Sam Soto
Raleigh
Summary
Results-driven leader with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, driving sales growth, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Skilled in operational excellence, staff development, and inventory management, with a strong focus on meeting and exceeding key performance indicators. Specialize in fostering a positive work environment, improving efficiency, and implementing strategic initiatives that improve profitability, and committed to building stronger customer relationships, while maintaining brand standards.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Safelite Autoglass
04.2023 - Current
- Assigned to lead a turnaround store upon hire, resulting in EOY Center of Excellence recognition.
- Reduced associate turnover rate from 23.5% to 5.6% by focusing on recognizing high potential talent and implementing development plans, resulting in internal promotions, allowing me to transfer to another turnaround opportunity.
- Reduced breakage, scrap and shrink using invoice & SOP accountability, resulting in a shrink rate of 1.2% vs a 3.4% budget.
- Increased unit sales by 10% by improving mobile route efficiencies, also resulting in increased customer (92 NPS) and technician satisfaction (89 AES).
General Manager
Coquette Brasserie
07.2020 - 04.2023
- Developed an award-winning wine list, receiving the "Best of Raleigh" Award in 2021 and 2022.
- Cross-trained all FOH and BOH associates, resulting in a 5% YoY labor spend reduction.
- Designed and streamlined section maps, service manuals, and banquet menus, resulting in a 120% increase in private dining sales.
General Manager
Raleigh Times
12.2016 - 07.2020
- Led a team of 90 associates in a unit with 6 dining rooms, 5 bars, and 3 kitchens, w/ the largest microbrew collection in NC.
- Increased health inspection score from a 90.5 to a 98 by remaining consistent in coaching and food safety accountability.
- Reduced paper, linen, and chemical supply spend by creating min/maxes in all 3 kitchens, resulting in a 2% gross increase.
General Manager
Rosati’s Pizza Pub
09.2004 - 11.2016
- Earned “Top Grossing Rosati’s” out of nearly 175 locations, resulting in being assigned as the Regional Training Store.
- Reduced food & beverage cost of goods sold by 4% using recipe build accountability, leading to increased consistency and brand loyalty.
- Increased YoY sales growth from 3.5% to 11% through targeted merchandising, team engagement, and execution of strategic promotions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL12-2011
Skills
- Inventory Management & Shrink Control
- Customer Experience & Service Excellence
- Sales & Profitability Management
- Financial Reporting & Budgeting
- Succession Planning & Bench Development
- Employee Engagement & Retention Strategies
- Coaching & Performance Management
- Cross-Training & Skill Development
Timeline
Store Manager
Safelite Autoglass
04.2023 - Current
General Manager
Coquette Brasserie
07.2020 - 04.2023
General Manager
Raleigh Times
12.2016 - 07.2020
General Manager
Rosati’s Pizza Pub
09.2004 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Science - Education
Northern Illinois University