Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tara Howard

Chicago

Summary

Results-driven owner/operator with expertise in operational management, financial oversight, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction through effective marketing strategies and streamlined processes.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner/Operator

Temple of the Dog - Chicago
10.2012 - Current

Operational Management:

  • Founded and managed all day-to-day operations of a successful grooming salon, growing the business from a startup to a loyal client base of 700+ dogs annually.
  • Established operational workflows to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction by implementing and improving our CRM software as we grew.

Financial Management:

  • Oversee financial management, including budgeting and expense tracking for profitability.
  • Prepare monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accurate representation of company's financial position.
  • Handle payroll process for employees ensuring timely payments and adherence to federal and state tax regulations.
  • Developed reporting mechanisms to manage and track retail inventory to optimize stock levels and improve turnover rates.

Marketing & Sales:

  • Conceptualized and designed the company logo and visual identity by building a responsive, mobile-friendly website for customers to easily book service appointments.
  • Develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns across digital channels.
  • Manage social media accounts for optimal audience engagement and increase online presence.
  • Improve customer loyalty by implementing effective text marketing campaigns and personalized offers.

Hiring & Leadership:

  • Recruited, interviewed and assembled the most passionate skilled dog groomers in the pet industry.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment fostering a culture of transparency, inclusivity, psychological safety and team mentality.
  • Pioneered a superior employee compensation and benefits structure enhancing high job satisfaction and retention.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Quickbooks Online & Payroll
  • Square & Stripe
  • Square Space
  • SEO & Analytics
  • DBMS & CRM

Certification

  • Certified Dog Groomer, DogGone Grooming Academy - 2012

Timeline

Owner/Operator

Temple of the Dog - Chicago
10.2012 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

Loyola University of Chicago
Tara Howard