Blake A.

Johnson 14819 Ashford Drive Lemont, Illinois 60439 Telephone:(630) 926-7241 Alternate: (630) 257-2084

A detail-oriented, self-motivated sales professional with extensive experience i n operations management, strategic planning, and promoting long-term business ob jectives. Proven track record of optimizing efficiency of daily operations while providing insightful vision for future growth. Seeking to contribute capable le adership and employee development skills, expertise, and a passionate commitment to excellence in a challenging new position within a progressive organization.

SUMMARY Operations Management: Extensive experience and demonstrated success in sales le adership, increasing profitability, account management, inventory maintenance, a nd operational analysis. Highly-organized while multitasking in fast-paced, dyna mic and deadline-driven work environments. Demonstrated success in supervising m ultiple departments, overseeing personnel, controlling financial functions and e stablishing exceptional client relations, evident through a number of promotions within organization. Proficient in recognizing operational components in need o f enhancement/rectification; success in expeditiously evaluating all possible/pl ausible options, and consistently implementing results-oriented solutions. Relationship Building: Able to quickly establish sincere, professional relations hips built on trust and honesty with diverse groups of co-workers and clients. A clear and articulate motivator; serve as a leader to motivate employees to exce ed client expectations and generate both company growth and positive results. Pr oven success in recognizing deficiencies and implementing programs which have ma de direct, rapid and significant contributions to the bottom line of the organiz ation. Adaptability: Versatile professional, skilled at performing optimally in ever-ch anging environments. Observant and quick-thinking; able to efficiently master ne w business processes and quickly comprehend all aspects of complicated situation s. Excel when working independently while performing exceptionally within a team . Proven ability to perform in high pressure situations. Impeccable Work Ethic: Prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensur e organizational goals are met. Tenaciously execute all projects while providing visionary insight for optimization. Gifted at translating big-picture vision in to practical, strategic action plans for success. PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: PAUL STUART 2007 to 2011

Chicago, Illinois General Manager Directed the seamless enhancement of ongoing operational efforts as well as exec ution of profitable sales strategies across all business channels for this highend clothing retailer. Executed all aspects of daily financial duties includ ing P&L, reconciliation, sales reporting and monthly closing/tracking; co mpleted year-end close, purchase records and tax filings. Instrumental in the hiring, training and mentorship of a successful sales staff. Oversaw the shutdown of one store location in Chicago; managed construction operations a nd the opening of a new location (2008). Achievements: Completely built out new store location and occupancy in 98 days. ROCHESTER CLOTHING 2003 to 2006 Chicago, Illinois Regional Sales Manager Managed and directed all operations, sales, staff and business development for t hree stores throughout the Midwest region. Orchestrated all areas of sales, m arketing, sales incentives, forecasting and quality control. Designed and executed in-store promotions and sales drives. Selected Achievements: Increased overall sales figures for the Midwest region. Led the execution of a complete management overhaul at the Detroit location. Increased regional operating income by 10% (2005 to 2006). -- Continued On Page Two -Blake A. Johnson -- Page Two -ROCHESTER BIG & TALL CLOTHING, INC. 1986 to 2003 Chicago, Illinois Store Manager Full oversight for all store operations, including buying, merchandising, pricin g, sales, public relations, marketing, advertising and regulatory complianc e. Increased profitability and consumer awareness by marketing the store to l

ocal celebrities. Selected Achievements: Led the opening and management of the company California market (1986). s first location outside of the

Established the Chicago location as #2 in a chain of 24 stores. Continuously surpassed monthly sales projections. ROGERS DEPARTMENT STORE 1986 Wyoming, Michigan Department Manager Managed daily operations for Men s Clothing Department including sales and merchandi sing. Supervised an eight member sales staff. Selected Achievements: Formed and chaired a store-wide committee which developed a personalized shoppin g service. MAY S OF MICHIGAN, INC.

1976 to 1986 Grand Rapids, Michigan Corporate Sales Manager Fast track promotion through a serious of positions with increasing responsibili ty including Salesperson, Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, Custom Sh op Manager and Personnel Manager. Full accountability for driving sales and business profitability for a five-location retail chain with annual sales of $8.8 million. Responsibilities included recruitment, training, supervi sion and development of 160 staff members across various departments includi ng management, advertising, customer service and administration. Developed a nd implemented successful marketing and promotional campaigns as well as proven merchandising strategies and innovative sales techniques. Monitored annual budge tary guidelines and daily cash management procedures as well as the admini stration of C-level customer accounts. Selected Achievements: Established and executed the Employee Performance Review program which decreased annual turnover by 30%. Served as Manager for the opening of two new stores (Grandville, 1981; Grand Rapids, 1982). Ranked #1 Salesperson consecutively for four years.

EDUCATION: GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY 1981 Allendale, Michigan Bachelor of Science: Minors in Marketing and Economics TRAINING: Human Resources Management I & II; Retail Management; Coaching, Criticism and Di scipline for Managers and Supervisors AFFILIATIONS: Greater Michigan Avenue Association Chicago Chamber of Commerce Oak Street Council Board Member MILITARY: UNITED STATES ARMY 1972 to 1975 Sargent(E-5) --References Promptly Furnished Upon Request--