Aki Loupos

As a Regional Franchise Manager, I am responsible for the operations of 22 Bridgestone Franchise locations. This includes working collaboratively with my group of franchisees to achieve their business objectives while preparing them for the move toward the industry solutions of tomorrow. My focus has been franchise profitability and growth while ensuring franchisees and their teams deliver an outstanding customer experience. I am also tasked with network training and upskilling of franchisees and their team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse and interpret financial reporting to drive business improvement.
• Identify gaps in operational performance, and effectively implement improvement plans with individual stores.
• Create and sustain multi-tier relationships with key stakeholders.
• Foster enhanced franchisee satisfaction with regular communication and support initiatives.
• Provide comprehensive training to new and existing franchise owners for successful business management.
• Established performance metrics, monitoring progress towards achieving key goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive support materials for franchisees.
• Conduct regular audits of franchises, identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable feedback.
• Facilitate ongoing learning and development opportunities for franchise staff through targeted training programs.
• Resolve conflicts between franchisor and franchisees amicably, promoting a positive working environment within the organisation.

As a Franchise Support Executive my role……

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide operational support to franchisees and licensees.
• Conduct regular safety and operational audits across 45 Bridgestone stores and provide actionable feedback.
• Provide expert guidance on product features and functionality, enabling customers to utilise solutions more effectively.
• Maintain compliance with industry regulations, minimizing risks associated with non-compliance issues.
• Implement standardised operating procedures across all franchised and licenced locations to ensure consistency in customer service delivery.
• Handle customer concerns to realise positive outcomes.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving technical issues promptly.
• Review of customer feedback to identify trends in product issues or user concerns, driving continuous improvement efforts.

As a Wholesale Sales Executive, I was responsible for developing and maintaining customer relationships. Providing value to customers and achieving sales targets while ensuring customers receive the highest quality services and products. An initiative I am proud of is the implementation of a CRM system for better customer tracking, leading to improved follow-up processes and higher conversion rates. Resulting in the signing of three new major customers in the first 5 months in this role. Ultimately, the main objective was to meet and exceed sales targets by units sold to existing and new customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Boost sales revenue by cultivating strong client relationships and implementing effective sales strategies.
• Exceed monthly and quarterly targets consistently through diligent prospecting and tailored product presentations.
• Expand market share with strategic territory planning and targeted prospecting.
• Develop key partnerships, resulting in increased lead generation and cross-selling opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends and adjust sales approach accordingly.
• Negotiate contract terms with clients, to secure favorable conditions for both parties while maximising profitability.
• Identify upselling opportunities within existing accounts by staying informed about clients'' evolving needs.
• Analyse sales data regularly to monitor progress towards goals and make necessary adjustments to strategy as needed.
• Manage pipeline efficiently, prioritising tasks according to urgency/importance while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.
• Review competitor offerings periodically to stay informed about industry trends and maintain a competitive edge.
• Collaborate with internal teams, such as logistics and customer support, to ensure seamless client experience throughout the sales process.
• Achieve sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.

Responsibilities include overseeing the general operations of eight locations with a total of 40 staff. in this role, I was also responsible for recruiting and training talented individuals as well as guiding and upskilling existing staff.

I would drive my management teams to deliver results by analysing sales results and setting expectations based on personnel and store-specific opportunities. Providing advice and coaching on salesmanship, expense/stock, and staff management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enhance team performance by providing regular coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff members.
• Ensuring store standards are being upheld to provide a customer-focused environment.
• Ensure all occupational health and safety procedures are being met.
• Confirm and verify that stock management and stock take procedures are being carried out correctly.
• Analyse Profit and Loss reports to identify revenue and cost-saving opportunities; then provide actionable feedback to managers.
• Regular store audits relating to operations, sales, safety, customer service, and profitability.
• Handle customer concerns with a focus on ensuring their satisfaction and retaining their business.

This role has provided me with an understanding of multisite management and the importance of planning to ensure success. I also developed a strong appreciation of the importance of following up consistently with staff and stakeholders.

Responsibilities include revenue growth and increasing customer base while maximising GP. Managing a team of five employees and upholding company standards.

Handling day-to-day administrative duties such as rostering, approving hours and ensuring all paperwork is up to date. This included following up on debtors and inventory management.

Identifying market trends to maintain the correct stock on hand and an appropriate stock level, carrying out a monthly stock take and visual merchandising.

Many of the day-to-day responsibilities mirror the below-mentioned role. With the added responsibility of meeting sales targets and managing expenses to bring the store to a consistent profitable level, which I am proud to have accomplished.

• Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
• Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
• Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
• Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
• Implemented a loyalty program that boosted repeat business and increased overall sales revenue.
• Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
• Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
• Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
• Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across all locations.
• Organized special events such as seasonal sales promotions to drive foot traffic into the store and increase sales opportunities.
• Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
• Assessed local market trends to make informed decisions regarding product assortment adjustments or pricing changes based on consumer demand patterns.
• Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
• Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.

Responsibilities include maximising sales whilst achieving optimum customer satisfaction. Assisting in managing the daily operations of the store, ensuring the team adheres to all HSE policies and procedures. As well as guiding and motivating a team of technicians.

In my daily role, I assisted my manager in running the business and deputised occasionally on their behalf.

During my time in this role, I have developed an instinct for “finding the trigger” to secure a sale, even when switching individuals from a brand they trust to one they have never tried or heard of. At this store, I was able to exceed targets and create growth in the business and am always striving to reach higher targets and challenge myself and my team to do more.

• Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
• Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
• Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
• Improved store sales by implementing effective merchandising strategies and optimizing floor layouts.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving conflicts, addressing concerns, and providing exceptional service.
• Collaborated with Store Manager to analyze sales data, identify trends, and develop targeted action plans.
• Monitored competitor activity to stay informed of market trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Empowered team members by delegating tasks effectively while also offering guidance when needed.
• Supervised cash handling procedures to minimize discrepancies and prevent theft or fraud incidents within the store premises.
• Trained and managed associates in customer service and sales techniques.
• Tracked daily cash handling, reconciled sales and prepared bank deposits.

This was very much a labor-intensive role, with some technical requirements in diagnosing and identifying faults in vehicle stability and tyre wear. This involves checking and servicing the steering system and suspension, identifying and interpreting tyre and rim regulations, making adjustments and doing post-alignment checks and road testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Balancing wheels and tyres with the help of electronic equipment.
• Working with tools and pneumatic equipment to fit tyres and wheels onto a vehicle.
• Inspect tyres and related components - removing, replacing, and repairing tyres and tubes.
• Diagnosing tyre damage and wear.
• Maintaining adequate supply levels for the day-to-day running of the workshop.
• Mechanical adjustments of steering and suspension components.
• Troubleshooting and repair of equipment.
• Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.