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Tara Wepking
Senior Manager of Strategy Operations at SmileDirectClub
Professional Background
Tara Wepking is an accomplished Senior Operations Manager with extensive experience navigating both the dynamic environment of start-ups and the structured landscape of established companies. With an impressive career trajectory, Tara has developed a unique blend of skills that encompass process improvements, program management, project planning, and customer satisfaction. Her ability to deliver results in fast-paced settings has enabled her to effectively contribute to the operational success of the organizations she has been part of.
Currently, Tara serves as the Senior Manager of Strategy Operations at SmileDirectClub, where she oversees key operational strategies that enhance customer experiences and streamline internal processes. Her previous roles at SmileDirectClub include Retail Operations Manager and Visual Merchandising Manager, where she honed her abilities to analyze business operational effectiveness and implement solutions that address gaps in performance. Tara's keen understanding of retail operations has been pivotal in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Prior to her tenure at SmileDirectClub, Tara made significant strides in her career at Warby Parker, a leader in the eyewear industry known for its innovative approach to retail. At Warby Parker, she held multiple positions, including Store Leader, Supervisory roles, and Senior Advisor & Training Lead, which allowed her to cultivate her leadership skills and her passion for team development. By focusing on training and development, Tara empowered her team members to thrive in customer-facing roles, enhancing not only individual performance but also the overall customer journey. Her initial career steps included roles such as CX Associate, where she directly engaged with customers and ensured that their experiences aligned with the company’s commitment to excellent service.
In addition to her retail experience, Tara has gained valuable insights into the media and insurance industries. She held a position as a Graphic Designer and Copy Editor at Stephens Media, LLC, which allowed her to express her creativity while honing her editorial skills. Furthermore, her earlier career included roles such as Subrogation Claims Processor at State Farm Insurance and City Reporter at Edwardsville Intelligencer, which enriched her expertise in documentation and communication strategies.
Education and Achievements
Tara Wepking's educational background is rooted in the liberal arts, having pursued a Bachelor of Arts in both Philosophy and English Language and Literature at Greenville College. This academic foundation has not only equipped her with critical thinking skills but has also enhanced her ability to communicate effectively across various platforms and industries. It has nurtured her analytical abilities, which have proven invaluable in her operational management roles.
During her time at Greenville College, Tara also took on leadership positions that allowed her to demonstrate her commitment to academic excellence. Her tenure as the Newspaper Editor-in-Chief allowed her to cultivate editorial skills and lead a team of writers, while her dedicated involvement in college activities helped her to develop effective communication and collaboration skills that she utilizes in her professional life today.
Tara's trajectory in the professional world is characterized by her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning. Through her diverse work experience, she has built a strong portfolio of expertise in improving operational efficiencies and enhancing customer experiences. Her journey exemplifies how a well-rounded education and rich work experience can synergize to foster impactful leadership.
Notable Achievements
- Senior Manager of Strategy Operations at SmileDirectClub: Spearheads initiatives that have contributed to enhanced customer satisfaction metrics and optimized operational workflows.
- Retail Operations Manager at SmileDirectClub: Successfully managed daily store operations, focusing on team development and customer service excellence.
- Visual Merchandising Manager at SmileDirectClub: Developed and implemented merchandising strategies that elevated in-store customer engagement.
- Leadership Roles at Warby Parker: Held various management responsibilities that focused on team training and customer relations, resulting in elevated positive customer experiences and operational success.
- Editor-in-Chief at Greenville College: Guided the student newspaper, ensuring high editorial standards and fostering a collaborative team environment.
In summary, Tara Wepking is a dedicated Senior Operations Manager who draws from a robust foundation of skills, education, and experience to drive operational excellence in the organizations she supports. Her history in both start-up and established firms illustrates her versatility and her unwavering commitment to fostering productive work environments that prioritize customer satisfaction and team effectiveness. With a keen eye on continuous improvement, Tara continues to positively impact the operational landscape throughout her career.
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