David Williams
Retail Operations Professional & IT Support Specialist
Professional Summary
Retail operations professional with 10+ years of experience in store management, inventory systems, and team leadership. Skilled in troubleshooting store technology (POS systems, scanners, mobile devices) and training staff on proper use. At Lowe's, became the trusted onsite resource for resolving technical issues and assisting with system upgrades. Combines hands-on technical knowledge with practical operations experience to keep stores running smoothly.
Education & Certifications
Education
Coursera/Google
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April 2025
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Google IT Support Professional Certificate
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Â
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Eastern Mennonite University
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Aug 2001 - May 2003
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Computer Science Coursework (no degree)
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Harrisonburg, VA
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Additional Certifications
• Microsoft Security Essentials Professional Certificate
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Microsoft / LinkedIn
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• Docker Foundations Professional Certificate
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Docker / LinkedIn
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• ServiceNow IT Leadership Professional Certificate
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ServiceNow / LinkedIn
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Core Competencies
Information Technology
Operating Systems & Device Administration
- Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
- System provisioning and configuration
- Device Enrollment
- IT architectures and infrastructure basics
Networking & Infrastructure
- Mobile/Wi-Fi connectivity
- Network troubleshooting and diagnostics
- LAN/WAN familiarity and IP configuration
- VPN setup and management
- Wireless peripherals (printers, handheld scanners)
Cybersecurity
- Privacy protection & data confidentiality
- Security best practices (endpoint & network)
- Regulatory awareness (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.)
- Endpoint protection tools (antivirus, EDR concepts)
Systems Management & Support
- Remote desktop & remote support tools (TeamViewer, RDP, VNC)
- Imaging and deployment (Sysprep, cloning tools)
IT Support & Maintenance
- Tier 1 IT support & help desk triage
- Downtime mitigation coordination
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Hardware/Software Troubleshooting
- PCs & Laptops (including component replacements & upgrades)
- Mobile Devices
- POS Terminals
Retail Technology
Point of Sale (POS) Systems
- Implementation and staff training
- Familiarity with EMV and payment security standards
- Knowledge of common retail POS software
- Troubleshooting peripheral integrations (receipt printers, cash drawers)
Inventory Technology & Device Management
- Barcode scanners and label printers
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- RFID technology basics for inventory tracking
- Use of mobile handheld scanners (Zebra, Symbol)
- Experience with cycle counting, order fulfillment
Vendor & Logistics Coordination
- Third-party logistics (3PL) coordination
- Vendor communication and coordination
- Contract basics and vendor SLA understanding
Productivity & Business Tools
Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel
- Word
- Outlook
- Powerpoint
Reporting & Strategic Planning
- KPI tracking and analysis
- Strategic planning and operational reporting
- Budget management and forecasting
Operational Technology
Equipment Operation
- Forklifts
- Order pickers
- Reach trucks
- Electric pallet jacks
Equipment & Safety
- OSHA compliance audits and documentation
- Preventive maintenance scheduling and checks
Logistics & Material Handling
- Freight handling and palletization
- Shipping and receiving procedures
- Understanding of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for shipping
- Knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS) basics
Additional Technical & Soft Skills
Scripting & Automation
- Batch scripting on Windows environments
- Shell scripting on Linux environments
Containerization & Virtualization
- Docker Compose and container networking concepts
- Basic virtualization (VMware Workstation, VirtualBox)
Soft Skills
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving mindset
- Cross-functional communication between IT, operations, and vendors
- Training and mentoring of junior staff
- Breaks down complex problems into manageable steps
- Explains complex concepts in a way others can understand
- Listens carefully to people’s needs before responding
- Works well with others across different personality types
- Willingly shares knowledge and helps teammates succeed
- Balances independence with knowing when to ask for input
- Learns new tools, workflows, or environments quickly
- Keeps calm when plans fall apart and pivots constructively
- Organizes work based on urgency and importance
- Learns new skills independently without needing supervision
- Improves processes rather than accepting inefficiencies
- Can be trusted to work without micromanagement
- Admits and corrects mistakes instead of hiding them
- Seeks feedback and learns from failure
- Constantly builds new skills, both technical and interpersonal
- Recovers from setbacks and continues moving forward
Experience
Navy Exchange Service Command
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August 2025 - Present
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Sales Technician - Electronics and Computers
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Norfolk, VA
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- Advised customers on a wide range of electronic products including home entertainment systems, surround sound, HDTVs, PCs, cameras, camcorders, and portable audio devices, leveraging strong technical knowledge to guide purchasing decisions.
- Diagnosed and resolved basic computer compatibility and connectivity issues, providing clear, non-technical explanations to customers.
- Delivered product demonstrations and comparisons to highlight features, benefits, and differences between models.
- Assisted in merchandising by arranging displays, setting up promotional fixtures, and ensuring optimal sales floor presentation.
- Inspected and tested returned electronics for functionality and completeness before restocking.
- Operated cash registers, processed transactions, and maintained accurate records for cash, credit, and check payments.
- Adhered to loss prevention procedures and store policies to minimize shrinkage.
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Sparks Group / Xerox Services
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May 2025 – August 2025
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Laptop Refresh Technician
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Virginia Beach, VA
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- Unloaded inbound equipment shipments and prepared outbound deployments to support ongoing IT operations.
- Readied hardware for installation by cleaning, imaging, and configuring laptops and associated peripherals.
- Maintained inventory control documentation and collaborated with deployment leads to meet daily output and QA benchmarks.
- Installed or replaced RMA’d components provided by vendors, ensuring minimal disruption to end-user productivity.
- Consistently met or exceeded service delivery expectations and customer support standards.
- Supported district-wide laptop refresh project for a large public school system, assisting in preparing over 27,000 devices for rollout.
- Unboxed, staged, and tagged hardware with asset and recovery labels in accordance with IT asset management standards and SLA requirements.
- Managed BIOS asset tagging on HP laptops by updating asset information to ensure accurate device tracking.
- Performed PXE boot deployment of customized Windows 11 images to prepare devices for end-user readiness.
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Lowe's Home Improvement
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Feb 2021 - Mar 2025
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Night Operations Supervisor
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Norfolk, VA
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- Led nightly operations for a team of 15 associates, averaging 4-8 team members per shift, ensuring 100% store readiness by processing 650-800 SKUs with handheld scanners and coordinating daily task assignments.
- Trained and mentored the entire team on the effective use of the inventory management system, boosting location accuracy reporting from 10-13% to 90+%, significantly improving operational efficiency and inventory accuracy.
- Coordinated staging for next-day deliveries, validating accuracy through barcode scans and detailed preparation of inventory, preventing discrepancies and ensuring smooth workflow for the following shift.
- Maintained a safe work environment with zero reported injuries by conducting regular equipment inspections, providing OSHA-compliant safety coaching, and reinforcing proper lifting techniques for staff.
- Served as the location’s power equipment trainer, ensuring all team members were proficient in operating forklifts and order pickers, as well as maintaining compliance with safety protocols.
- Filled in for missing staff due to ongoing hiring challenges, often giving up personal time off to cover shifts and maintain operational continuity.
- Managed and implemented pricing changes across the store, ensuring accuracy in mobile pricing tools, reducing labeling errors by 25%, and improving workflow efficiency.
- Led communication and coordination for overnight technology upgrades, including VoIP, security systems, and self-checkout installations, ensuring vendor compliance with safety protocols and managing store access requirements during these critical operations.
- Installed and replaced warehouse racking systems, including 16-ft uprights, 5-inch beams, and shelf decking, to ensure structural integrity and optimal storage capacity.
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Lowe's Home Improvement
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Mar 2020 - Feb 2021
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Front End Supervisor
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Norfolk, VA
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- Managed a team of 30+ cashiers, optimizing schedules to ensure 90% shift coverage during peak hours, minimizing gaps and maximizing customer service.
- Collaborated with inventory teams to verify promotional stock and ensure accurate placement, reducing checkout delays and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Conducted performance reviews, coached cashiers on best practices for cash handling, and reinforced standards to reduce errors and improve accuracy.
- Troubleshot POS system issues during upgrades, coordinating with IT teams to ensure smooth transactions and maintain uninterrupted service for customers.
- Participated in interviewing and providing input for new hire selection, helping build a strong and capable front-end team.
- Drove exceptional customer service by setting clear expectations for associates and ensuring they were well-prepared to assist customers.
- Oversaw front-end operations, including registers, returns desks, and customer service areas, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness.
- Conducted regular safety audits and provided ongoing coaching to ensure associates followed safety protocols, preventing accidents.
- Coordinated with department supervisors to adjust staffing levels based on customer traffic, ensuring that all areas were adequately staffed and operational.
- Managed associate relations, addressing concerns and escalating issues to HR or management when necessary to maintain a positive work environment.
- As Manager-on-Duty (MOD), took full responsibility for store operations, addressing customer issues, handling complaints, and providing real-time coaching to associates to ensure optimal performance.
- Identified areas for operational improvement, recommending and implementing strategies to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency.
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Lowe's Home Improvement
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Jul 2018 – Mar 2020
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Back End Supervisor
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Norfolk, VA
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- Led a team of 5+ associates in streamlining freight operations, reducing workflow delays and improving overall efficiency from dock to floor.
- Proactively identified and resolved shipment discrepancies in collaboration with vendors, ensuring inventory accuracy and preventing stockouts.
- Trained and coached associates on inventory management best practices and the safe use of power equipment, maintaining a zero-incident safety record.
- Conducted daily safety reviews, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and store protocols, contributing to a secure work environment.
- Worked cross-functionally with front-end teams to address operational barriers, implementing solutions that improved stock availability and customer service.
- Delivered weekly performance reports to management, offering insights into bottlenecks, safety concerns, and opportunities for process improvements.
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Lowe's Home Improvement
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Apr 2016 - Jul 2018
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Delivery Coordinator
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Norfolk, VA
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- Scheduled and dispatched daily deliveries, ensuring 100% accuracy in load verification through barcode scans, minimizing errors and delays.
- Served as the primary point of contact for delivery issues, including damages and reschedules, resolving the majority of cases within 24 hours to maintain high customer satisfaction.
- Maintained real-time delivery logs, tracking inventory against shipments to prevent discrepancies and ensure seamless delivery operations.
- Collaborated with internal teams to optimize delivery schedules, enhancing overall efficiency and meeting customer delivery expectations consistently.
- Monitored delivery progress, addressing any obstacles or delays, and communicated updates to customers to keep them informed and satisfied.
- Provided exceptional customer service, handling concerns professionally and promptly, reinforcing Lowe’s reputation for reliable service.
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Lowe's Home Improvement
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Oct 2013 - Apr 2016
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Customer Service Associate
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Norfolk, VA
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- Trained and mentored new hires on POS systems, improving transaction accuracy, order fulfillment, and overall team efficiency.
- Supported online order fulfillment and returns, enhancing the customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining processes.
- Promoted product knowledge across the team, driving increased accessory sales through in-depth training and customer engagement.
- Processed 100+ daily transactions with accuracy, balancing cash drawers without discrepancies and maintaining high customer satisfaction.
- Actively promoted store credit programs, contributing to an uptick in sign-ups during promotional periods and boosting store revenue.
- Organized and maintained checkout areas using barcode scanners, promptly reporting and addressing equipment issues to ensure seamless operations with minimal downtime.
- Supervised self-checkout stations, assisting multiple customers simultaneously and resolving issues to keep transactions running smoothly.
- Monitored and ensured compliance with store safety protocols, contributing to a safe shopping environment and reducing incidents.
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Self-Employed
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May 2010 - Aug 2013
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Freelance Technical Support
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Norfolk, VA
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- Built and customized PCs based on individual client needs—gaming, productivity, or general use, balancing performance, compatibility, and budget.
- Installed and configured hardware, software, and operating systems, providing clients with fully functional, ready-to-use systems.
- Performed data migration via drive imaging or manual file transfers, helping clients retain critical files when upgrading or replacing systems.
- Set up and secured home networks, including routers, modems, and peripheral device integration.
- Diagnosed and resolved issues across PCs, laptops, and mobile devices, restoring functionality efficiently.
- Provided troubleshooting and ongoing support for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, including remotely via TeamViewer when needed.
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Farm Fresh Supermarkets
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May 2007 - Apr 2010
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Lead Bookkeeper
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Norfolk, VA
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- Managed day-to-day bookkeeping, including payroll, budget tracking, and lottery inventory, ensuring financial accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Audited financial ledgers and reconciled sales reports, maintaining adherence to company policies and ensuring consistency in financial data.
- Directed staff in cash handling procedures and lottery system operations, fostering accuracy and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Monitored and tracked the budget, identifying discrepancies and collaborating with management to implement corrective actions.
- Ensured ongoing compliance with financial regulations, supporting audits and maintaining strong internal controls.
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Farm Fresh Supermarkets
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Jun 2005 - May 2007
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Assistant Bookkeeper
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Norfolk, VA
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- Assisted in managing deposits, reconciliations, and vendor payments, ensuring accurate financial records for year-end audits and compliance with audit requirements.
- Supported inventory reconciliation efforts, tracking vendor credits and verifying payment accuracy to maintain up-to-date financial records.
- Collaborated in troubleshooting financial software discrepancies, helping to minimize downtime and ensure smooth audit processes during critical periods.
- Prepared financial documentation for audit purposes, ensuring that records were complete, accurate, and compliant with company standards.
- Assisted in monitoring cash flow and vendor accounts to identify discrepancies, working closely with senior staff to resolve issues promptly.
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Farm Fresh Supermarkets
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May 2004 - Apr 2010
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Receiving Clerk
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Norfolk, VA
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- Verified shipments and vendor credits to maintain accurate stock levels.
- Coordinated with warehouse staff to expedite stock replenishment and reduce delays in product availability.
- Enforced safety protocols for powered equipment use, resulting in zero OSHA violations.
- Provided weekly operational updates to management, addressing bottlenecks and improving productivity.
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Farm Fresh Supermarkets
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Nov 2003 - Jun 2005
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Sales & Service Representative
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Norfolk, VA
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- Operated lottery machines and balanced sales figures with store totals, ensuring accurate financial reporting and smooth daily operations.
- Delivered technical support to customers and staff for lottery machine issues, improving transaction up-time.
- Assisted customers in the purchase of tickets and event seating for venues, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales efficiency.
- Supported customer inquiries and bill payments, enhancing service quality and improving store reputation.
- Promoted store loyalty programs, increasing sign-ups during promotional periods and boosting customer retention.
- Organized checkout areas efficiently and reported equipment issues promptly, ensuring smooth customer transactions and minimizing downtime.
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Farm Fresh Supermarkets
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Aug 2003 - Nov 2003
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Cashier
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Norfolk, VA
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- Processed transactions efficiently and balanced cash drawers daily, ensuring accurate financial records and smooth customer service.
- Promoted loyalty programs and handled customer returns to increase engagement and satisfaction.
- Maintained compliance with store policies by conducting regular checks of checkout equipment and reporting issues.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- Executive Award for Performance: Lowe's Home Improvement
- Customer Service Excellence: Lowe's Home Improvement
- Customer Service Excellence: Lowe's Home Improvement
- Customer Service Excellence: Lowe's Home Improvement
- Customer Service Award: Farm Fresh Supermarkets
- Platinum Customer Service: Farm Fresh Supermarkets