Jim Abel

Experience

• 

  E&B Discount Marine

  Jan 1983 - Jan 1996

  Regional Vice President

  • Supervised marine retail stores Florida, Alabama, Carolinas, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. • Handled all aspects of store and support center operations from budgeting, sales implementation, store selection, and operational excellence.• Executed effective change-management throughout the acquisition of E&B Discount Marine Supply through empathy, open communication, and clear direction, which resulted in limiting turnover and increasing productivity. • Trained employees on new company processes and procedures, drafted new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and executed the overall implementation of new company protocols and systems. Show less

• 

  West Marine

  Jan 1996 - Jan 2021

  • Oversaw 100 stores with 10 direct reports and 1000 employees by conducting retail auditing to ensure that all operations aligned with company vision and target market; successfully managing financial and business processes; forecasting appropriately to increase market share; and implementing employee recognition and accountability.• Participated in real estate selection for facilities and locations ranging from 4,000 to 30,000 square feet to include determining market viability for each location. • Strategically managed seasonal business flows by adjusting staffing levels to reduce labor expenses; implementing procedures via delegation; and budgeting accordingly based on business levels. • Supported marine retail stores in Eastern Coastal US, Western US, Great Lakes, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada by managing merchandising, product selection, and store layout; understanding various business models, exchange rates, product labeling requirements, and employment contracts; and ensuring compliance with national and international business and labor laws.• Partnered with the Marketing department to implement and approve digital marketing for all upcoming events, sales and promotions, and new merchandise, which increased overall brand exposure and sales.• Inspired and motivated field operations support teams, store teams, and pro teams (B2B) through the use of effective change-management including throughout COVID-19 protocols, which resulted in positively managing turnover, improving productivity, and increasing financial results year-over-year.• Effectively trained, developed, and mentored employees through the implementation of Achieve Global Frontline training and coaching. • Served as the West Marine Sustainability Committee Chairman to improve standards and processes and reduce waste and energy use.• Sail America as a Board Member from 2015 -- 2021, President, and Nominating Committee Chairman to give back to professionals within the boating industry. Show less • Oversaw 21+ marine retail stores throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana by ensuring that all local stores were aligned with the company vision and executed operational compliance with plans, policies, and procedures provided by corporate. • Frequently visited stores to conduct audits, mitigate personnel challenges, ensure compliance, motivate sales, manage merchandising, and execute overall asset protection.• Implemented employee sales incentives to increase overall sales and boost morale for district teams, wholesale teams, and store level employees.• Supervised daily retail operations to include training, budgeting, visual merchandising standards, and store improvements.• Managed all special projects to include 15+ boat shows, 50+ grand openings, consumer events, company initiates, and research. Show less

  • Regional Vice President

    Jan 2007 - Jan 2021

  • District Manager

    Jan 1996 - Jan 2007