Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Chad Falls

Buena Vista,VA

Summary

At Northwest Hardwoods Inc., I spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety compliance, leveraging my expertise in sawmill operations management and critical thinking. By implementing strategic production planning, I achieved notable increases in productivity and employee engagement, underscoring my results-driven approach and leadership acumen. Skilled Production Worker offering 20+ years of experience in sawmill manufacturing environments. Focused on being productive and safety-minded at all times. Committed employee with strong production background. Focused on maintaining team safety and meeting challenging performance targets. Skilled in managing supplies and keeping line moving smoothly.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sawmill Supervisor

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
06.2023 - Current
  • Contributed to increased profitability by analyzing operations data and implementing cost reduction strategies.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to forecast demand accurately, aligning production schedules accordingly to meet customer needs timely.
  • Implemented lean manufacturing principles within the facility reducing waste significantly while maintaining product quality.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively to prevent shortages or excess stock, ensuring seamless production flow.
  • Improved employee safety with comprehensive training programs and strict adherence to safety protocols.
  • Boosted production output, optimizing workforce scheduling and coordinating resources efficiently.
  • Enhanced sawmill efficiency by implementing streamlined production processes and optimizing equipment usage.
  • Optimized material handling procedures streamlining workflow processes resulting in reduced turnaround times.
  • Resolved operational issues promptly through root cause analysis techniques leading to improved overall efficiency.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement in their roles.
  • Reduced downtime for maintenance by establishing a proactive preventative maintenance schedule for all machinery.
  • Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication, team building efforts, and promoting professional development opportunities for staff members.
  • Maintained accurate records of all essential documents including logsheets permits and inspection reports ensuring full regulatory compliance.
  • Oversaw quality control measures within the sawmill facility ensuring that products met or exceeded industry standards consistently before shipment to customers.
  • Created and oversaw production schedules and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines.
  • Managed personnel by implementing company policies, procedures, work rules, and disciplinary action.
  • Evaluated employee performance and provided feedback and training as needed.
  • Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
  • Coordinated with other departments to align production with customer requirements.
  • Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
  • Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
  • Scrutinized production output and identified areas for improvement.
  • Implemented quality control system to review products against technical specifications and corporate standards.
  • Updated logs and submitted timely reports detailing activities in line with regulatory standards.
  • Collaborated with technical and administrative teams to develop and implement successful corrective plans.
  • Trained in and implemented emergency response procedures to protect team members and property.

Yard Supervisor

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
01.2021 - 06.2023
  • Managed daily operations, coordinating staff schedules and allocating resources such as lumber to ensure timely completion of tasks.
  • Optimized space utilization in the yard through careful planning of storage areas and efficient use of available resources.
  • Continuously evaluated yard operations for potential improvements, implementing changes as needed to maintain efficiency and meet business goals.
  • Utilized tablets and phones to replace paper documents for daily kiln qc checks.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, offering constructive feedback for continuous development.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms for supplies and equipment purchases.
  • Reduced workplace accidents with consistent enforcement of safety guidelines and conducting routine inspections.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through proactive communication regarding scheduling, deliveries, and potential issues.
  • Addressed any conflicts or disputes among team members promptly, maintaining harmony within the workplace while ensuring swift resolution of issues.
  • Coordinated closely with other departments to ensure seamless integration between yard operations and overall business objectives.
  • Played a key role in recruiting top talent, interviewing candidates, and making hiring decisions based on skills alignment with organizational needs.
  • Led a cross-functional team to identify areas for improvement within the yard, resulting in more efficient daily operations.
  • Improved yard efficiency by implementing streamlined processes for inventory management and equipment maintenance.
  • Collaborated with management to develop long-term strategies for optimizing workflow and resource allocation in the yard.
  • Established clear performance metrics for staff members to drive accountability and encourage high-performance behavior consistently.
  • Implemented an effective preventive maintenance program, reducing equipment downtime significantly.
  • Ensured a clean and organized workspace by enforcing strict housekeeping standards across the yard operations.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels among employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Enhanced employee productivity by providing regular training sessions on safety protocols and equipment operation.
  • Supervised team of helpers, laborers and material movers to efficiently complete tasks.
  • Resolved conflicts between team members and addressed complaints or grievances.
  • Trained new team members on proper and safe use of tools and equipment.
  • Scheduled shifts and shift changes to accommodate workload and customer needs.
  • Monitored progress of tasks to provide feedback for improvement.
  • Divided and categorized cargo received and redirected shipments in response to customer requests.
  • Inspected work areas to keep free of hazards and maintain proper function of safety equipment.
  • Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve team productivity and efficiency.
  • Evaluated team performance and provided feedback on areas requiring improvement.
  • Enforced team adherence to safety regulations and protocols.
  • Maintained accurate records of team attendance and documented disciplinary actions.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for team to follow and maintained records of activities.
  • Met or exceeded production goals and objectives by following strict procedures.
  • Assigned tasks to team members to complete within designated time frames.
  • Handled day-to-day Purchased lumber receiving overseeing more than 5-10 lumber loads per day.
  • Monitored production levels and implemented measures to increase output.
  • Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
  • Determined staffing needs, developing schedules.

EHS Coordinator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Collaborated with management to establish safety goals and develop action plans for continuous improvement.
  • Monitored changes in EHS regulations, updating company policies accordingly to maintain compliance standards.
  • Implemented ergonomic improvements in workstations, reducing repetitive strain injuries among employees.
  • Promoted continuous EHS improvement by incorporating lean principles and best practices into daily operations.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures.
  • Streamlined EHS documentation, ensuring efficient record-keeping and easy access to relevant information.
  • Improved EHS compliance by conducting regular audits and implementing corrective actions.
  • Enhanced employee awareness of safety regulations by delivering comprehensive training sessions.
  • Participated in incident investigations, identifying root causes, and recommending corrective actions for prevention of future occurrences.
  • Actively participated in safety committees as well as process improvement teams focused on injury reduction initiatives.
  • Developed strong relationships with regulatory agencies, ensuring timely communication and compliance with all requirements.
  • Coordinated emergency response efforts, effectively minimizing damage and injuries during incidents.
  • Reduced workplace accidents through the development and enforcement of safety policies and procedures.
  • Championed a safety-first culture within the organization, leading to increased employee engagement in EHS initiatives.
  • Monitored workplace activities to determine compliance with safety regulations and standards.
  • Conducted safety audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and deficiencies.
  • Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
  • Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to promote workplace safety.
  • Provided new-employee health and safety orientations and developed materials for presentations.
  • Educated employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
  • Performed safety analyses to evaluate potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
  • Identified accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
  • Devised and monitored safety performance metrics to assess and improve safety performance.

Yard Supervisor

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
06.2015 - 01.2020
  • Managed daily operations, coordinating staff schedules and allocating resources to ensure timely completion of tasks.
  • Optimized space utilization in the yard through careful planning of storage areas and efficient use of available resources.
  • Continuously evaluated yard operations for potential improvements, implementing changes as needed to maintain efficiency and meet business goals.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, offering constructive feedback for continuous development.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms for supplies and equipment purchases.
  • Reduced workplace accidents with consistent enforcement of safety guidelines and conducting routine inspections.
  • Addressed any conflicts or disputes among team members promptly, maintaining harmony within the workplace while ensuring swift resolution of issues.
  • Coordinated closely with other departments to ensure seamless integration between yard operations and overall business objectives.
  • Played a key role in recruiting top talent, interviewing candidates, and making hiring decisions based on skills alignment with organizational needs.
  • Led a cross-functional team to identify areas for improvement within the yard, resulting in more efficient daily operations.
  • Improved yard efficiency by implementing streamlined processes for inventory management and equipment maintenance.
  • Collaborated with management to develop long-term strategies for optimizing workflow and resource allocation in the yard.
  • Established clear performance metrics for staff members to drive accountability and encourage high-performance behavior consistently.
  • Implemented an effective preventive maintenance program, reducing equipment downtime significantly.
  • Ensured a clean and organized workspace by enforcing strict housekeeping standards across the yard operations.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels among employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Enhanced employee productivity by providing regular training sessions on safety protocols and equipment operation.
  • Supervised team of helpers, laborers and material movers to efficiently complete tasks.
  • Resolved conflicts between team members and addressed complaints or grievances.
  • Trained new team members on proper and safe use of tools and equipment.
  • Met or exceeded production goals and objectives by following strict procedures.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for team to follow and maintained records of activities.
  • Assigned tasks to team members to complete within designated time frames.
  • Monitored production levels and implemented measures to increase output.
  • Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
  • Determined staffing needs, developing schedules to staff all shifts.

Forklift Operator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
01.2005 - 06.2015
  • Safely loaded and unloaded trucks using appropriate forklift attachments, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
  • Kept warehouse/lumber yard clean and organized by removing debris and returning unused pallets to designated areas.
  • Improved warehouse efficiency by skillfully operating forklifts to move, locate, and stack materials.
  • Unloaded materials and goods at designated areas.
  • Transported goods between areas according to shipment and storage needs.
  • Operated forklift in compliance with OSHA guidelines and organizational policies.
  • Operated equipment safely and efficiently to prevent damage to items and avoid injuries.
  • Unloaded and stacked materials by raising and lowering lifting devices.
  • Removed orders from storage and staged for shipments.
  • Maneuvered forklift safely using appropriate load rates and maintaining clear visibility of work areas.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete tasks quickly and increase overall productivity.
  • Coordinated with supervisors to prioritize tasks, ensuring the most urgent shipments were processed first.
  • Minimized product damage through careful maneuvering and transporting of material.
  • Assisted in training new employees on safe forklift operation, contributing to a stronger workforce.
  • Communicated with floor managers to determine merchandise placement.
  • Enhanced workplace safety by diligently inspecting forklifts before each shift and reporting any issues promptly.
  • Ensured timely delivery of products by accurately picking orders from storage areas.
  • Coordinated with other lift truck drivers and production personnel to process orders efficiently.
  • Supported warehouse staff in meeting tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks based on shipment schedules.
  • Used strapping and bracing techniques combined with proper balancing to prevent load shifting.
  • Inspected equipment for defects and performed repairs or maintenance tasks.
  • Completed cycle counts and monthly inventory.
  • Assessed equipment for damage, wear, battery life, and fluid levels.
  • Drove equipment from one site to another to deliver tools and complete jobs.
  • Generated production data to complete necessary paperwork by accurately measuring and weighing materials.
  • Adjusted machinery and notified supervisors of malfunctions.
  • Updated daily logs with production data such as weights, destinations, and delivery times to keep management current on team activities.

Tally Operator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
06.2004 - 06.2005
  • Used a tally machine to tally finished lumber packages to show the amount of footage in each pack.
  • Used a paint sprayer to paint each end of all finished packages of lumber.
  • Cleaned work areas of excess supplies, cardboard and rejected materials throughout each shift.
  • Identified issues and developed solutions to improve quality control.
  • Documented measurements, inspections and test results in electronic logbooks and spreadsheets to enable tracking and maintain accurate records.
  • Performed calibrations and adjustments on measuring instruments for accurate results.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure accuracy of all measurements.
  • Used calipers, micrometers and rulers to measure products, maintaining accurate records.

Material Handler

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
09.2003 - 06.2004
  • Packed lumber into appropriate lumber carts for shipment.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by following proper safety protocols and conducting regular inspections.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and high-quality work standards.
  • Operated a banding machine to band finished packages of lumber.
  • Used a circular saw and chain saw to cut off bad ends of the finished packages of lumber.
  • Followed all safety rules and PPE guidelines.

Education

High School Diploma -

Parry Mccluer High School
Buena Vista, VA
05.2002

Skills

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Powerpoint
  • Building Spreadsheets
  • Data Entry
  • Employee Training
  • Technical knowledge
  • Environmental awareness
  • Production Planning
  • Sawmill Operations Management
  • Emergency planning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Troubleshooting skills
  • Decision-Making
  • Production Problem Resolution
  • Safety assessment
  • Inventory and Stocking
  • Team Management
  • Quality Control Management
  • Safety Protocols
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Forklift Operation
  • Inventory Control Programs
  • Safety Management
  • Equipment Operation
  • Process Planning
  • Production Reports Maintenance
  • Team Development
  • Documentation abilities
  • Schedule Management
  • Staff Training
  • Production Order Review
  • Employee Hiring
  • Workflow Management
  • Team Training
  • New Employee Hiring
  • Production Schedule Review
  • Staff Scheduling
  • Report Writing
  • Emergency Response
  • Log updating
  • Inventory Oversight
  • Distribution Coordination
  • Employee Performance Reviews

Certification

  • OSHA 10 Training - 2023
  • CPR CERTIFIED - 2022/2024
  • NORTHWEST HARDWOODS FORKLIFT CERTIFIED

Timeline

Sawmill Supervisor

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
06.2023 - Current

Yard Supervisor

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
01.2021 - 06.2023

EHS Coordinator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
01.2020 - 01.2021

Yard Supervisor

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
06.2015 - 01.2020

Forklift Operator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
01.2005 - 06.2015

Tally Operator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
06.2004 - 06.2005

Material Handler

Northwest Hardwoods Inc.
09.2003 - 06.2004

High School Diploma -

Parry Mccluer High School

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Chad Falls