Blake Bragg
Bradley,IL
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable professional with extensive experience at Momence Packing, excelling in training personnel and fostering teamwork. I am very involved in the momence Reliability program and have demonstrated reliability through effective communication and continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency. I am also skilled in defect tracking and handling, contributing to a culture of safety and excellence in meat processing and production environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Industrial Butcher
Momence Packing
334 North St, Momence, IL 60954
02.2025 - Current
- Complied with food safety, hygiene and sanitation regulations for safe food preparation.
- Cut and trimmed the ears, snout and hooves to be prepared for package and sale.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient workflow, resulting in smooth daily operations.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, adhering to strict sanitation regulations within the harvest floor.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
- Showcased exceptional knife skills, consistently producing precise cuts of meat .
- Trained two members on knife safety, proper knife skills, hygiene and how to make proper cuts on the ears, snout and hooves within the harvest department.
- Trained two new members on how to properly oil knives and hooks.
- Performed regular equipment maintenance checks, keeping knives and hock cutters functioning efficiently and safely.
- Assisted in training two new members on cutting techniques, safety protocols, and product knowledge.
- Developed and maintained safe working environment by strictly adhering to health and safety guidelines.
Grinder Operator
Momence Packing
334 North St, Momence, IL 60954
08.2022 - 02.2025
- Streamlined grinding processes by suggesting improvements to existing workflows based on hands-on experience and industry best practices.
- Enhanced team communication by providing clear, concise reports on grinder operation status and any potential issues with defects.
- Collaborated with quality control teams and coaches to address any non-conformities or defects in finished products promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced production efficiency by performing routine maintenance on grinding machines and equipment.
- Leadership position as a Defect system owner in FNF. (6 months)
- Collaborated with members and coaches as a defect system owner on how to identify, record and track defects.
- Enhanced production efficiency by performing routine defect tracking and handling.
- Tought other members in FNF on how to properly identify and track defects.
- Assisting other members in FNF with defect tracking by sharing knowledge and problem-solving with them.
- Safeguarded machinery longevity through timely inspections, cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and replacement of worn parts as needed.
- Formally trained in C.I.L.
- Have trained multiple new and current members in what C.I.L is and am able to show and explain the process.
- Formally trained in work order creation and have trained multiple other members on work order creation by showing how to properly communicate with maintenance.
- Contributed to waste reduction efforts and operator driven reliability by working with team members through the C.I.L. process and showing them how to do it.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in process review meetings held weekly and suggesting feasible changes to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Held system owner meetings weekly, to go over the defect tracking log with members and coaches.
- Provided comprehensive training for new hires on grinder operation procedures through hands on experience, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing among the team.
- Provided training for new hires and current hires by creating one point lessons for the Case Taper, B.A.A.D.E.R, Wolfking Grinder and Wolfking Grinder parts such as the Auger, Suction Gates , grinder bone exaust, grinder air hoses, rear hub, pallet inserts, knife inserts and Bone exhaust O rings.
Agronomy Operator
New Ag. INC
25516 LaGrange Rd, Monee, IL 60449
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Operated various types of machinery, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in diverse work environments.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Provided on-the-job training to 3 newly hired members on how to operate fertilizing machines such as the Rogator and TerraGator.
- Provided on-the-job training to 3 newly hired members on how to perform preventative maintenance to sprayer nozzles and sprayer bodies to the RoGator 1100.
- Reduced equipment downtime by troubleshooting issues and performing timely repairs.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance targets while maintaining strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Accurately documented all operational data daily, ensuring up-to-date records for review and analysis.
- Handled adjustments or modifications to machines as needed based on product specifications or changes in operational parameters.
- Creation of two one point lessons for the RoGator on how to perform a boom rinse.
- Creation of six one point lessons on how to properly perform a nozzle rapair.
- Facilitated smoother onboarding process for new members through creation of one point lesson operating manuals.
- Trained new production staff members on safe and efficient production procedures and proper machine operations.
- Prepared reports and technical documentation of day-to-day production processes.
Pool Builder
Desrochers Backyard Pools
450 Davy Ln. Wilmington, Illinois
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Improved pool construction efficiency by streamlining the building process and implementing best practices.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns promptly and maintaining open lines of communication during all phases of a project.
- Conducted thorough site assessments and prepared detailed reports for accurate project planning and execution.
- Reduced project completion times with effective resource allocation, scheduling, and task prioritization.
- Mixed and poured concrete for variety of projects.
- Trained new employees on the concrete mixing process and how to pour concrete.
- Trained new employees on how to properly stamp concrete.
- Operated forklifts and boom lifts to complete various tasks.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols while operating machinery and equipment.
Pool Service Technician
Desrochers Backyard Pools
550 Davy Ln, Wilmington, IL 60481
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Maintained optimal equipment performance with routine inspections, repairs, and replacements.
- Developed strong professional relationships with clients through clear communication channels regarding their needs and expectations.
- Implemented seasonal preparation procedures to protect pools from damage during winter months or other weather-related events.
- Performed installations of new pool equipment, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems.
- Ensured safety compliance by implementing proper handling techniques for chemicals and hazardous materials.
- Increased client retention through the delivery of exceptional customer service and communication skills.
- Educated four new technicians on proper pool care techniques, resulting in reduced maintenance issues and longer-lasting equipment lifespan.
- Assisted in training four new technicians on company policies, procedures, best practices, and safety standards.
- Conducted pool safety inspections and reported unresolved issues immediately.
- Followed established procedures for inspection of belts, drives and motors, performing needed maintenance.
- Completed preventive maintenance on machines to enhance production and maintain quality.
Farm Hand
Bradley Bourbonnais Community Park District
459 Kennedy Dr, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
12.2017 - 11.2021
- Assisted in the construction or repair of fences, barns, sheds, or other infrastructure necessary for successful farm operation.
- Contributed to overall farm efficiency by performing regular equipment maintenance and repairs as needed.
- Ensured proper animal care by administering medications, vaccinations, or treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Implemented pest control measures, safeguarding crops from pest-related damage and loss.
- Trained 10 new farm hands in efficient work methods and safety practices, fostering knowledgeable and safety-conscious team.
- Trained 10 new farm hands on how to properly clean horse, goat, pig, sheep and chicken pens.
- Trained 10 new farm hands on how to operate off road machinery such as Kubota 1100, Kubota 1200 and John Deere 4400 M tractor.
- Trained 10 new farm hands on how to operate powered hand tools like weed cutters, power drills, power saws, grass edgers and power cutters.
- Trained 10 new employees on how to clean, inspect, and lubricate off road vehicles and power tools.
- Erected and maintained fencing to protect crops and livestock from predators, ensuring farm security.
- Monitored weather forecasts to plan work schedules, minimizing disruption from adverse weather conditions.
- Conducted daily health checks on animals, swiftly identifying and addressing any signs of illness to maintain herd health.
- Kept pens, stalls and farm equipment clean and sterilized to support animal wellbeing.
- Trained 8 part-time help in livestock care and ranch operations.
- Documented animal growth, individual behaviors, feeding patterns and other data in daily logs and main database, noting trends, and identifying areas of concern.
- Engaged in community farming initiatives to share knowledge and resources, strengthening local agricultural practices.
Groundskeeper
Bradley Bourbonnais Community Park District
459 Kennedy Dr, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
12.2017 - 10.2021
- Used trimmers and chainsaws for grounds maintenance, brush clearing, and tree removal and thinning.
- Enhanced curb appeal by maintaining lawns, gardens, and walkways in pristine condition.
- Cultivated a positive work environment through effective communication with team members and supervisors.
- Upheld high safety standards on all tasks performed ensuring minimal accidents or injuries within the workplace.
- Trained 12 part time employees on proper procedures/techniques required for maintenance of clay in batters box and catchers mound.
- Trained 12 part time employees on how to properly operate a drag machine and how to properly drag a field.
- Exhibited punctuality and reliability in completing assigned duties according to established deadlines without compromising quality standards.
- Ensured the health of plant life by applying appropriate treatments for pests and diseases.
- Increased lifespan of outdoor furniture and fixtures through regular cleaning and maintenance.
- Contributed to team efforts by assisting in coordination of large-scale landscaping projects.
- Boosted community satisfaction with regular upkeep of recreational areas and playgrounds.
- Contributed to wildlife conservation efforts on property by creating habitats for local species.
- Fostered positive community image by engaging with residents and addressing their concerns related to grounds.
Education
Pesticide Safety Education Program - Chemistry, Toxicology, Environmental Science
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL04.2023
High School Diploma -
Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School
Bradley, IL05.2018
Skills
- Training personnel
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Reliability
- Effective communication
- Training program development (Reliability program)
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Continuous improvement
- One Point Lessons and One Point Lesson creation
Timeline
Industrial Butcher
Momence Packing
02.2025 - Current
Agronomy Operator
New Ag. INC
06.2023 - 08.2024
Grinder Operator
Momence Packing
08.2022 - 02.2025
Pool Builder
Desrochers Backyard Pools
12.2021 - 08.2022
Pool Service Technician
Desrochers Backyard Pools
12.2021 - 08.2022
Farm Hand
Bradley Bourbonnais Community Park District
12.2017 - 11.2021
Groundskeeper
Bradley Bourbonnais Community Park District
12.2017 - 10.2021
Pesticide Safety Education Program - Chemistry, Toxicology, Environmental Science
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
High School Diploma -
Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School