Patsy Dobbs
Hot Springs
Summary
Directed retail operations, leading teams to achieve exceptional customer service and operational efficiency.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Ortega National Parks
01.2015 - Current
- Lead daily operations for one of Arkansas’s premier tourist destinations, serving over 150,000 visitors annually.
- Increased overall retail revenue by 48% over three years through strategic merchandising and seasonal promotions.
- Boosted Grab and Go sales by 35% by optimizing product placement and introducing high-margin items.
- Managed inventory and purchasing for T-shirts, souvenirs, and convenience items, maintaining a 98% stock availability rate.
- Oversaw elevator ticketing operations, improving guest flow and reducing wait times by 20% through scheduling and staff training.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of 15+ employees, achieving a 95% employee retention rate.
- Implemented customer service initiatives that raised guest satisfaction scores to 4.8/5 on major review platforms.
- Collaborated with local vendors and tourism partners to enhance brand visibility and cross-promotional opportunities.
- Experienced in managing full P&L responsibilities, including budgeting, cost control, and revenue forecasting.
- Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational efficiency and inform strategic decisions.
Ortega National Parks
01.2018 - 01.2024
- While still working for Ortega National Parks at the Hot Springs Location, I ran two other operations: Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad, NM and Cades Cove Trading in the Great Smoky Mountains, Allegany State Park, Seneca NY and Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise, MI (UP).
- In addition to managing Hot Springs Mountain Tower, provided operational leadership for multiple Ortega National Parks locations:
- Carlsbad Caverns – Carlsbad, NM
- Cades Cove Trading – Great Smoky Mountains
- Allegany State Park – Seneca, NY
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise, MI
- Oversaw full operational responsibilities including staffing, inventory, merchandising, and customer service across all sites.
- Successfully opened and launched Allegany State Park, managing:
- Facility setup and layout for both retail and restaurant operations.
- Vendor sourcing, inventory planning, and merchandising.
- Hiring and training of initial staff to ensure readiness for opening.
- Coordination with park officials and local authorities for compliance and logistics.
- Maintained consistent performance and brand standards across all locations until permanent General Managers were hired and trained.
Regional Manager
Hanesbrands
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Oversaw operations for 22 retail locations, including 10 top-performing stores company-wide.
- Directed regional strategy for sales, staffing, merchandising, and customer experience across diverse markets.
- Analyzed store performance metrics to identify growth opportunities and implement corrective actions.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to build high-performing teams and reduce turnover.
- Conducted regular site visits to ensure brand consistency, operational compliance, and visual merchandising standards.
- Collaborated with corporate leadership to roll out new initiatives and promotional campaigns.
- Achieved consistent year-over-year revenue growth and improved regional KPIs including conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer satisfaction scores.
District Manager
Hancock Fabrics
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Oversaw operations for 18 retail stores across Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
- Directed district-level strategy for sales, staffing, inventory, and customer service.
- Conducted regular store audits and performance reviews to ensure operational excellence.
- Supported store managers with training, merchandising, and compliance initiatives.
Area Sales Manager
Dillard's
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Began career as HR Coordinator, then promoted to Operations Assistant to Manager and Store Manager.
- Advanced to Store Training Manager after two years, leading onboarding and development programs for new hires and management trainees.
- Promoted to Area Sales Manager within a year, overseeing sales performance and team leadership across multiple departments.
- Awarded Pacesetter Award for five consecutive years for record-breaking sales in the Junior and Children’s departments.
- Maintained training responsibilities while driving sales growth, team development, and customer satisfaction.
- Played a key role in mentoring future leaders and maintaining high operational standards across the store.
Education
Master’s (MBA) - Business/Economics/Hospitality
University of AR
Fayetteville, ARSkills
Retail Operations Management
Timeline
Ortega National Parks
01.2018 - 01.2024
General Manager
Ortega National Parks
01.2015 - Current
Regional Manager
Hanesbrands
01.2011 - 01.2015
District Manager
Hancock Fabrics
01.2009 - 01.2011
Area Sales Manager
Dillard's
01.2001 - 01.2009
Master’s (MBA) - Business/Economics/Hospitality
University of AR