Darnell Houston
Pinehurst,TX
Summary
Team-oriented individual promoting exemplary presentation, project management and risk oversight skills. Demonstrative Scrum Master with background communicating effectively with and leading high-performance teams. Considered expert in prioritizing tasks and optimizing workflows.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Scrum Master Volunteer
Act Now Education
07.2023 - Current
- Improved team efficiency by implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies for project management.
- Coached cross-functional teams on Agile principles, leading to an increase in successful project deliveries.
- Conducted daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning sessions, and sprint reviews, ensuring effective communication among team members.
- Assessed and reported progress to stakeholders regularly, maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
- Streamlined release processes through close coordination between development teams and operations staff 20 people total.
Class A Driver
Platinum Drivers
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Improved delivery efficiency by optimizing routes and adhering to schedules.
- Maintained safe driving practices for reduced accidents and lower insurance costs.
- Performed thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and minimize downtime due to mechanical issues.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely deliveries and professional communication.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns and resolving any discrepancies in a timely manner.
Procurement Specialist
Waste Management
06.2020 - 05.2022
- Reduced procurement costs by implementing strategic negotiation tactics with suppliers.
- Streamlined purchasing processes for increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication and collaboration, enhancing overall service quality.
- Evaluated vendor performance using key performance indicators to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services at competitive prices.
- Conducted market research to identify new suppliers, keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices in procurement management.
Class A Commercial Driver
Lykes Cartage
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Improved delivery efficiency by planning and executing optimal routes for daily assignments.
- Maintained safe driving practices, resulting in an accident-free work history throughout career.
- Reduced fuel consumption through efficient driving techniques and proper maintenance of the truck.
- Exercised excellent communication skills with dispatchers, customers, and fellow drivers for seamless operations.
- Assisted in loading and unloading cargo, ensuring proper weight distribution for safe transportation.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills while maintaining accurate records of cargo, mileage logs, and driver hours.
- Utilized GPS technology along with traditional map reading skills to efficiently plan trips that minimized delays due to traffic congestion or construction zones.
Class A Driver/Manager
American Biosource
08.2017 - 10.2018
- In this position, I served as a Class A Managerial Driver transporting used oil to the company around Texas
- Improved delivery efficiency by optimizing routes and adhering to schedules.
- Maintained safe driving practices for reduced accidents and lower insurance costs.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns and resolving any discrepancies in a timely manner.
- I measured the oil within the truck from the starting location to the receiving location
- I worked with vendors in a courteous and timely manner.
Delivery Driver
Jimmy John's Sandwiches
05.2017 - 08.2018
- In this position, I served as a Delivery Driver
- I delivered food to customers who placed orders by phone or online within my designated delivery zone
- Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate deliveries of products.
- Enhanced delivery efficiency by optimizing routes using GPS navigation and mapping tools.
- I checked products for accuracy and quality standards before leaving the store for delivery
- I maintained safe standards while delivering within my vehicle
- I delivered food in a timely and courteous manner to customers
- I also worked inside of the store stocking, cleaning, and creating orders when deliveries were not available.
Driver
CRST Dedicated
10.2015 - 07.2016
- In this capacity, I served as a Class A Commercial Driver who drove trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight of over 26,000 pounds and pulled a towed weight exceeding 10,000 pounds each load
- Improved customer satisfaction by maintaining punctuality and adhering to strict delivery schedules.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- I ensured trailer hitches were properly and securely attached to the tractor unit
- I picked up loads and organized products and/or goods in an ordered, logical manner
- I ensured contents are properly secured inside of the truck to prevent breakage or damage
- I transported goods, from a place of origin to an assigned destination
- I safely and efficiently handled and unloaded goods at selected destinations
- I obtained signatures or warehouse scans to confirm and complete deliveries with clients
- I assisted in mapping delivery routes and stayed on predetermined routes to ensure timely deliveries
- I communicated with dispatch as needed
- I confirmed the contents of each shipment load matches the manifest document
- I performed inspections of my truck prior to and following each trip
- I checked weather conditions and road reports before departure
- I always ensured my truck was kept clean
- I maintained and serviced vehicle as needed
- I notified managers of any major maintenance or delivery issues encountered, I followed the delivery schedule and rested at appropriate times
- I maintained detailed driving and delivery logs
- I tracked and reported working hours
- I adhered to company rules and regulations
- I obeyed all applicable traffic laws and drive according to the weather and road conditions
- I complied with ICC and DOT regulations
- I made safety a priority all the time.
Bay Driver
PepsiCo
06.2015 - 10.2015
- In this position, I served as a Bay Driver
- I delivered products to stores on an established route or via dynamic dispatch to customers including convenience and gas stores, small supermarkets, drug stores.(average of 15-20 stops per day)
- Improved customer satisfaction by maintaining punctuality and adhering to strict delivery schedules.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- I drove the delivery vehicle to a location, unloaded and brought products into the store
- I was responsible for ongoing rotating and stocking of products on store shelves, displays, vending equipment, and in coolers
- I built displays and set up promotional materials such as pricing signs and banners
- I generated invoices and was responsible for daily settlement of cash and charges
- I had frequent interaction with store management
- I delivered products, served customers, and executed all promotions to multiple stores each day
- I operated trucks requiring an appropriate CDL license (e.g., performing basic functions like driving forwards, driving backwards, or maneuvering in tight spaces, etc.)
- I serviced all scheduled customers by the end of the daily shift
- I merchandised and rotated all accounts to local standards (e.g., filling shelves, building displays, making products look attractive on shelves, rotating products, cleaning shelves, refilling out of stocks, removing out of date products, removing/returning shells, etc.) I pushed and pulled pallet jacks, hand trucks, and breakdowns to move products to and from the truck
- I established positive working relationships with the primary contact at each account
- I complied with operating procedures (e.g., scan-in/scan-out, following the designated route, etc.)
- I served customers (e.g., communication, rapport building, attentiveness to customer needs, etc.)
- I followed DOT regulations.
Truck Driver CDL Class
Stevens Transport
11.2014 - 06.2015
- In this position, I served as a paid trainee for my CDL license
- I learned how to appropriately drive large trucks and earn the right to drive large trucks.
- Improved on-time delivery rates by effectively planning and executing efficient driving routes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining open communication with clients during pickups and deliveries.
- Utilized GPS technology and mapping software effectively to identify the most efficient driving routes consistently throughout assignments.
Customer Service Representative
NCO Financial
08.2013 - 10.2014
- In this position, I served as a Customer Service Representative
- I reviewed and analyzed aged activity to establish collection accounts
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Streamlined call center processes for improved efficiency and reduced wait times.
- I initiated customer contact daily for the purpose of collecting outstanding debts as part of the collections process
- I facilitated and negotiated optimal resolution with customer accounts
- I maintained customer credit status based on customer payment performance
- I managed customer accounts activity through a client tracking system
- I initiated communication with internal teams to facilitate issue resolution
- I provided account projections and analysis of accounts
- I communicated effectively and professionally with consumers to determine the cause of delinquency and resolve payment issues
- I initiated contact by utilization of an auto-dialer/phone in a fast-paced environment
- I contributed to the Bank's ongoing goal of maintaining low delinquency and low gross losses on current Bankcard accounts, through high productive use of a predictive dialer and other means to contact the customer
- I monitored accounts for potential write-off; prepares required Credit and Bad Debt write off requests and routes for appropriate signatures.
Auditor
PCS-CTS
05.2013 - 08.2013
- In this position, I served as an Auditor
- I planned financial audits by understanding organization objectives, structure, policies, processes, internal controls, and external regulations; identifying risk areas; preparing audit scope and objectives; preparing audit programs
- Enhanced financial accuracy by conducting thorough audits and identifying discrepancies in financial statements.
- Increased internal control effectiveness through diligent evaluation of processes and providing recommendations for improvement.
- I assessed compliance with financial regulations and controls by executing audit program steps; testing general ledger, account balances, balance sheets, income statements, and related financial statements; examining and analyzing records, reports, operating practices, and documentation
- I verified assets and liabilities by comparing and analyzing items and collateral to documentation
- Streamlined audit processes, improving efficiency and reducing time spent on each audit engagement.
- I completed audit work papers and memoranda by documenting audit tests and findings
- I communicated audit progress and findings by providing information in status meetings; highlighting unresolved issues; reviewing working papers; preparing final audit reports
- I improved protection by recommending changes in management monitoring, assessment, and motivational practices, in the internal control structure, and in operating processes, identifying root causes
- I supported external auditors by coordinating information requirements
- I processed financial control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends
- I protected the organization's reputation by keeping information confidential
- I updated job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
- I contributed to team results by welcoming new and different work requirements; exploring new opportunities to add value to the organization; helping others accomplish related job results as and where needed.
Unit Supply NCOIC
United States Army
05.2008 - 04.2012
- In this capacity, I served as a Unit Supply NCOIC
- I directed and coordinated activities of personnel engaged in purchasing and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies
- Reduced supply shortages by conducting regular audits and maintaining accurate records of all unit assets.
- I located vendors of materials, equipment, or supplies and interviewed them to determine product availability and terms of sales
- I oversaw staff training
- I prepared and processed requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment
- I reviewed, evaluated, and approved specifications for issuing and awarding bids
- I controlled purchasing department budgets
- I reviewed purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy
- I resolved vendor and contractor grievances and claims against suppliers
- I administered online purchasing systems
- I maintained records of goods ordered and received
- I analyzed market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability
- I participated in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials
- I prepared reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs
- I examined shipment contents and compared with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy
- I requisitioned and stored shipping materials and supplies to maintain an inventory of stock
- I prepared documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials
- I packed, sealed, labeled, or affixed postage to prepare materials for shipping, using hand tools, power tools, or postage meter
- I recorded shipping data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes
- I conferred or corresponded with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications
- I delivered or routed materials to departments using a hand truck, conveyor, or sorting bins
- I contacted carrier representatives to plan or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials
- I determined shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped
- I computed amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using a computer or price list
- I compared shipping routes or methods to determine which have the least environmental impact.
- Enhanced inventory management by implementing a streamlined tracking system for supplies and equipment.
Operating Room Manager
United States Army
08.2005 - 04.2012
- In this capacity, I served as a Medic and Operating Room Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
- Enhanced surgical team performance through regular training sessions and skill assessments.
- I administered drugs, orally or by injection, and performed intravenous procedures
- Improved patient care by implementing efficient operating room processes and procedures.
- I administered first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings
- I assessed the nature and extent of illnesses and injuries to establish and prioritize medical care and procedures
- I attended training classes to maintain certification licensure, kept abreast of new developments in the field, and maintained existing knowledge
- I comforted and reassured patients
- I coordinated with treatment center personnel to obtain vital statistics and medical history, to determine the circumstances of the emergency, and to administer emergency treatment
- I coordinated work with other emergency medical team members, police, and fire department personnel
- I instructed emergency medical response teams about emergency interventions, to ensure correct application or procedures
- I observed, recorded, and reported to the physician the patient's condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment
- I operated medical equipment, including electrocardiograms, external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators, in advanced life support environments
- I performed emergency cardiac care, such as cardioversion and manual defibrillation
- I performed emergency invasive intervention before delivering the patient to an acute care facility
- I performed emergency pharmacological interventions
- I monitored patient progress or response to treatments
- I implemented life support techniques
- I collaborated with healthcare professionals to plan and/or provide treatment
- I analyzed patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
- I informed clinical professionals regarding patient conditions and care
- I interacted with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support
- I maintained knowledge and performed sterile medical equipment in preparation for surgery within the Operating Room
- I determined the correct cleaning method for all equipment using ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers, chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, following and as determined by manufacturer instructions
- I assembled instruments, including complex sets and surgical instruments
- I labeled sterilized items correctly per regulation
- I performed and documented daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment
- I utilized advanced functions of an instrument tracking system
- I provided guidance and training to staff members with less experience.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05.2025
Associate of Science - Biology
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX05.2013
Skills
- Supervision
- Logistics
- Resource Allocation
- Supply
- Transportation
- Class A License
- Warehousing
- Workflow Analysis
- Sprint Planning
- Agile Best Practices
- Risk Identification
- Stakeholder Management
- Scrum Framework Expertise
- Meeting Facilitation
- Medical Supply
- Sterilization
- Healthcare
- Training and Education
- Policy and Regulation
- Collaboration
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Customer Service
- Merchandising
- Advertising
- Purchasing
- Supply Chain Planning
- Order Placement
- Proficiency in Procureify
Timeline
Scrum Master Volunteer
Act Now Education
07.2023 - Current
Class A Driver
Platinum Drivers
05.2022 - 05.2023
Procurement Specialist
Waste Management
06.2020 - 05.2022
Class A Commercial Driver
Lykes Cartage
07.2019 - 06.2020
Class A Driver/Manager
American Biosource
08.2017 - 10.2018
Delivery Driver
Jimmy John's Sandwiches
05.2017 - 08.2018
Driver
CRST Dedicated
10.2015 - 07.2016
Bay Driver
PepsiCo
06.2015 - 10.2015
Truck Driver CDL Class
Stevens Transport
11.2014 - 06.2015
Customer Service Representative
NCO Financial
08.2013 - 10.2014
Auditor
PCS-CTS
05.2013 - 08.2013
Unit Supply NCOIC
United States Army
05.2008 - 04.2012
Operating Room Manager
United States Army
08.2005 - 04.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Regent University
Associate of Science - Biology
Texas Southern University