Michael T.

Burt
1057 Barbara Ann Dr.
Hurst, TX 76053
(972) 207-1709
Email: mburt5@juno.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE
To secure a Retail Management position within a progressive organization that will capitalize on my experience,
background, and skills to make positive contributions to overall efficiency and productivity.

CAREER CAPSULE

Background: Dedicated and highly successful retail professional with over 20 years Management
experience

Management Skills: • Budgeting / Forecasting • Purchasing / Inventory Control

• Cost / Labor Controls
• Recruiting / Hiring / Training /
Developing Personnel
• Employee Relations
• Appraisals / Evaluations
• Customer Service
• Key Account Management
• Loss Prevention
• Vendor Relations
• Merchandising / Displays
• Implementing Advertising / Marketing /
Promotional Campaigns
• Enforcing Corporate Policies /
Procedures / Processes
• Risk Management

Sales Skills: • Market Research / Analysis • Developing / Conducting Effective

• Identifying Decision Makers Sales Presentations
• Assessing Needs • Overcoming Objections
• Introducing New Products / • Closing the Sale
Services
• Follow-up to Ensure Customer Service and Strong Repeat / Referral Customer Base

Professional • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; effectively relate to all management
Strengths: levels and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Superior leadership skills; proven ability to maximize profits through the development
and implementation of high-impact training programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of EEO and ADA regulations.
• Excellent computer skills including Windows, Excel, Word, Lotus, IBM System 34,
Storis, and GERS.

Education: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Major: Music

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ROOMS TO GO – Woodlands, TX 1/06 to 1/10

Store Manager (4/08 to 1/10)
Opened and managed new store in the Houston area which generated over $18 million annually.
Employed a staff of 19 sales associates and 10 support personnel. Managed inventory control, maintained
operating records, and prepared daily transaction records. Implemented sales and product training programs,
conducted performance evaluations, and coached employees to improve performance. Managed loss
prevention and security programs. Worked closely with the Regional Vice President and Merchandising Dept
to maintain company standards.

BASSETT FURNITURE DIRECT – Lewisville, TX 8/01 to 1/06

District Manager (6/04 to 1/06)
Accounting for moving Top Line Sales in up to 8 stores in DFW and Tyler, generating in excess of $23 million
annually. Create and analyze business reports. Work closely with Store Managers to identify problems and
develop/implement corrective action. Monitor gross margins throughout region. Recruit, interview, hire, train,
 and supervise Regional Store Staff, including qualified Managers, Design Consultants, and support staff,
ensuring compliance with Bassett Furniture Guidelines and guaranteeing a great customer experience
throughout stores. Analyze store maintenance and operational issues. Implement, monitor, and maintain
effective Associate training and development programs.
• Oversaw the #1 Store in the State of Texas for increases over prior year.

Store Manager (8/01 to 6/04)

P&L accountability for the successful operation of a $6.7 million retail store employing a staff of 13 personnel.
Developed and articulated sales, merchandising, promotional, and advertising campaigns. Managed
inventory control, maintained operating records, and prepared daily transaction records. Implemented sales
and product training programs, conducted performance evaluations, and coached employees to improve
performance. Managed loss prevention and security programs. Created department budgets ensuring
compliance with cost reduction procedures.
• Store Manager of the Year, 2004.
• Store ranked #5 out of 85 stores nationwide, 2002.
• Store ranked 8th out 98 stores, 2003.
• 2 time winner of the Bassett Cup Award.
• Store ranked 7th from 98 stores in In-home Sales, 2003.

HOMELIFE FURNITURE CORPORATION – Chicago, IL 1/00 to 8/01

National Outlet Operations Manager (3/01 to 8/01)
Support 11 stores located throughout the United States to ensure compliance with store guidelines, policies,
and profitability standards. Trained Store Associates. Recommended and implemented processes to
improve operations.

Outlet Store Manager – Grand Prairie, TX (1/00 to 2/01)

P&L accountability for all facets of a $3.1 million store with 15 employees. Recruited, interviewed, hired,
trained, and supervised personnel. Coordinated in-store advertising and marketing campaigns. Monitored
expenses, inventory levels, and ordering strategies. Implemented and enforced loss prevention procedures.
Managed accounts payable and merchandising techniques.
• Doubled store revenues, year-end 2000 over 1999.
• Highest Percentage of Sales Increase in the company, year 2000.
• Outlet Store Manager of the Year, 2000

BASSETT FURNITURE DIRECT - Arlington, TX 5/99 to 11/99

Sales Consultant
Marketed a full-line of home furniture to new, prospective, and repeat customers within a retail environment.
Assessed the immediate and long-term needs of customers. Developed and delivered innovative
presentations utilizing computer aided designs to illustrate overall effects. Processed orders and credit
applications. Identified customer problems and diplomatically resolved issues. Shopped the competition to
aid in the development of marketing strategies. Assisted management personnel with clerical duties,
warehouse operations, and the training of new Sales Consultants.

LEVITZ FURNITURE 8/77 to 7/98 and 2/99 to 4/99

General Manager - Mesquite, TX (1993 to 1998)
Assistant Branch Manager - Addison, TX / Houston, TX (1981 to 1993)
Operations Manager - El Paso, TX (1980 to 1981)
P&L accountability for various stores generating up to $6.5 million annually and employing up to 35
personnel. Prepared and administered monthly and seasonal operating budgets. Managed sales,
merchandising, accounting, customer service, warehouse operations, and credit. Controlled all personnel-
related functions, including appraisals, compensation, benefits, EEO, recruiting, interviewing, testing,
transfers, promotions, terminations, and wage / salary adjustments. Implemented and enforced corporate
policies and guidelines. Developed and implemented incentives and motivational strategies to increase sales
and improve employee morale. Implemented, monitored, and maintained sales-related training programs.
• Numerous Outstanding Leadership Awards for achievement.
• Recognized with the Loss Control Leadership Award, 1997 for zero workers compensation claims.
• One of two Branch Managers company-wide to earn a trip to the Summer Olympics in Atlanta for
Percentage of Sales Increase and Percentage of Gross Profit Increase.
• One of three Branch Managers to win a Hawaiian vacation based on Volume Increase Over Prior Year.
• Mesquite store recognized as the #1 Store in the Nation with the Highest Percentage of Sales
Increase over prior year.
• Mesquite store recognized as the Highest Volume Store in the Metroplex for two consecutive years.
• Began as part-time Warehouse Associate and was promoted to positions of increased responsibility:
Operations Manager Trainee EDP Manager - Dallas, TX
Assistant Office Manager - El Paso, TX / Phoenix, AZ Inventory Control Verifier - El Paso, TX
Receiving Clerk - El Paso, TX Part-time Warehouse Associate - El Paso, TX