Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Benito Lara

Houston,TX

Summary

Dynamic Customer Service Representative with a proven track record at Interstate Mcbee, excelling in conflict resolution and relationship building. Enhanced customer loyalty through empathetic complaint handling and effective problem-solving. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, I contributed to sales growth by upselling tailored solutions, fostering a culture of teamwork and high morale.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Customer Service Representative

Interstate Mcbee
01.2016 - 07.2025
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
  • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
  • Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
  • Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
  • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for consistent customer service delivery.
  • Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to new hires, contributing to their successful integration into the team.
  • Resolved escalated customer issues, restoring confidence in company's commitment to service excellence.
  • Improved resolution time with effective problem-solving for customer complaints.
  • Enhanced customer loyalty by offering personalized solutions tailored to individual needs.
  • Boosted team morale by consistently recognizing colleagues' contributions and achievements.
  • Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.

Purchasing Manager/Shipping and Receiving Manager

Compression Generation Services
01.2013 - 12.2015
  • Used [Software] to authorize and monitor purchase orders and consumables.
  • Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
  • Implemented policies to reduce cost and eliminate waste.
  • Optimized inventory levels by implementing demand forecasting techniques and just-in-time purchasing strategies.
  • Trained junior staff members on best practices in purchasing management, contributing to their professional development and growth within the organization.
  • Analyzed market trends and adjusted procurement strategies accordingly for optimal results.
  • Conducted regular spend analysis reviews to identify opportunities for cost optimization within various categories.
  • Generated reports, documents and analysis in [Software] for senior management review and approval.
  • Conducted regular research to identify trends and cost saving opportunities.
  • Adjusted procedures to maximize department effectiveness.
  • Responded to market changes by adjusting procurement strategies, ensuring operational agility.
  • Conducted market analysis to stay informed of industry trends and leverage information in negotiation processes.
  • Coordinated with finance and budgeting departments to align procurement strategies with fiscal objectives.
  • Streamlined procurement processes, leading to smoother operations by implementing strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Achieved significant improvements in supplier lead times through collaborative planning and forecasting.
  • Improved supplier reliability and performance with rigorous evaluation and feedback mechanisms.
  • Negotiated long-term contracts with critical suppliers to ensure supply chain stability.
  • Created purchasing policies and procedures that complied with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Identified opportunities to reduce lead times and improve inventory management.
  • Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
  • Reduced costs by streamlining contract bidding and procurement processes to assure best prices for materials and services.
  • Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
  • Analyzed market and delivery systems to assess present and future materials availability.
  • Scrutinized purchasing data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
  • Completed monthly profit and loss performance reports.
  • Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.
  • Operated forklifts, lift trucks, and hand trucks to move items around warehouse.
  • Optimized warehouse layout for efficient product flow from receiving to shipping areas, minimizing wasted time in transit between locations.
  • Pulled, verified, and packaged items for shipment.
  • Prepared shipping documents and invoices, processed payments, and fielded client questions.
  • Created effective communication channels between warehouse staff, management, and customers to address concerns promptly and maintain smooth operations.
  • Conducted counts and audits of inventories to identify and resolve discrepancies in records.
  • Supervised warehouse staff, providing training and guidance to improve overall performance.
  • Maintained positive relationships with representatives of UPS, FedEX, USPS, and DHL shipping companies.
  • Organized storage areas to optimize materials movements and minimize labor hours.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to meet deadlines for special orders or expedited shipments, ensuring customer satisfaction through prompt service.
  • Improved order processing speed by introducing barcode scanning technology into the workflow process.
  • Coordinated logistics efforts, optimizing delivery routes and reducing transportation costs.
  • Developed strong relationships with carriers to negotiate competitive rates and secure timely deliveries.
  • Coordinated with transportation providers to ensure timely pick-ups and deliveries, improving customer satisfaction with reliable service.
  • Enhanced accuracy of stock levels with introduction of cycle counting program, minimizing discrepancies.
  • Organized records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.
  • Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
  • Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
  • Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
  • Conducted research to address shipping errors and packaging mistakes.
  • Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
  • Negotiated contracts with outside providers and rates for facility leases to minimize costs to company.
  • Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
  • Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
  • Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
  • Reduced order processing time by automating purchase orders and invoicing systems.

Purchasing Manager

Ralston Diesel Service
04.1996 - 12.2012
  • Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
  • Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
  • Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
  • Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers.
  • Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
  • Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
  • Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs.
  • Reduced order processing time by automating purchase orders and invoicing systems.
  • Monitored and evaluated vendor performance to determine compliance with quality standards.
  • Wrote standard operating procedures for department.
  • Progressed through various purchasing, warehousing and leadership roles.
  • Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and reduced lead times.
  • Reduced material costs by negotiating favorable terms with suppliers.
  • Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
  • Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
  • Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
  • Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.

Package Handler

UPS/ Fedex
06.1995 - 10.2006
  • Followed safety regulations to maintain safe work environment.
  • Improved package handling efficiency by implementing proper sorting and organizing techniques.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to company policies and guidelines for proper lifting techniques.
  • Reduced damage rates for packages through careful handling and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Assembled, sealed, and loaded packages into correct trucks.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Used hand-held scanners and physical logs to accurately track item movements.
  • Verified correct labels and accurate shipping information on packages to avoid shipping to wrong addresses.
  • Contributed to increased productivity by working effectively in high-pressure situations.
  • Followed verbal and written instructions to properly move and ship products.
  • Maximized space utilization within trucks through effective stacking and arranging of packages, minimizing shipment delays.
  • Demonstrated commitment to quality control by consistently meeting or exceeding company standards for accuracy in sorting and labeling packages.
  • Reduced package mishandling incidents, carefully adhering to handling protocols and training new hires on best practices.

Education

High School Diploma -

Bloomington High School
Bloomington High School

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Active listening
  • Critical thinking
  • Data entry
  • Customer relations
  • Problem resolution
  • Relationship building
  • Call center experience
  • Computer proficiency
  • Conflict resolution
  • Complaint handling
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Complaint resolution
  • Payment processing
  • Client relations
  • Call management
  • Product knowledge
  • Paperwork processing
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Order processing
  • Team development
  • Documentation
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Staff training
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Product sales
  • Coordination
  • Sales expertise
  • Spreadsheets
  • Service upselling
  • Proofreading
  • Warehousing functions
  • Receiving support

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Customer Service Representative

Interstate Mcbee
01.2016 - 07.2025

Purchasing Manager/Shipping and Receiving Manager

Compression Generation Services
01.2013 - 12.2015

Purchasing Manager

Ralston Diesel Service
04.1996 - 12.2012

Package Handler

UPS/ Fedex
06.1995 - 10.2006

High School Diploma -

Bloomington High School

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