Kimberly Machado

My journey in retail began when I was still in high school, working as a seasonal employee at Perfume Mania selling perfumes at the mall. I was inspired by my manager at the time and how she mentored us, so I asked her to invest in me and give me feedback on how to move up. Within a year, when I turned 18, I was promoted to assistant manager. I loved the role of being a leader because it helped me focus on my goals and what I really wanted in life. I stayed with Perfume Mania for 12 years until they closed, but my experience in retail and operations helped me get promoted to store manager at Skechers. That transition from assistant manager to store manager was exciting because it showed me I wasn't limited in what I could achieve. I believe being uncomfortable helps me grow because it tells me I'm still learning and there are so many things in the future for me. After 3 years at Skechers, I joined Five Below as a store manager for 5 years. There, I really started asking myself what else I could do and how I could move up. They gave me the challenge of handling a district of 14 managers as a Training Store Leader, where I trained merchandise managers and customer service managers and held conference calls. It was challenging but helped me build confidence and become more empathetic with partners, learning to tailor to their emotions when holding them accountable. My district manager then made me captain of opening stores, and I completed 7 grand openings in San Antonio and Austin, plus 5 remodels. I was responsible for everything from layout and merchandise to hiring people and interviewing. I also got involved with vendors and facility management, learning about higher-end operations I don't normally see. Around this time, I started my own LLC in welding with my husband because I wanted something for my kids in case anything ever happens to me. It's completely different from retail, working more with guys and less diversity, but I just completed my OSHA 10 construction certification and do safety walks and facility walks to make sure it's safe for my husband and his team. Currently, I work at HEB as Manager in Charge, where they recruited me when I was transitioning to district manager at Five Below. I couldn't say no because it's a really good company that values their partners. I oversee all the stores, handle departments, facility management, and incident reports. This role helps me be more knowledgeable and also helps my construction company because I can apply that understanding of components across both industries. I was recently recognized in November by the whole store for leadership, which meant a lot to me. What I love most about retail is having that connection with my community, building relationships, coaching and developing partners, and seeing their growth. It inspires me to be better as a manager and as a person, and it helps me personally with my family and just in general. The challenges I face help me learn how to handle certain situations, and I can implement whatever I learn in my career or personal life.