Catherine Collins
Colbert,USA
Summary
Dedicated professional experienced in fostering positive workplace culture and maintaining high performance standards. Developed structured processes that enhance organization and efficiency, contributing to improved workflow and productivity. Demonstrated reliability and adaptability while managing multiple responsibilities and priorities, ensuring accuracy and quality in both independent and collaborative settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Freight crew & produce
Yoke's Fresh Market
Deer Park, WA
04.2024 - 05.2026
- Outlined daily expectations for team and coordinated completion of produce department tasks, including trimming, freshening, culling, maintaining displays, placing orders, and managing overall presentation and quality.
- Ensured efficient handling of freight and organization of department for next business day, enhancing leadership, communication, training, and organizational skills.
- Assisted lead with ordering and coordinated nightly responsibilities for freight team while providing instruction and training to new employees on stocking, facing, and backstock procedures.
- After working in produce on and off for nearly 15 years, I decided I wanted to take on a new challenge and expand my experience. Since I am more comfortable working nights, I transitioned to the Freight team.
Produce/ Floral Lead
Fred Meyer
Spokane, WA
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed daily department operations, excluding hiring and scheduling. Managed freight operations by delegating responsibilities and efficiently breaking down incoming shipments. Maintained a strong focus on exceptional customer service, food safety, and ensuring the sales floor remained fully stocked, clean, and organized.
- Trained and developed new employees while ensuring team adherence to company standards and completion of daily objectives. Monitored inventory management practices, including accurate scanning and inventory control, to minimize discrepancies and maintain appropriate product levels.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Stocker
Dollar Tree
Deer Park, WA
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Handled the unloading and processing of freight upon truck arrival. Each day presents a unique challenge, much like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You never know exactly what products will arrive or how much space will be available, so it is important to quickly assess the situation and determine the most efficient and appropriate location for each product.
- Managed various tasks alongside efficient freight processing. Providing exceptional customer service is also an important part of my responsibilities, as is assisting with the creation and setup of new seasonal displays. I take pride in making sure the store is organized, well-presented, and ready to meet our customers' needs.
- Engaged with customers to identify their needs, offering practical and creative solutions through active listening and problem-solving skills.
Produce Clerk
MY FRESH BASKET
Spokane, WA
12.2021 - 03.2022
- Leveraged attention to detail and customer service background to excel in produce department operations, managing ordering, inventory, and quality control to maintain high standards.
- When I was hired at Fresh Basket, I noticed that a significant amount of ripe produce was being marked down or distressed due to limited opportunities to sell it. Having previously helped pioneer an in-store cut-fruit program earlier in my career, I proposed creating a similar program at Fresh Basket. I was given the opportunity to develop and implement the program, and it quickly became a tremendous success.
- Demand for the cut-fruit products grew so rapidly that we eventually had to increase our orders because the available distressed produce was not enough to keep up with customer demand. At its peak, the program accounted for approximately 55% of the department's total sales and consistently generated some of the highest profit margins in the department.
- Identified opportunities, developed creative solutions, and successfully implemented programs that increased sales, reduced waste, and improved profitability.
Service Support & Customer Service Lead
ETCC- WSDOT
Seattle, WA
10.2015 - 05.2017
- Delivered high-level customer service and conflict resolution in demanding tolling environment, specializing in de-escalating customer conflicts, educating clients, and navigating Washington State and federal tolling policies and regulations.
- The position required exceptional communication, patience, judgment, and composure. I routinely handled highly emotional and, at times, threatening customer interactions, including situations involving customers with toll balances as high as $30,000. Despite the intensity of these interactions, I consistently remained professional and focused on de-escalating situations, educating customers, and identifying appropriate solutions within company and regulatory guidelines.
- Supported operations across multiple departments, including service support and the call center, while taking on responsibilities for employee training and coaching.
- This was one of the most challenging positions of my career, but also one of the most valuable. It significantly strengthened my ability to manage conflict, communicate under pressure, solve complex problems, and maintain professionalism in difficult circumstances. I thrived in this environment and developed a level of de-escalation and customer-resolution expertise that has continued to benefit me throughout my career.
- Coordinated operations across multiple departments, including service support and the call center, while training and coaching employees, managing billing, assisting with interviews, ensuring PCI compliance, generating daily reports, and reconciling inventory, enhancing overall understanding of customer-facing and operational aspects.
- My departure was not performance-related. The organization was losing its contract, which ultimately required me to seek employment elsewhere. Had the contract remained in place, I would have been very happy to continue my career with the company despite the demanding nature of the position.
Produce Clerk/Checker Duties/bakery
QFC
Everett, WA
12.2011 - 06.2015
- Unloaded and stocked freight, maintained accurate temperature logs, conducted quality control, ensured proper product rotation, and delivered customer service by assisting customers, answering questions, and addressing concerns.
- While at QFC, I played a key role in developing and implementing one of the first in-store cut-fruit programs in Washington State. This experience allowed me to further develop my knowledge of produce operations, product quality, and customer demand.
- Alongside my primary duties, I gained cross-training experience across various departments in the store. I gained experience and assisted in a variety of departments, including courtesy clerk, front-end operations, dairy, and bakery. This broad experience gave me a well-rounded understanding of store operations and strengthened my ability to work effectively with different teams.
Education
High school diploma -
Woodland High School
Woodland, WASkills
- Inventory Management
- Quality control
- Produce Quality Control
- Logistics Coordination
- Stock Management
- Logistics Operations
- Product Handling
- Marketing
- E-Commerce
- Customer service
- Customer support
- Customer Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership
- Training development
- Teamwork
- Operational Assessment
- Safety Procedures
- Regulatory Compliance
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Google Docs
- SharePoint
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Photoshop
- Logo design
- Graphic Design
- Clerical experience
- Cash handling
- Animal husbandry
- Animal handling
- Pet sitting
- Pet transportation
- Dog handling
- Dog walking
- Retail sales
- Sales
- Store Presentation
- Product Display
- Quality assurance
- Typing
- Time management
- Supervising experience
- Communication skills
- Customer support
- Product Display
- Social Media Management
- Supervising experience
- Dog walking
- Logistics Operations
- Microsoft Powerpoint
Certification
Food Handler Certification, 2023
Languages
English, Fluent
Proficiencies And Interests
- DECA
- Marketing
- Ecommerce
- Welding/fabricating
- K-9 Behavior
- Horsemanship
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Freight crew & produce
Yoke's Fresh Market
04.2024 - 05.2026
Produce/ Floral Lead
Fred Meyer
08.2023 - 04.2024
Stocker
Dollar Tree
01.2023 - 08.2023
Produce Clerk
MY FRESH BASKET
12.2021 - 03.2022
Service Support & Customer Service Lead
ETCC- WSDOT
10.2015 - 05.2017
Produce Clerk/Checker Duties/bakery
QFC
12.2011 - 06.2015
High school diploma -
Woodland High School