Business owners often wear multiple hats, from financial planning and marketing to team leadership and customer relations. But how do you showcase these skills on a business owner resume that resonates with hiring managers?

This guide explores the key steps, tips, and strategies for crafting an application that highlights your unique strengths and prepares you for the next stage of your career.

Business owner resume examples

Small business owner resume sample

Small business owner resume template

Small business owner resume template
Use template Download PDF

Resume for small business owner | Plain text

Name: Jessica Foster
Address: Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 555-0182
Email: jessica.foster@email.com

Professional Summary:

Experienced Small Business Owner with over 12 years of expertise in the retail industry. Owner and operator of "Foster’s Corner Boutique," a successful retail shop in the heart of Boston. Proven track record of increasing revenue through exceptional customer service, effective merchandising, and building strong community relationships.

Work Experience:

Owner & Operator

Foster's Corner Boutique – Boston, MA

March 2013 – Present

  • Build and maintain a profitable retail business specializing in clothing, accessories, and home décor.
  • Manage daily operations including inventory, staff scheduling, purchasing, and marketing.
  • Increased sales by 25% in the first year by implementing targeted local marketing strategies.
  • Develop and maintain a loyal customer base by hosting in-store events and promotions.
  • Supervise a team of 5 employees, providing training and leadership to enhance customer satisfaction.

Skills:

  • Retail management
  • Inventory control
  • Visual merchandising
  • Customer service
  • Sales strategies

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

University of Massachusetts – Boston, MA

Graduated: May 2012

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Customer Service Excellence Award – National Retail Federation, 2023
  • Top 5 Small Business in Downtown Boston – Boston Chamber of Commerce, 2020
  • Best Local Boutique Award – Boston Business Association, 2018

Strong sides of this business owner resume examples:

  • It starts with a concise and results-oriented opening statement that immediately establishes the candidate’s business achievements.
  • The work experience section is highly focused on tangible accomplishments, such as increasing sales by 25%.
  • The inclusion of awards like "Best Local Boutique" and "Customer Service Excellence" validates the reputation in the retail industry.
How to properly format a resume for a business owner?
  • Choose a clean, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Stick to 10-12 point size for body text and 14-16 points for headings.
  • Aim for a document that is one page if you have limited experience outside of your business.
  • If your work history is extensive, a two-page resume is acceptable, but ensure that every piece of information is valuable and relevant to the role.
  • Add 1-inch margins on all sides and sufficient white space to make the document easy to read. Maintain consistent spacing between sections.
  • PDF is generally the preferred file format as it maintains a consistent layout across devices.

Best tip to avoid formatting issues: use the best free resume builder.

Resume Trick can simplify the writing process by providing good resume templates designed to meet industry standards, reducing the chances of manual errors.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Family business owner resume example

Sample family business owner resume

Name: David Martinez
Address: Providence, RI
Phone: (401) 555-2045
Email: david.martinez@email.com

Professional Summary:

Passionate Family Business Owner with over 16 years of experience in the manufacturing sector. Owner of "Martinez Metalworks," a Rhode Island-based company specializing in custom metal fabrication. Skilled in operations management, process optimization, and overseeing a diverse team.

Work Experience:

Owner & CEO

Martinez Metalworks – Providence, RI

January 2009 – Present

  • Oversee all aspects of a third-generation metal fabrication business, including production, sales, and customer relations.
  • Manage a team of 25 employees and direct a major expansion that increased output by 40%.
  • Implement lean manufacturing techniques, reducing waste and improving efficiency by 15%.
  • Cultivate relationships with suppliers and clients, ensuring high-quality materials and timely deliveries.
  • Spearhead the adoption of new technologies, which improves production speed and reduces costs.

Skills:

  • Manufacturing operations
  • Team leadership
  • Process optimization
  • Client relations
  • Quality control

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

Rhode Island School of Design – Providence, RI

Graduated: May 2008

Languages:

  • English (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Native Speaker)
  • Portuguese (Intermediate)

Here are a few reasons why this example of a business owner resume will impress recruiters:

  • It effectively emphasizes deep-rooted involvement in the family business, highlighting both leadership and longevity in the manufacturing industry.
  • The inclusion of Spanish and Portuguese language skills demonstrates the candidate’s ability to engage with diverse clients and suppliers.
  • Certifications related to industrial engineering and manufacturing enhance the credibility and technical expertise in their field.
Should I choose a business owner resume objective or summary?

A resume summary is a brief overview of your professional skills.

  • This is ideal if you have substantial experience as a business owner and want to highlight your achievements quickly.

Business owner resume summary sample:

Experienced business owner with over 10 years in retail and e-commerce management, skilled in operations, financial planning, and team leadership. Successfully grew a small business by 200% over five years by implementing effective marketing strategies and streamlining operations.

A resume objective, on the other hand, focuses more on your career goals and what you aim to bring to the position.

Business owner resume objective example:

Detail-oriented business owner seeking a project management position where I can leverage my skills in budget management, team leadership, and strategic planning to drive company success.

Transportation business owner resume sample

Transportation business owner resume template

Transportation business owner resume template
Use template Download PDF

Resume for transportation business owner | Text version

Name: Felix Thompson
Address: Atlanta, GA
Phone: (404) 555-7731
Email: felix.thompson@email.com

Professional Summary:

Driven and resourceful Transportation Business Owner with over 9 years of experience managing a fleet of vehicles for local and long-distance deliveries. Owner of "Thompson Logistics," an Atlanta-based transportation company. Skilled in fleet management, logistics coordination, and client relationship building.

Work Experience:

Owner & Operations Manager

Thompson Logistics – Atlanta, GA

June 2016 – Present

  • Build and operate a successful transportation company with a fleet of 15 trucks providing local and interstate freight services.
  • Responsible for hiring, training, and managing a team of 25 drivers and logistics personnel.
  • Streamline routing systems, cutting delivery times by 20% and reducing fuel costs by 10%.
  • Established long-term partnerships with local businesses, securing repeat contracts and increasing annual revenue by 30%.
  • Implemented a customer tracking system, improving communication with clients and ensuring on-time deliveries.

Skills:

  • Fleet management
  • Logistics coordination
  • Route optimization
  • Client relationship management
  • Staff training

Education:

Associate of Applied Science in Logistics

Georgia State University – Atlanta, GA

Graduated: May 2015

Certifications:

  • Certified Transportation Broker – Transportation Intermediaries Association, 2018
  • Freight Logistics Certification – Georgia State University, 2016

This sample business owner resume is effective for several reasons:

  • It highlights the candidate’s ability to improve operational efficiency through quantifiable achievements.
  • The emphasis on establishing long-term partnerships with local businesses demonstrates the ability to drive growth through client relationships.
  • The resume highlights leadership in managing a team of drivers and logistics personnel, which is critical for running a transportation business.
How to showcase your business owner resume skills?

Then skills section helps hiring managers see the concrete qualities you bring to the table and how they apply to the role you’re pursuing.

  • Hard skills are specific, measurable competencies such as financial management or proficiency in software.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal or management abilities that are crucial in leadership, such as communication and adaptability.

Business owner hard skills:

  • Financial Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Data Analysis
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Sales Strategy Development
  • E-commerce Platforms
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Soft skills for a business owner:

  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Decision Making
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Resilience

Personal care business owner resume example

Small business owner resume

Name: Olivia Brooks
Address: Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 555-3524
Email: olivia.brooks@email.com

Professional Summary:

Experienced Personal Care Business Owner specializing in holistic skincare and wellness services. Owner of "Brooklyn Beauty Spa," a thriving spa offering organic skin care treatments, massages, and wellness therapies. Expertise in managing day-to-day operations, developing custom beauty services, and delivering exceptional customer care.

Work Experience:

Owner & Spa Director

Brooklyn Beauty Spa – Orlando, FL

April 2015 – Present

  • Successfully launched and manage a high-end beauty spa offering customized skincare services, facials, massages, and wellness treatments.
  • Supervise a team of 12 licensed professionals, including estheticians, massage therapists, and spa attendants.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by 40% through personalized service packages and loyalty programs.
  • Develop marketing strategies utilizing social media platforms, contributing to a 50% increase in new clientele in the first year.
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance for all treatments.

Skills:

  • Spa management
  • Customer relationship management
  • Marketing and promotions
  • Staff training and development
  • Holistic treatments

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Business Management

University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL

Graduated: May 2014

Community Involvement:

  • Founder, Orlando Wellness Network – Creating local partnerships among wellness providers, 2017–Present
  • Volunteer, Orlando Homeless Shelter – Offering free wellness services for underprivileged residents, 2016–2020

Why is this business owner resume effective?

  • It positions the candidate as an expert in holistic skincare, which is increasingly important in the wellness industry.
  • The professional summary highlights both business management and customer service, which is crucial for a personal care where client satisfaction is a priority.
  • The resume highlights the ability to manage a team of licensed professionals, showcasing leadership in a service-based environment.
What academic credentials should I add to my resume?

While some business owners may have extensive practical experience, highlighting your educational background shows your commitment to learning and growth.

  • List your highest degree first, including the institution and graduation date.
  • Add any courses or certifications relevant to the position, such as management training, finance courses, or industry-specific documents.
  • If you've attended workshops, seminars, or other training, these can further showcase your commitment to enhancing your skills.
How to organize the experience section in a business owner resume?
  • State a title that clearly conveys your role, such as “Founder and CEO,” “Business Owner,” or “Operations Manager.”
  • List the name of your business and its location.
  • Include the start and end dates of your business (or indicate if it’s still active).
  • Organize responsibilities and achievements into short, impactful bullet points.

Numbers speak volumes. Whenever possible, highlight accomplishments with metrics.

Conclusion

By focusing on relevant achievements, quantifying your impact, and aligning your experience with the role you’re targeting, you can demonstrate the value you bring as a former business owner.

A well-constructed resume will not only open doors to new career opportunities but also help you transition smoothly from entrepreneur to employee, allowing you to leverage your experience in a new and impactful way.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume