Chris Summer

Dedicated Distribution Manager with 13 years of experience optimizing operations and leading teams. Managed operations and costs at a 230,000 sq. ft. distribution and manufacturing facility with 50+ employees. Expertise includes team leadership, cost management, and process improvement. Proven ability to enhance productivity and profitability. Offers strategic leadership that drives operational excellence and growth.

Distribution Site Manager - The Tile Shop - Ridgeway, United States

(2013-03 - 2026-06)

• Managed daily site operations including inventory control, receiving, shipping, transportation, maintenance, and manufacturing for a 230,000 sq. ft. facility.
• Partnered with corporate leadership to execute strategic distribution initiatives, ensuring alignment with company goals and operational objectives.
• Led, coached, and developed a team of 50+ employees, including department managers, supervisors, and associates, fostering a high performance culture focused on safety, productivity, and customer service.
• Conducted performance evaluations, provided ongoing training, and implemented development plans to improve employee engagement and performance.
• Managed KPIs to identify trends, drive operational improvements, and achieve performance goals.
• Navigated teams through organizational changes and process improvements.
• Reduced operational costs through vendor negotiations and process improvements, enhancing overall company profitability.
• Accountable for site P&L performance and implemented cost control initiatives to improve margins.
• Increased warehouse space utilization through strategic slotting and layout improvements.

Shipping Supervisor - The Tile Shop - Ottawa Lake, United States

(2009-03 - 2013-03)

• Supervised a team of 15+ shipping associates, improving productivity substantially within six months.
• Effectively coached and trained a team of material handlers to consistently achieve over a 99% order pulling accuracy rate.
• Analyzed KPIs such as on-time shipping, productivity, and order accuracy to drive continuous improvement.
• Streamlined shipping processes to cut order fulfillment time by over 15%.
• Managed inventory flow and coordinated logistics, handling over 40 FTL shipments and 100 LTL and partial shipments per week.
• Managed outbound freight activities, including carrier scheduling, dock management, and shipment prioritization while maintaining over a 98% on-time delivery rate.

Material Handler Lead - The Tile Shop - Ottawa Lake, United States

(2005-07 - 2009-03)

• Coordinated daily workflow assignments and monitored productivity to meet operational and shipping deadlines.
• Loaded, unloaded, and transported materials safely and efficiently throughout warehouse.
• Operated forklifts, reach trucks, and order pickers, and other equipment in compliance with safety standards.
• Conducted cycle counts and inventory audits.
• Trained, coached, and mentored new and existing team members on warehouse procedures, safety standards, and equipment operation.

Marketing - The University of Toledo (1999-09 - 2002-12)