Mike Valente

About Mike Valente

Accomplished grocery/retail executive and consultant with 20+ years of successful results helping lead the design, construction, and day-to-day operational management of complex retail enterprises - including companies in the conventional grocery, natural foods, and cooperative retail space. Possess a comprehensive understanding of all retail/grocery functions based on assignments held to date as a GM, Grocery Store Director, Purchasing Manager, and Department Manager—overseeing the full mix of common product categories including Meat, Produce, Dairy, Frozen, Deli/Bakery, Grocery and Health/Beauty/Cosmetics. Passionate about helping launch innovative new markets to provide consumers with healthy, cost-effective food choices and address chronic “food desert” issues. Recognized frequently for an inspirational leadership style and demonstrated strengths recruiting and retaining talented teams from a diverse range of cultural/educational backgrounds. Areas of expertise include: Store Management, Operations & Team Leadership | Safety & Loss Prevention | Retail & POS System Implementation | Store Construction / Remodeling / Renovation | Purchasing & Procurement | Marketing, Advertising & Promotions | Employee Hiring, Team-Building & Retention | Regulatory Compliance | Staff Training & Development | P&L Management / Margin Growth | Community Outreach | Equipment Selection & Installation | Budgeting & Financial Analysis | Store Design & Customer Experience | Turnarounds & Restructuring Initiatives

Experience

1. Store Co Manager

   Lowes Foods

   Apr 2023 — Present · Clemmons, NC, US

   Assure the effective and profitable operation of the assigned retail store including the development of all hosts assigned to that store. To actively pursue self-development and proficiency in the skills necessary to be assigned as senior co-manager. Assists the store manager in implementing an in-store sales-building culture that ensures growth through: execution of company merchandising programs and weekly sales plans in each department, planning and executing weekly sales themes, ensuring in-stock conditions throughout the store and actively participates in weekly sales meetings. Provides for desired levels of guest satisfaction, courtesy and service throughout the store. Accountable for achieving budgeted financial results in assigned area of responsibility and assists store manager in achieving total store results. Effectively controls store variable expenses, including achieving budgeted wage percent. Assists in the staffing of the store, including forecasting of needs, recruitment and training. Additionally, builds a talent planning bench for the store, including developing and executing development plans for all hi-potential and promotable individuals. Ensures direct reports understand expectations for performance, holds them accountable to achieve budgeted results. Effectively trains and develops store management team, especially department managers, to ensure Lowes Foods has the necessary bench for our growth. Acts as a resource for these leaders in their roles. Ensures sanitation and food safety standards are maintained throughout the store (as measured through internal and external sources). Creates an atmosphere that ensures positive store morale through effective supervisory treatment and recognition. The workforce should be enthusiastic, guest focused and embedded in a selling culture.

Education

• ECPI University

  Computerized Accounting

  2005 — 2005