Michael Poplin
Cooleemee
Summary
Seasoned retail manager with 20 years of leadership experience and a strong foundation in Asset Protection. Skilled in team development, operational discipline, shrink reduction, and safety compliance. Trusted to step into leadership gaps, resolve complex issues, and maintain a secure, well‑run store environment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2003
2003
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Commercial Parts Professional
Advance Auto Parts
Cooleemee
2025.01 - Current
- First call for most technicians in the market because of product knowledge and resourcefulness.
- Rebuilt a broken commercial program by building relationships with customers who had decided to buy from competition.
- Managed five delivery vehicles and drivers to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Filled in as store leader when necessary.
General Manager
Advance Auto Parts
Statesville
2021.05 - 2025.01
- Managed all store operations.
- Hired, trained and developed team members to succeed in role and move on to leadership positions.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure in-stock for online ordering.
- Successful in growing commercial program from a 1 Salesperson, 1 truck team to a 2 Salesperson, 2 truck team in the first year in role.
Manager of Tire Sales
Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC.
Winston
2019.06 - 2021.05
- Managed daily operations of tire sales, ensuring optimal inventory levels.
- Trained and mentored team members on product knowledge and customer service skills.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote tire and service products and increase customer eengagement.
- Planned and implemented quarterly tire sales events.
Asset Protection Assistant Store Manager
Walmart Stores,INC
Winston-Salem
2006.07 - 2019.05
- Assisted in training staff on loss prevention techniques and policies.
- Responded promptly to incidents and maintained detailed reports of occurrences.
- Supported investigations by gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage.
- Communicated effectively with law enforcement during security incidents.
- Provided customer service support while ensuring a safe shopping environment.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations and provided assistance as required.
- Seasoned interviewer with dozens of confessions.
- Hundreds of documented shoplifters apprehensions and deterrences.
Enlisted Soldier
US Army
Ford
2004.01 - 2006.05
- Conducted training exercises for soldiers to enhance combat readiness.
- Participated in live-fire exercises to ensure proficiency with individual weapons systems.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while performing duties such as operating a motor vehicle or handling hazardous materials.
Education
Certificate - Interview & Interrogation Techniques
Wicklander-Zulawski
2014.07 - 2014.07
East Wilkes High School
Ronda, NCSkills
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- Facility management
- Risk control
- Theft mitigation
- Types 90wpm
- Microsoft Office
- P&L analysis
- Interview techniques
- Hiring, scheduling and staffing
- Shoplifter apprehension
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Commercial Parts Professional
Advance Auto Parts
2025.01 - Current
General Manager
Advance Auto Parts
2021.05 - 2025.01
Manager of Tire Sales
Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC.
2019.06 - 2021.05
Certificate - Interview & Interrogation Techniques
Wicklander-Zulawski
2014.07 - 2014.07
Asset Protection Assistant Store Manager
Walmart Stores,INC
2006.07 - 2019.05
Enlisted Soldier
US Army
2004.01 - 2006.05
East Wilkes High School