Colby Fries

About Colby Fries

Summary As an accomplished Business Operations Leader, I’ve found my successes have been achieved by effectively developing and executing strategies to drive growth, savings, and exceptional customer experience. I specialize in leading and managing operational transformations, aligning operational initiatives with corporate objectives, and building and leading high-performing teams that succeed through a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and engagement. I am also proficient in leading projects and programs, cultivating key relationships and partnerships, and implementing continuous improvements. Areas of Expertise Business Operations Management • Growth Management • Business Development • Sales & Marketing Strategies • Project & Program Management • Operational Controls • Inventory Management • Customer Experience • Relationship Building & Management • Negotiations • M&A • Team Building & Leadership • High-Performance Culture • Training & Development • Coaching & Mentoring • Talent Management • Workforce Management • Succession Planning • Strategic Planning & Execution • Change Management • Budgeting & Forecasting • P&L Management • Innovative Solutions & Improvements • and more… Key Achievements Consistently exceeded performance goals; developed and implemented effective operational strategies. Enhanced operational efficiencies; created and improved policies, processes, and workflows. Improved customer experience and surpassed Net Promoter Score (NPS) targets. Served as a contributing member of the M&A Team integrating the first subset of Rite Aid locations; developed processes for the company’s nationwide plans and goals. Navigated the region through the pandemic crisis with minimal interruption; led the pharmacy operations with vaccine administration and implementation of new safety policies. Increased employee engagement and retention by building optimal team cultures; developed leaders into advanced roles through structured coaching and mentoring.

Experience

1. Director, Pharmacy and Retail Operations

   Walgreens

   Jan 2015 — Present · Louisville, KY, US

   Walgreens is a global leader in retail pharmacy with more than locations. Kentucky & Southern Indiana Region, 2022 – Present161 locations; supervise 15 direct reports and manage 3,200 team members. Tennessee Region, 2019 – 202280 locations; supervised 9 direct reports and managed 1,600 team members. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York Region, 2017 – 201984 locations; supervised 9 direct reports and managed 1,600 team members. Ohio Region, 2015 – 201795 locations; supervised 9 direct reports and managed team members.I currently oversee operations encompassing the development and execution of strategic plans, sales and marketing, customer engagement, business development, talent acquisition and management, employee engagement, and P&L administration. Create short and long term business plans centered on growth, profit opportunities, and service; served as a member of the M&A Integration Team; foster key relationships.My successes included:• Consistently exceeded performance goals; led the region to one of highest in operational metrics.• Headed executive leadership training sessions with regional directors and increased revenue 5.7% within 6 months (implemented companywide for leadership training).• Contributing member of the M&A Team integrating the first subset of Rite Aid locations; developed processes for the company’s nationwide plans and goals. • Enhanced operational efficiencies; developed and improved policies, processes, and workflows.• Elevated customer experience and exceeded Net Promoter Score (NPS) target.• Navigated the region through pandemic crisis and led the vaccine administration.• Improved employee engagement, retention, and culture; promoted a high level of morale and motivation.• Designed and conducted training sessions covering transformational leadership, trust and team building, and creating structure.• Developed leadership staff into advanced roles through structured coaching and mentoring.

Education

• Washburn University

  Bachelor of Science - BS