Michael Whitaker

Hospital Manager

Picayune Veterinary Clinic · United States

Present

• Oversaw daily hospital operations, ensuring efficient workflow for medical and client-facing teams. • Coordinated scheduling for veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to meet medical and operational needs. • Managed inventory levels, ordering, and vendor relationships to ensure consistent availability of medical supplies. • Implemented and maintained corporate policies, compliance standards, and OSHA/safety protocols. Client Service & Communication • Served as primary point of contact for client concerns, billing questions, and escalated service issues. • Ensured a high-quality client experience by coaching staff on communication, empathy, and service standards. • Developed and monitored client-service metrics, improving client satisfaction and retention. Staff Management & Leadership • Recruited, onboarded, and trained new staff, ensuring alignment with hospital and corporate expectations. • Conducted performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action to maintain accou…

General Manager

Petco · Houston, TX

• Directed all day-to-day retail operations, ensuring strong profitability, exceptional guest experience, and consistent brand standards. • Led, coached, and developed a diverse team, cultivating a positive and high-performance work environment. • Analyzed and tracked KPI metrics to evaluate store performance, identify business trends, and drive strategic decision-making. • Conducted detailed business breakdowns to assess strengths, diagnose operational challenges, and uncover opportunities for improvement. • Developed targeted micro-strategies using the company HUB, breaking down the business into actionable focus areas for measurable improvement. • Implemented strategic operational plans that enhanced customer service, operational efficiency, and overall store performance. • Drove sales growth and guest retention through effective team leadership, training, and customer-centric service initiatives.

Front End Supervisor/Flooring Specialist

Lowe's Companies, Inc. · Spokane-Coeur d'Alene Area

• Achieved and exceeded flooring and tile installation sales goals through expert product knowledge, personalized customer consultations, and accurate project quoting. • Scheduled installation appointments, prepared detailed sales contracts, and guided customers through the full project lifecycle to ensure clarity, accuracy, and satisfaction. • Managed order processing and department workflow, ensuring timely fulfillment, proper merchandising, and a clean, organized sales floor. • Supervised a team of seven associates, providing coaching, daily direction, and task delegation to optimize productivity and customer service. • Oversaw inventory maintenance and order management, ensuring accurate counts, minimized shrink, and strong product availability. • Led daily operations of the Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPUS) program during newly implemented COVID-19 procedures, improving efficiency and ensuring safe, compliant execution. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams—including recei…

Interior Designer

Self-Employed · Spokane, WA

• Led end-to-end residential design projects—from initial client engagement to final walkthrough—resulting in consistently high client satisfaction and repeat business. • Developed tailored design concepts and curated product selections that improved project aesthetics, functionality, and overall client approval rates. • Delivered compelling visual presentations that effectively communicated design intent and secured client buy-in on proposed concepts and budgets. • Managed project logistics, vendor relations, ordering, and installation to ensure on-time, on-budget execution of all design components. • Partnered with contractors and construction teams to coordinate project phases, ensuring alignment with design specifications and seamless execution of milestones.

Design/Sales Associate

The Tin Roof · Spokane, WA

• Delivered customized interior design solutions through client consultations, space planning, and product recommendations, resulting in strong client satisfaction and repeat business. • Managed showroom operations on weekends, ensuring exceptional guest experience, organized merchandising, and smooth sales floor functionality. • Assisted in project management for residential and small-business redesigns, coordinating reconfigurations, product selections, and implementation timelines. • Achieved an average annual sales volume of $520K in furniture and design products through commission-based performance, consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets. • Generated additional revenue through outside sourcing of complementary products—such as flooring and window coverings—expanding project scope and strengthening client relationships. • Collaborated with a team of eight designers to execute large-scale events, including the Fall Festival of Homes and seasonal partnerships, contributing t…

Retail Store Manager

Color Me Mine · Spokane, WA

• Began as a studio assistant and pottery glazer, guiding guests through pottery selection, glaze application techniques, and creative project execution in a hands-on studio environment. • Supported studio operations by glazing, dipping, firing, and unloading kilns, ensuring high-quality finished pieces and efficient production flow. • Promoted to Assistant Store Manager within six months and later to Store Manager, reflecting strong performance, leadership, and operational reliability. • Led hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees, developing a knowledgeable, guest-focused team aligned with studio standards and creative goals. • Oversaw daily studio operations, including cashiering, inventory management, product/supply ordering, and maintaining a clean, inspiring creative environment. • Developed and launched new revenue-generating programs—including week-long children’s summer camps, custom clay impression services, and private glazing workshops—strengthening community enga…