Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Ashley Kouns

Charlotte

Summary

Retail and sales leader with 6+ years driving business growth, building strong client relationships, and leading multi-location operations in the hemp and wellness industry. Proven success in scaling wholesale programs, boosting revenue, and developing high performing teams.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Manager

Hemp & Tea Company
01.2024 - Current
  • Reinforced company culture during a large-scale staff transition, implementing mentorship and support strategies that improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover by over 85%.
  • Directed operations for 6 retail locations, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and exceptional customer experience.
  • Coached and developed store managers, raising overall sales performance and team retention.
  • Streamlined inventory systems, reducing discrepancies by 70% and improving transfer accuracy across locations.
  • Designed and launched sales incentive programs (IPT, ASV, Google reviews) that boosted revenue by 15%+ per location.
  • Elevated brand consistency by rolling out merchandising and visual standards company wide.
  • Partnered with executives on expansion planning, wholesale distribution, and new product launches.
  • Consistently ranked #1 in sales averages and per-transaction results across the company.

Sales Director & Beverage Operations Manager

Kanna CBD Dispensary
01.2022 - 01.2024
  • Scaled wholesale division, securing a contract with a 42-store retail chain.
  • Built and managed hemp mocktail production, leading R&D; and product rollout.
  • Increased wholesale revenue by 35% year-over-year through territory growth and upselling.
  • Directed rebranding efforts, including packaging redesign and marketing campaigns.
  • Trained teams through product demos and education, improving customer conversion rates by 20%.
  • Implemented process improvements that reduced production costs and improved margins.

Senior Key Account Manager

Queen Hemp Company
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Generated $500,000 in new B2B sales within 2 years, despite launching during the pandemic.
  • Secured partnership with a 27-store retail chain (Carolina Hemp Company), expanding distribution reach.
  • Managed 90+ key accounts across 8 states, accounting for 75% of company revenue.
  • Strengthened client retention by upselling and launching new SKUs to existing partners.
  • Expanded into multiple channels: hemp dispensaries, pharmacies, natural food, and conventional retail.
  • Recognized as Top Sales Performer for exceeding annual goals and driving brand visibility.

Dispensary Manager

Alamo Botanicals
01.2019
  • Managed day-to-day store operations, ensuring compliance and high service standards.
  • Motivated and trained staff to deliver compassionate care and product knowledge.
  • Fostered a customer-first environment, driving repeat business and loyalty.

Education

Bachelor's - General Studies

Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
01.2017

Skills

  • Leadership & People Development: Coaching, Training, Team and Customer Retention
  • Sales & Business Growth: B2B & B2C Sales, Territory Expansion, Wholesale Distribution, Account Management
  • Talent Acquisition & Development: Interviewing, Hiring, Onboarding
  • Product & Brand Development: Merchandising, Beverage Innovation, Packaging Design, Promotional Strategy

Timeline

Regional Manager

Hemp & Tea Company
01.2024 - Current

Sales Director & Beverage Operations Manager

Kanna CBD Dispensary
01.2022 - 01.2024

Senior Key Account Manager

Queen Hemp Company
01.2019 - 01.2022

Dispensary Manager

Alamo Botanicals
01.2019

Bachelor's - General Studies

Texas State University

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