 associates. Assisted Human Resources in facilitating formal trainin
g programs.
* Increased sales 21% and reduced cost of goods sold $25K by instituting new buy
ing strategies.
* Oversee broker / vendor relations including price negotiations, volume, discou
nts, and sales promotions.
* Spearheaded all store expansions and remodeling efforts.
Professional Experience Continued . . .
PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Richmond, Virginia * 1997 to 2000
Agent (Individual Financial Services)
Position Details Available Upon Request
UKROPS' SUPERMARKETS, INC., Richmond, Virginia - 1991 to 1997
Operations Manager
Managed the day to day operations of three categories encompassing inventory man
agement, merchandising and sales.
* Provided training and direction for a team of associates, completing performan
ce assessments, giving constructive feedback and providing problem resolution.
* Managed inventory levels, product placement and merchandising.
* Managed cost control measures to reduce losses and maintain required profit ma
rgins.
* Responsible for daily operations with goals for sales, turnover and labor marg
ins.

CONSULTING EXPERTISE

3RD POWER NATURAL RETAIL CONSULTING, Suffolk, Virginia * 2006 to Present

Private Retail Consultant
Provide retail consulting services to corporate stakeholders seeking new store d
evelopment and expansion. Analyze and assess business goals and deploy strategic
and tactical business solution that meet key performance indexes impacting bott
om-line profits, market growth, and brand identity.
* Successfully launched a new chain of coffee/retail stores for a Richmond-based
company.
* Improved competitive positioning and profitability for a Newport News-based na
tural foods market after restructuring operations and internal systems.

FORMAL EDUCATION

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY * Richmond, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Finance
May 2004
JOHN TYLER COLLEGE - Richmond, Virginia
Associates of Business Administration
Certified Food Service Manager