Bret D.

Harris
2133 E Sanoque Ct. Gilbert, AZ 85298
Cell: (602)451-1886 bh9b50f2@westpost.net Home: (480)248-9255
SUMMARY
General Management a- Sales & Marketing a- Business Development a- Profit Genera
tion
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions 1998 a" Present
A $50 million window covering company with 500 employees and 25 national locatio
ns
Vice President/General Manager a" Arizona Market Tempe, AZ 2005 - Present
Manage all aspects of sales and profitability for Arizonaas largest retailer of
plantation shutters, blinds and shades.
a Developed revenue streams to include direct retail, box stores, builders, desi
gners and wholesale
a Autonomously oversee all marketing, staffing, compensation structures, etc.
a Proposed and helped implement national branding change to focus on larger audi
ence
a Negotiated national product expansion with VP of Marketing; sales increased 25
%
a Coached salesmanship & closing techniques to increase sales margins by 10%
a Reduced existing accounts receivable problem by 65%
a Improved product delivery time by 25% to increase cash flow, sales & customer
satisfaction
Director of Business Development & Manufacturing Las Vegas, NV 2002 a" 2005
Established new Sunburst locations in areas of the U.S.A. where profitability wa
s determined most likely. Simultaneously oversaw operations of largest shutter
manufacturing facility in the country in Wausau, WI.
a Analyzed available markets to determine prime areas for opening retail centers
a Established physical locations by negotiating building leases and acquiring ne
cessary licenses
a Hired and trained General Managers to establish our brand and sell to consumer
s
a Opened markets in Atlanta, D.C., Minneapolis, Nashville, Knoxville, Charlotte,
New Orleans and revamped a location in Northern California
a Initiated marketing and advertising campaigns in each location
a Maintained constant contact and follow up to ensure growth and profitability
a Established revenue streams with big box stores, builders and designers in add
ition to direct sales with home owners
a Assisted new GMas with procurement of assets including autos, tools, fabricati
on machines, office furniture, etc.
a Re-organized leadership of manufacturing plant to ensure better results in qua
lity, cost and speed
a Utilized automation and technology where feasible to reduce human error and ac
celerate production by 35% during a period of 65% growth
a Managed budget of more than $40 million

National Wholesale Manager Las Vegas, NV 2000 - 2002

Launched a wholesale division to generate a revenue stream of national accounts
to subsidize the cost of expansion for Sunburst.
a Organized project from initial plans to active revenue
a Worked with programming company to architect an on-line ordering system
a Traveled extensively to establish clientele
a Established presence in national and regional trade shows
a Developed a solid marketing campaign through trade publications
a Branded Sunburstas unique Polywood product to create greater market awareness
Sales Manager
Renovated the Las Vegas territory previously hurt by sales associates with poor
practices; did so with integrity, follow up, hard work and solid negotiating/clo
sing techniques.
a Grew annual sales by 100%
a Increased profits through growth, reduction of errors and improved service
a Restored the Sunburst brand in Las Vegas which today owns a lions share of the
market
a Trained additional sales associates
a Developed a professional relationship of trust and success with owner of Sunbu
rst that would create a springboard for promotions in the following years
Waxie Enterprises: Sales Las Vegas, NV 1997 a" 1998
a Specialized in large hotel account sales
a Sold on labor reducing benefits and cost saving measures of our product lines
a Received extensive sales training in presentation, overcoming challenges & clo
sing techniques
Hotel Management 1993 - 1997
New York, New York Hotel & Casino: Asst. Hotel Manager Las Vegas, NV
a Acting hotel manager on duty during swing and grave shifts a" subordinate payr
oll included 85 customer service agents, 100 bell/valet attendants & 15 VIP agen
ts
Quality Inn Key Largo Hotel & Casino: Asst. Hotel Manager Las Vegas, NV
a Acting hotel manager while ownership had property in escrow a" 325 rooms, casi
no, conference space, restaurant and gift shop
Horne Properties (Motel Group): Motel Manager Provo, UT
a Worked full time as Motel Manager while finishing my education
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science - Hotel Management Brigham Young University Pr
ovo, UT
SPECIAL INTERESTS
a Proficient in both French and Haitian Creole.
a Extensive travel including 12 countries and 30 US states. Have lived abroad.
a Traveled to Shanghai and Singapore on business.