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Paul Abugattas

Innovative Executive Retail Operations Leader | Transforming Retail & Distribution Businesses through Strategic Vision
About

Committed to transforming retail operations while maximizing revenue, building dynamic teams, and achieving aggressive business goals. As a dynamic executive leader with a focus on retail operations, I have been recognized for having a proven record of transforming retail and distribution businesses. Throughout my career, I have consistently driven success through strategic planning, operational excellence, and innovative store development. My passion for revitalizing underperforming operations has also been demonstrated by leading market expansions while building high-performing teams to achieve sustained profitability and competitive advantage. Skilled in leveraging data-driven insights, I have consistently optimized supply chain efficiencies and implemented customer-centric strategies to deliver impactful results and long-term growth. A few key highlights include: • Revitalized distressed operations at Colonial Gardens, doubling business growth within 2 years, increasing gross margins by 200 basis points, and generating $1M in first year in additional revenue through strategic retail and agritourism initiatives. • Expanded retail footprint at Plow & Hearth, growing from 2 to 32 locations, driving $40M in annual revenue through strategic site selection, innovative merchandising, and product sourcing, including establishing private label product lines, adding $8M in incremental sales. • Led comprehensive transformation of call center operations during a pandemic, implementing an RFP for new customer service tech stack, establishing remote agent network for 150+ employees while maintaining peak service KPIs and achieving a 20% increase in multi-channel sales growth. I am excited to expand my professional network and see what the future holds. If you would like to connect, please contact me at abugattasp@gmail.com. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Inventory Management & Shrink Reduction Customer Experience Enhancement Team Leadership & Development Retail Operations Management Multi-Channel Sales Strategies Project & Capital Management Strategic Market Expansion Supply Chain Optimization Business Development P&L Oversight

Previous Brands
DCA Outdoor
Plow & Hearth
ISI Professional Services
MARS Music
Crown Books
Work Experience
Executive Director
Nov ‘22 - Now
DCA Outdoor

Oversee operations for Colonial Gardens, 77-acre facility integrating a garden center, agritourism attractions, retail spaces, and food and beverage services. Lead strategic planning and execution of retail, marketing, and operational initiatives while expanding leadership responsibilities to include PlantRight Supply's 100,000 sq. ft. distribution and fulfillment center, supporting wholesale and internal clients. Focus on team development, cross-functional collaboration, P&L management, and experiential marketing to establish Colonial Gardens as a leader in community agriculture. • Increased revenue by $1M in first year and reduced inventory by 30% through strategic retail and agritourism initiatives, including festivals, events, and VIP programs. • Doubled year-over-year business growth while maintaining labor cost efficiency and increasing gross margins by 200 basis points.

Vice President of Customer Engagement & Experience/Director Retail Division
Oct ‘21 - Nov ‘22
Plow & Hearth

Navigated through multiple roles during tenure, ultimately becoming vice president of customer engagement and experience while maintaining oversight of retail division. Oversaw operations for 300,000 sq. ft. distribution center supporting 5 brands across e-commerce, wholesale, and marketplace fulfillment with team of over 200. Directed strategic planning for retail expansion, including new store prototypes, merchandise assortment, budget planning, and marketing strategies. Led initiatives to enhance profitability and performance across multi-channel sales, distribution, and call center operations while contributing to corporate strategic decision-making and transformational growth. • Expanded retail footprint from 2 to 32 stores, generating $40M in annual revenue through site selection, leasing, buying, and merchandising. • Created and implemented private label programs, driving $3M in garden line revenue and $5M in pantry product revenue.

Director Of Distribution Center Operations
Jan ‘20 - Jan ‘22
Plow & Hearth

Director of Customer Service & Call Center Operations
Jan ‘19 - Oct ‘21
Plow & Hearth

Director Retail Division
May ‘03 - Nov ‘22
Plow & Hearth

Project Manager
Jan ‘00 - May ‘03
ISI Professional Services

In this role, I led and managed Federal Government projects for agencies of the Department of Interior and the National Institutes of Health. I also managed a team of multi-functional professionals tasked with coordinating and managing federal property leasing and material acquisitions in accordance with Federal regulations. My results include: Leveraging my skills and expertise to galvanize team members to embrace a singular vision and oneness of purpose. I also delivered complex projects on-time and within budget despite shifting priorities, demanding expectations and stringent deadlines.

General Manager
May ‘98 - Jan ‘00
MARS Music

As the General Manager I led the retail operations for a $7M retail location and supported the organization’s expansion strategies by serving as an on-site coordinator and trainer for new store setups and grand openings. I guaranteed P&L performance. I coached, mentored and trained a staff of 60 professionals and support personnel including the Learning Center and teaching personnel.

Regional Director
May ‘88 - May ‘98
Crown Books

Responsible for all facets of operations for 50+ retail locations in California as Regional Director. Handled real estate, operations, loss prevention, merchandise planning, and human resources decisions for region.

Languages
English - Native
Spanish - Fluent
Blue Springs, MO, USA