KIMBERLY K.

MEYER
628 William Street
River Forest, Illinois 60305
Residence: 708-689-8255
Cellular: 312-560-1922
kimmeyer628@comcast.net

SUMMARY

Innovative, results-oriented business executive with expertise in all facets of leadership. Recognized for
creating definitive solutions that enhance sales performance and facilitate company growth. Demonstrated
skills in building a company from the ground up. Accountable for designing an environment of “Can Do
Optimism” that delivers results and tangible value. Effective communicator and agent of change who
positively impacts the corporate culture at all levels.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ULTRA STORES, INC., Chicago, IL 1995 to 2008

Leading retailer of fine jewelry with 195 locations in a variety of retail venues including; leased departments,
regional malls, outlet centers, specialty, flagship, casinos and airport kiosks.

Senior Vice President of Operations (2000 to 2008)

Reported to the President - CEO, led the entire sales force of 1,000 employees, supervised 12 District
Managers and was responsible for sales of $150 million with an emphasis on turning a new concept into a
branded commodity within a $60 billion jewelry industry.

 Proven ability to increase sales performance by developing training programs, recruiting and motivating,
top sales performers in all 195 locations. As a direct result of my efforts, sales increased throughout my
tenure and grew to the 5th largest Jewelry chain in America.
 Effective in managing a payroll budget of $8 million while maintaining positive store comp increases. By
streamlining the payroll process it created a well controlled result and increases in the average sale size
due to the quality of the sales team.
 Recognized for always having talented team members that were ready for growth and change. I was
known for having 75% of the District Manager positions promoted from within the company, and the
average tenure per District Manager was 6 years. These impressive statistics were accomplished by a
comprehensive training program that I created as well as a loyalty and commitment towards me as a
leader.
 Established a marketing and communication practice specializing in the strategic development of
company, brand, product launches and repositioning. Recognized for a particular expertise in strategic
integration of multi-faceted marketing programs that create bottom line value.
 Maximized average sales ticket 75% by streamlining and enhancing store design and layout of
merchandise that provided uniqueness to each location. This allowed the customers experience to be
positive and to have a lasting impression.
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Vice President Operations (1998 to 2000)

Managed growth and profitability for over 50 locations. Responsible for training, motivating sales team and
supervising the field force including 600 employees and a staff of 12 district managers.

 Delivered outstanding value to the consumer by negotiating terms and conditions of direct buy and/or
asset memo agreements, conducted vendor site visits and participated in trade shows. Assisted in the
identification and cultivation of global vendor relationships, maintained more than 400 product suppliers
for proprietary and international brands.
 Evaluated competition, monitored consumer behavior and remained current on fashion trends to support
appropriate regional product selection, and pricing strategies which provided the customer the
excitement and confidence in making purchases.
 Drove sales and revenue by developing strategic sales plans, budget statement line items and financial
company goals.

Associate Vice President of Human Resources (1995 to 1998)

Oversaw all new store operations and hiring. Delivered training to all levels of management during the major
growth of the company.

 Achieved a sales-focused environment by maintaining an open, approachable line of communication to

all staff that minimized future issues.
 Directed/counseled all levels of company management in areas of employment including; hiring, sales
and operation performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations and investigation/resolution
of employee grievances. The company’s low turnover rate was a direct result of these actions.
 Developed and implemented programs to advance the recruiting, motivation, training and retention of
workforce.

FINLAY FINE JEWELRY, Chicago, IL 1990 to 1995

Regional Manager
WHITEHALL JEWELERS, Chicago, IL 1984 to 1990
Store Manager
MADIGANS, North Riverside, IL 1982 to 1984
Store Manager
EDUCATION
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 1981 -1983
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Negotiation for Senior Executives, Harvard Law School
Chart House International Learning Corporation - FISH Philosophy
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
International Council of Shopping Centers, ICSC
National Retail Federation, NRF
Outlet Retail Merchants Association, ORMA
COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
Starlight Foundation, Board Member, 2001 - 2008
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Volunteer, 1998 - 2000