PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Self-taught entrepreneur and problem solver with 25+ years of hands-on experience building businesses, managing operations, and delivering results across automotive repair, logistics, construction, and remote sales. Combines mechanical expertise with self-taught technical skills in web development, database management, and systems design. Proven track record of starting ventures from the ground up, optimizing operations for efficiency, and building lasting customer relationships.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Remote Sales Representative
Manage customer relationships and sales operations for Alaska-based pull-tab gaming distributor serving 40+ retail accounts across the state.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct 30+ daily customer outreach calls to maintain relationships and inform customers of new products
- Prospect and acquire new retail accounts through cold calling and relationship building
- Process customer orders and enter data into Acumatica ERP system with accuracy
- Monitor order fulfillment and verify delivery completion
- Manage account reconciliation and collections for past-due accounts via email and phone outreach
- Provide comprehensive customer service and troubleshooting support
Key Achievements:
- Maintain 40-customer account base with high retention through proactive communication
- Successfully manage remote work operations while maintaining productivity and customer satisfaction
- Handle complete order lifecycle from inquiry through delivery verification and payment collection
Business Owner & Operator
Founded, operated, and managed multiple successful small businesses across automotive, construction, and flooring industries.
Lucky 7 Towing & Recovery
- Operated full-service towing and recovery business
- Managed fleet maintenance, dispatch operations, and emergency response
- Built strong relationships with law enforcement, insurance companies, and municipal contracts
Abel Auto (Automotive Repair & Fabrication)
- Ran complete automotive repair shop offering mechanical repair, diagnostics, and custom fabrication
- Managed customer service, parts ordering, technician scheduling, and quality control
- Developed loyal customer base through quality work and transparent pricing
Flotile Flooring (Flooring Installation & Sales)
- Provided residential and commercial flooring installation services
- Managed customer consultations, measurements, material ordering, and installation coordination
- Designed custom measurement and ordering systems using Excel to minimize waste and maximize efficiency
F&F Dirt Works (Excavation & Land Development)
- Operated excavation and site preparation services
- Managed equipment maintenance, project estimation, and customer relationships
- Coordinated with contractors and property owners for residential and commercial projects
Key Business Management Skills Developed:
- QuickBooks accounting and financial management
- Customer and employee retention strategies
- OSHA safety compliance and training
- Vendor relationship management and negotiation
- Project estimation and profitability analysis
Flooring Sales Manager
Managed residential flooring sales operations for Alaska-based flooring retailer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Consulted with customers to recommend optimal flooring solutions based on needs, location, and budget
- Conducted on-site measurements to ensure accurate material ordering and minimize waste
- Designed detailed flooring layouts and installation plans for installers
- Created custom Excel-based measurement system that served as order form, cut sheet, and inventory tracker
- Developed comprehensive training manual for measurement system to ensure seamless employee transitions
- Built relationships with manufacturer sales representatives to negotiate best pricing and terms
- Managed commercial bidding process for larger projects
Key Achievements:
- Developed proprietary measurement and ordering system that reduced material waste by 15%
- Built strong customer base through consultative sales approach and quality service
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers that improved profit margins while maintaining competitive pricing
Professional Truck Driver (OTR/Regional)
Operated commercial vehicles across 48 contiguous states for multiple carriers including H&M Trucking, USA Truck/Davis Transfer, Carroll Fulmer Logistics, and Gary Blick Trucking.
Key Responsibilities:
- Planned efficient routes using fuel pricing analysis, HOS regulations, and delivery schedules
- Maintained 100% on-time delivery record through proactive communication and problem-solving
- Managed electronic logging systems (Samsara, PeopleNet, Qualcomm, SmartTruck Route)
- Performed pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections ensuring DOT compliance
- Built strong customer relationships through reliability and professionalism
Key Achievements:
- Clean safety record across 7 years of commercial driving
- Consistently met or exceeded delivery expectations through strategic route planning
- Maintained FMCSA compliance and current CDL Class A license
Driver Recruiter
Recruited qualified commercial drivers for transportation companies nationwide.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designed custom CRM using MS Excel to track candidate pipeline and match drivers to companies
- Created Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage recruitment process and candidate qualification
- Screened candidates for licensing, experience, safety records, and company fit
- Coordinated with client companies to understand hiring needs and preferences
EDUCATION & CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Self-Directed Learning:
- Completed online coursework in psychology, computer programming, data analytics, and business management through platforms including MIT OpenCourseWare
- Ongoing technical skill development in web development, database management, and systems optimization
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Interests:
- Creative writing and technical documentation
- Web development and software design
- Woodworking and metal fabrication
- Continuous learning across diverse subjects