Q&A with Jason Carpenter
Jason Carpenter is a thirty-year veteran of the retail industry who began his career before he finished high school. His first job came at just fifteen and through his hard work, he was able to save enough to buy his first home at just twenty years old.
Shortly after graduating high school, Jason began working at Walmart as a sales clerk. For eleven years, he developed and honed the skills needed to effectively manage a large retail store. His commitment to the success of his stores made him an invaluable employee who was sent to several different locations throughout the country. Each new store held its own challenges and opportunities. Mr. Carpenter rose to meet every single one of them, excelling wherever he was needed.
Seeking a different adventure, Jason has been working in construction for the last three years. While he has found great satisfaction in the finished product, he has learned that he misses the challenges and human interactions that come so naturally in a retail environment. In the near future, he hopes to return to doing what he loves, grooming the leaders of tomorrow in the retail stores of today.
During his free time, Jason enjoys running and hanging out with his nephew. He also participates in activities with his local church.
What drew you to retail as a career?
I think what originally drew me to retail is the opportunities you have to grow. Retail is one of the few industries where it doesn’t matter what your background or skill set are. As long as you are willing to put in the work and do what is needed to be done, you can advance. Good companies recognize your work performance and reward you. It can be challenging, but it also teaches you how to be adaptable. You can learn how to be a better person when interacting with the public. Once you’ve advanced and are into the training side of retail, you also get to help others learn the same skills and that in and of itself is rewarding.
What are the challenges that you see on an ongoing basis?
Getting your team motivated can be challenging at times. Each employee is different and what gets them going is just as different as they are. What works for one person may not for another. As a manager, you have to wear several different hats, you have to know how to talk to people. It’s important to encourage your team effectively to get the most productivity.
What do you find most fulfilling about working in retail?
I enjoy the challenge and I love that every day is different. Your days may start the same, with the basics like store maintenance and stocking, but the days themselves each present new challenges. Learning new strategies that are more effective has been something I have focused on throughout my career.
If you could give advice to someone who is just starting in retail, what would it be?
I think one of the most important things I learned when I was just starting is to always be aware of your surroundings. Also, make sure that you ask questions, make sure you know what is expected of you. If you have a good manager, they will take the time to explain exactly what needs to be done. Always think safe, follow the standard operating procedures.
Do you have any stories that can illustrate why you enjoy working in retail?
When I was working in Indianapolis, I had an employee that was a single mother that went from being a part-time sales clerk to an assistant manager in about two years. We worked together and I feel like I had a hand in her being able to promote so quickly because I was able to train her. I’m not sure when we first met if she really saw or understood her potential, so I made sure to encourage her and teach her from my experience and it was wonderful to see her be successful.
Do you have any suggestions on how to be productive in a retail environment?
It’s always good to stay busy because it makes the day go faster. It keeps your supervisors noticing you in a good way and helps to keep your teammates stay motivated also.
How do you typically organize your day?
You have to walk in with your game plan for the day. With retail, though, it’s always subject to change. You may have a surprise inspection, there is going to be call outs. You have to be able to stay organized and kind of be prepared for anything as you go through the day. It’s a good idea to keep a mental list of all that needs to be done that day and adjust it as necessary. As the day goes on, you’ll likely add more stuff to your list. You definitely need to know how to prioritize so that at the end of the day it all gets done.
What do you think makes you successful?
I care about my job. I want to make sure I am doing it well, I want to see others succeed. I don’t just work for a paycheck, I have a commitment to my job and I’m in it for the long haul. If you put the right people together and train them properly so that everyone is on the same page, you end up with a store that runs just as smoothly when you’re gone as when you’re there.
If someone wanted to transition into management, is there a book or resource that you would recommend?
I have always thought if you want to learn something, find someone with the knowledge and work with them. You can model yourself after who you feel is successful in the way you want to be successful.
When you look at the next 3-5 years, what are you most excited about?
I am looking forward to possibly relocating down south and reentering the grocery business. I’ve been in retail for about thirty years and I look forward to working with another great company and seeing how far I can go with them.
What books have inspired you?
I really enjoyed Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It’s a great book that takes a different perspective on learning how to deal with change in a business environment. This knowledge and flexibility is critical when dealing with fast-paced environments.