Ryan A. Mitchell

Background

About Ryan A. Mitchell

For as long as I can remember, I've been driven by a desire to help others reach their full potential. Whether it was mentoring colleagues, coaching new hires, or guiding leaders through complex HR challenges, I've always believed that people are the heart of any successful business. That belief is the foundation of my career and continues to fuel my passion for Human Resources. Over the past 10 years, I've had the privilege of working in retail HR, where I've blended my love for people with a deep understanding of business needs. Starting my career on the sales floor, I quickly realized that the most successful teams weren’t just the ones with the best products—they were the ones with the most engaged and supported employees. From there, I transitioned into HR to create environments that foster growth, development, and a sense of belonging for everyone. One of my biggest passions is retention, and I’ve learned that associates need three things from their leaders: Support, Engagement, and Development. When these elements are missing, employees are far more likely to leave. Having been someone who left a company for exactly those reasons, I know firsthand how critical it is for leaders to provide the right support and development opportunities to keep teams motivated and loyal. At Total Wine & More, I’ve applied that passion for people into real results. Whether it’s reducing turnover by 20%, leading organizational changes with minimal disruption, or driving DEI initiatives that foster an inclusive culture, I focus on creating people-first environments that retain top talent and improve performance. Leading district-wide HR efforts as District HR Captain further solidified my commitment to shaping a culture where employees thrive and businesses succeed. I believe HR is about making human connections—understanding employee needs and aligning them with business goals. I focus on talent development, employee engagement, and performance management, with a mindset that always puts people first. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing as a leader and helping organizations build high-performing teams where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. Let’s connect and discuss people-centric HR strategies, leadership development, and talent retention!