Kenneth Walter

Buyer for Upholstered & Leather Furniture

•Collaborate with Product Development in establishing $27M of demand in six collections and line extensions for 2017 season •Manage and negotiate costing through positive vendor relationships for new and carry-over product, establishing retails set to target margins trending +350bps to LY with department growth of 6% •Strategize with cross-functional partners in establishing promotional actions to ensure target comp, with YTD results showing (7%) in inventory cost $’s and MMU % running +400bps to total company •Develop new pricing strategy for cushions to drive demand in OPP, while encouraging overall +7% comp in IMU%

Supported $300M business with 22% TY/LY through managing multiple projects with various cross-functional departments, ensuring seamless maintenance and development of current assortment while successfully launching additions from product inception to completion. • In partnership with Product Development, actively participated in the development of seven new collections for Outdoor 2015 Spring season launch • Managed the creation of 85,000 SKUs, over two seasonal launches, and ensured all correct data then be communicated to all channels including: Inventory Planning, E-Commerce, Web Copy, Brand & Packaging, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Gallery Communications • Assisted in development of training deck used to discuss with company associates regarding Spring 2016 Outdoor Assortment newness in 2-hour sessions in 20+ galleries across the United States • Continued maintenance of 200,000 SKUs to ensure accurate information is present to all partners and channels, e.g.: cost updates, retail updates, web descriptions, color/material additions, inventory management, selling controls, etc. • Assisted in QA of two sourcebook launches, each resulting in ~ 2 million in-home deliveries • Assisted in QA of two web launches for Fall and Spring seasons • Trained new Merchandise Leader of Outdoor Furniture on 2015 Outdoor Assortment and on-boarded regarding business YTD to prepare for new role • Coordinated on-boarding for new Merchandise Coordinator for entire division

• Supported three departments (Furniture, Garden & Statement Dining, Textiles) in launching Spring and Fall 2015 Outdoor seasons, totaling 18 launched collections • Managed project to collect, verify dimensions collected by vendors for over 200,000 SKUs and communicate these updates to all cross-functional partners to ultimately be • Successfully managed daily inbox of Support Tickets, providing tools for company associates to better assist customers available to customers • Rectified incorrect imagery and information visible on company website through management of JIRA system • Developed swatch program for Design Atelier swatch program, resulting in new standards for swatches presented to company design clientele in its "next-generation" galleries • Submitted changes for all division SKUs, ensuring all data was accurate throughout all channels of business, reinforcing the integrity of the product

Responsible for all workings of a 27 room boutique hotel and 85 table restaurant, including hiring, scheduling, and managing staff of more than 10, budgeting, controlling operating expenses, meeting the property’s monthly revenue targets, and managing finances via on-site safes and banking • Facilitated steady increase in guest occupancy by 5% and average daily rate by 28% over three years through improved guest amenities and implementation of new property management system allowing the pursuit of new avenues, including third-party online travel agencies (i.e. booking.com, expedia, tripadvisor, etc.), package offerings, key marketing through online venues, strategic planning of availability and pricing models, tracking and analysis of booking sources • Saw company grow 13% in revenue over the same period by establishing future growth-oriented budgets in terms of average daily rate and occupancy • Achieved two large-scale renovation and maintenance projects by coordinating bidding process, schedule, managing contractors, and detailed communication with corporate office to ensure proper completion of project • Trained 20 staff and team members to manage guest services and billing using Micros Opera PMS/Aloha POS/OpenTable reservation systems • Developed mission statement and core values, presented to both corporate and property staff, to inspire further success and display management’s desires and goals for the business

- Create website - Design company brand - Ensure consistent brand in reports, forms, etc. - Ensure quality in reports prepared for clients - Deliver final product to clients - Forge a secure and trusting relationship with clients - Manage client relations

Responsible for daily operations of a 27 room boutique hotel, ensuring proper implementation of improved guest services and efficient scheduling of staff • Innovated new customer support documents, including reference maps and guides for hotel and restaurant visitors, increasing customer engagement and satisfaction • Directed elevated issues/inquiries to appropriate departments to ensure adequate resolve