Conni Briggs

Conni Briggs

ABOUT ME

Leader Adventurer

I’m a collaborative leader, former business owner, and lifelong adventurer who thrives on challenge, transformation, and continual growth. For over 20 years, I owned and operated Body First, a business dedicated to health and wellness, where I honed my skills in team development, strategic planning, marketing, and business growth.

During my time there, I led my team through a global pandemic,  industry changes, economic challenges, and expansion opportunities, always with a focus on aligning shared goals and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering others, encouraging creative problem-solving, and building strong, cohesive teams that achieve results together.

Beyond the office, you’ll often find me exploring the great outdoors—a passion that has shaped both my personal and professional life. Whether I’m backpacking through rugged landscapes, hiking breathtaking trails, kayaking serene waters, or camping under the stars, these experiences teach me resilience, adaptability, and the value of preparation.

Nature and my adventures also inspire my approach to overcoming challenges in business and life, reminding me to embrace new perspectives and find creative solutions.

My passion lies in helping people and organizations reach new heights by blending strategic vision with a spirit of adventure and discovery. I truly believe that growth—whether personal or professional—comes from stepping outside our comfort zones and taking on challenges with curiosity, determination, and purpose.

Core Values

Community

I believe that strength comes from connection. Whether it’s a close-knit team, a neighborhood, or a global network, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support is at the heart of everything I do.

make us stronger together.

Lifelong Learning

The pursuit of knowledge never ends. I’m driven by curiosity and a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth better to understand the world and my place in it.

make us stronger together.

Think Globally, Act Locally

Every action creates ripples. While I aim to understand and contribute to global challenges, I firmly believe in starting change within local communities where the impact is direct and meaningful.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity

Every voice matters. I’m dedicated to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected, celebrating the richness of perspectives that make us stronger together.

Mentorship & Allyship

I cherish the responsibility of empowering others. I strive to uplift those around me by sharing knowledge, offering support, and being a dependable ally in their journeys.

Wellbeing

A healthy mind and body are essential foundations for a fulfilling life. I prioritize mental, emotional, and physical health—not only for myself but also for others in my circle—and advocate for balance in all aspects of life.

Conni Briggs

strategic leader, results-oriented, collaborative, growth-focused, innovative, mentor

Expertise

Strategic Planning & Execution

Sales Growth

Customer engagement

Staff Retention

Staff Development

Staff Mentorship

Financial Management/Planning

Outreach & Fundraising

Event Management

Marketing

Online Presence

Public Relations

Professional Experience

Operations Manager and Consultant 2024-Present
Acme Global Industries Inc/612 Inc/Super Cub Inc/Orange Sky Yoga, Manhattan, KS

Financial Management

  • Duties include reconciling financial records, filing monthly taxes, payroll, royalty reports, and maintaining accurate records in QuickBooks.

  • Worked with external accountants to prepare for tax preparation, valuation of companies, and conversion to QuickBooks online.

Business Operations

  • Advised on possible restructuring strategies and developed processes to financially separate the companies during the dissolution of business partnership.

  • Consulted businesses to improve HR, scheduling, and operations, enhancing processes and effeciency.

Director of Operations 2005-2024

Body First Wellness and Recreation Center, Manhattan KS

Marketing & Sales Growth

  • Online: Led website redesign, improved SEO, and directed multichannel Social Media Marketing,
  • Branding: Built a client-focused brand through targeted promotions, events, and community engagement.
  • Sales Growth Boosted membership services and drove eCommerce growth by 5% with digital marketing strategies.

Human Resources

  • Recruitment: Led recruitment using job postings (Indeed, LinkedIn, social media, etc.), job fairs, and networking. Created interview rubrics and processes to ensure inclusive hiring
  • HR Management: Oversaw onboarding, human resources management, and record keeping
  • Staff Development: Developed and improved onboarding, training, licensure guidance, and development programs with handbooks, Learning Management Systems, online modules, custom materials, and mentoring resulting in reduced turnover and doubling retention.

Financial

  • Financial Planning and Analysis: Developed and implemented strategies to improve financial sustainability and optimizing payroll and operational costs. Created reports balance sheets, P&Ls, cashflow statements, and other financial statements to develop budgets, projections, and proposals.
  • Financial Strategy: Directed financial strategies that improved sustainability and reduced payroll and operational costs. Collaborated to implement financial response, securing EIDL, PPP loans, and grants to ensure solvency.
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable: Managed accounts payable/receivable including membership billing, client payments, billing inquires and disputes, collections, subcontractor and vendor payments utilizing accounting tools. (QuickBooks, Industry specific software, ACH)
  • Payroll: Helped manage payroll utilizing ADP and QuickBooks

Business Expansion & Development

· Revenue Growth: Increased revenue by 300% (2015-2017) by transforming an underperforming tennis facility into a thriving, membership-focused business through client retention strategies, targeted marketing, and financial restructuring.

·  Operational Restructuring: Combined two locations into one efficient operation, boosting profitability, collaboration, and team dynamics.

Leadership & Management

  • Experienced and tested leadership: Over 20 years of experience of leading and managing multiple departments within a dynamic and diverse organization, fostering collaboration, and achieving organizational goals.
  • Mentorship approach: Mentored employees to achieve development goals, reducing turnover and doubling retention.
  • Operations Management: Oversaw daily operations, – financial planning, program facilitation, employee performance

Community Enagement and Fundraising

Friends of Konza Prairie (Board Member, Treasurer) 2024-present
Konza Environmental Education Program (Docent) 2024-Present
Riley County Senior Center of Manhattan (Fitness Instructor) 2024-Present
Manhattan Cross Country Club (Board Member, Volunteer, Social Media) 2010-2020

Education

Kansas State University- Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education: Biological Science

Skills

My Blog