Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Job related training
References
Timeline
Generic

Derek Solano

Denver,United States

Summary

Forward-thinking individual dedicated to continuous business improvement focused on enhancing revenue and streamlining business operations. Diligent in driving profit maximization through multifaced business approaches. Senior operations executive who boosts operational efficiency and service levels to drive sustainable growth across sectors. Cross-functional collaborator and proactive executive leader with skills in policy development, tactical planning and operational problem-solving. Knowledgeable about promoting stakeholder engagement and building consensus to drive change.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President of Operations

Wyatts Towing
08.2023 - Current
  • Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
  • Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
  • Supported project management team for optimal performance.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration for optimal business outcomes.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners for mutually beneficial collaborations.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by developing and implementing strategies to improve service quality.
  • Strategically coordinated operations according to objectives and capabilities, effectively allocating resources to meet demands
  • Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
  • Implemented new technologies to automate processes, resulting in reduced labor costs and increased efficiency.
  • Established performance goals for department and outlined processes for achievement.
  • Improved overall company reputation through effective public relations campaigns and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  • Reduced operational costs by optimizing resource allocation and negotiating better contracts with suppliers.
  • Enhanced team cohesion by organizing regular training sessions focused on communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Championed employee development programs to enhance skills, increase retention rates, and build a high-performance workforce.
  • Developed strategic plans that aligned with organizational goals, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
  • Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
  • Supported Executive Team in reviewing, identifying, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
  • Drove sustainable growth and profitability by staying current with industry trends and adapting operational strategies accordingly.
  • Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
  • Set clear goals to monitor targets and offered real-time input on performance and motivation.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.

Fleet Manager

Wyatts Towing
01.2023 - 08.2023
  • Maintained accurate records of all vehicles'' registration, insurance policies, maintenance logs, and other relevant documentation for easy access during audits or inspections.
  • Attained ASE Certifications
  • Inspected vehicles and requested maintenance tasks be completed within specific timeframes.
  • Positively interacted with drivers, upper management and shop department, which helped improve overall communication.
  • Increased fleet efficiency by implementing preventive maintenance programs and scheduling regular vehicle inspections.
  • Enhanced overall fleet safety through rigorous compliance with regulatory standards and implementation of best practices in risk management.
  • Provided all drivers with pertinent safety materials regarding rules and regulations.
  • Evaluated fleet performance metrics regularly to identify areas for improvement, leading to increased productivity and revenue growth.
  • Increased regulatory compliance by monitoring vehicles to verify adherence to operational, state and federal requirements.
  • Coordinated safety meetings to educate team members on best practices to mitigate hazard opportunities.
  • Conducted root cause analysis for recurring issues in the fleet operations, developing effective solutions that minimized downtime and enhanced reliability.
  • Leveraged advanced vehicle telematics systems that enabled effective monitoring of driver behavior, fuel consumption, and route optimization.
  • Reduced repair costs through the establishment of strategic partnerships with reliable vendors and negotiating favorable contract terms.
  • Trained drivers to manage time effectively, improving overall mileage performance.
  • Facilitated smooth communication channels between drivers and dispatchers to improve overall operational flow.
  • Prepared for highway patrol investigations by collaborating with various departments and examining potential risks.
  • Supervised maintenance team and effectively delegated assignments to optimize processes.
  • Generated daily reports detailing suggested process improvement initiatives to inform management.
  • Managed a diverse team of drivers, maintenance crews, and administrative staff which contributed to improved collaboration and efficiency in the workplace.
  • Managed fleet budget effectively, optimizing resource allocation for maximum returns on investment while minimizing expenses.
  • Improved driver performance by conducting regular training sessions, monitoring driving habits, and providing constructive feedback.
  • Reduced expenditures by overseeing equipment acquisition to attain best value and price negotiation.
  • Implemented green initiatives within the fleet operation, reducing carbon emissions without compromising service levels or profitability.
  • Supervised yearly equipment overhauls to drive improved inventory and increase equipment longevity.
  • Managed employee scheduling, payroll and data collection to maximize project outcomes.
  • Tracked medical incidents using Omadi for supervisors.
  • Decreased operational incidents by 60% through frequent meetings and high-standards of safety protocols.
  • Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
  • Organized records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.
  • Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
  • Reviewed established business practices and improved processes to reduce expenses.

Tow Truck Operator

Wyatts Towing
07.2022 - 01.2023
  • Fastened chains, straps, covers, and binders to secure load during transit.
  • Trained new employees in proper towing techniques, equipment usage, and company procedures, ensuring consistent quality across the workforce.
  • Recovered vehicles, completed private tows, and managed involuntary pick-ups on behalf of business and law enforcement professionals.
  • Assisted in accident scene management, helping to clear roadways and ensure the safety of all involved parties.
  • Minimized damage claims through careful handling of customers'' vehicles during loading, transportation, and unloading processes.
  • Kept tow trucks and equipment clean and organized to promote a positive image for the company and ensure optimal functionality during service calls.
  • Conducted thorough pre-and post-trip inspections on all equipment, identifying potential issues before they became major problems, thus reducing downtime for repairs.
  • Streamlined communication between team members by utilizing mobile technology to relay critical information quickly and accurately.
  • Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to industry best practices and company policies regarding workplace safety at all times.
  • Collaborated with dispatchers, efficiently responding to roadside assistance requests and coordinating recovery efforts.
  • Troubleshot and diagnosed mechanical issues, completed basic repairs, and conducted preventive maintenance actions to keep equipment functional.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
  • Enforced rules and regulations outlined in company manual to set forth expectations comprehensibly and consistently.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures, leading to an overall increase in effectiveness.

Military Police /Platoon Sergeant

US ARMY RESERVE
06.2010 - Current
  • Military Police, Physical Security Non Commissioned Officer (NCO), Section Leader, Supervisor, Range Safety, Non Lethal Weapons Instructor
  • Physical Security Manager for an Army Battalion
  • To include Preparing all physical security reports, Ensuring all access to secured areas is always up to date, and working correctly, Ensure all physical security standards and procedures are followed, Ensure all security equipment is functioning correctly and accurately, develop security plans for several buildings, Ensure all equipment of high dollar amounts ranging from $100 - $10,000,000 is properly accounted for, transported correctly, maintains confidentiality, and returned back to secured holding areas
  • Ensure all soldiers are trained adequately and in compliance with the Department of Defense Physical Security measures and policies
  • Create and Implement appropriate incident response plans
  • Perform regular security audits to ensure all compliance is consistently being met
  • Investigations, Policing, Law Enforcement support, Assist with the apprehension of individuals violating laws, Prepare investigative reports with sufficient detail and accuracy, Conduct interviews using various law enforcement methods, and techniques
  • Document, Transport, and Testify against individuals that violate the law
  • Top Secret Clearance.

Motorcycle Patrol Officer

Denver Police Department
12.2014 - 09.2020
  • Proactive Patrol within several communities, Prevent Crime, Safety and Protection of civilian population
  • Completed 26 week academy, completed 8 week Field Training Program (FTO), Top Cop award for the months of September, October, and December of 2017
  • Preservation of Life Award
  • Investigations, Policing, Law Enforcement support, Assist with the apprehension of individuals violating laws, Prepare investigative reports with sufficient detail and accuracy, Conduct interviews using various law enforcement methods, and techniques
  • Document, Transport, and Testify against individuals that violate the law.

Deputy Sheriff

Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
07.2013 - 12.2014
  • Deputy Sheriff, Detention Deputy, Intake Deputy, Property Deputy, Special Tactics and Techniques (STAT) Team
  • Selected for the Honor Guard Team, STAT Team, Established new policy and procedure for a new Intake location, in a new Judicial building
  • Investigations, Policing, Law Enforcement Support, Assist with the apprehension of individuals violating laws, assist with preparing investigative reports with sufficient detail and accuracy, Conduct interviews using various law enforcement methods, and techniques
  • Document, Transport, and Testify against individuals that violate the law.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Emergency and Disastrous Management

American Military University (AMU)
05.2021

High school diploma or equivalent -

Central High School
Pueblo, CO
05.2010

Skills

  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Organizational Development
  • Cost analysis and savings
  • Business Development
  • Operations Oversight
  • Budget Control
  • Facilities Management
  • Operations Management
  • Leadership training
  • Safety Management
  • Business Administration
  • Purchasing and planning
  • Performance Analysis
  • Process Improvements
  • Strategy Development
  • Customer Relations
  • Cost Reduction
  • Decision-Making
  • Strategic Planning
  • Relationship Building
  • Business Growth Initiatives
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Effective leader
  • Inventory Tracking and Management
  • Goal Setting
  • Customer Service
  • Staff Development
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Recruitment
  • P&L Administration

Affiliations

  • Denver Police Department - Patrol Officer
  • Pueblo County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff
  • US ARMY - Platoon Sergeant
  • Wyatts Towing - Vice President of Operations

Job related training

  • ASE Certified
  • Crisis Intervention Training / April - 2017
  • Active Shooter Training / Feb - 2015
  • Policing in Modern Times/ April - 2017
  • Defense Techniques / Mar - 2015
  • Investigation Techniques / Mar - 2015
  • Report Writing / Aug -2013
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing / May - 2015
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations / May - 2015
  • Firearm Training / Feb - 2011
  • Less Lethal Training / April - 2011
  • Field Force Training / April - 2011
  • Physical Security Manager Training / June 2014
  • Advanced Quick Reaction Training / Sept 2014
  • Plain Clothes Training / June - 2017
  • Non Lethal Weapons Instructor Training / May 2018
  • Law Enforcement Motorcycle Training / March -2019
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor / February - 2019
  • Intoxilyzer 9000 EBAT Instructor/ September -2018
  • Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement/ February -2019
  • Detective Training / January-2019
  • Undercover Operations Training / April- 2019

References

  • Michael Wolfsen, Garda World, General Manager, (714) 469-8009, michael.wolfsen@garda.com
  • Bennie Salazar, Department of Homeland Security, Officer Director, (719) 320-3326, bennie.k.salazar@ice.dhs.gov
  • Loren Will, Veterans Affairs Adminstration, Employee Rights Labor Rights - Human Resources, (719) 440-0911, loren.will2@va.gov
  • Matt Phillips, Managing Director Investment Group, (815) 715-1870.




Timeline

Vice President of Operations

Wyatts Towing
08.2023 - Current

Fleet Manager

Wyatts Towing
01.2023 - 08.2023

Tow Truck Operator

Wyatts Towing
07.2022 - 01.2023

Motorcycle Patrol Officer

Denver Police Department
12.2014 - 09.2020

Deputy Sheriff

Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
07.2013 - 12.2014

Military Police /Platoon Sergeant

US ARMY RESERVE
06.2010 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Emergency and Disastrous Management

American Military University (AMU)

High school diploma or equivalent -

Central High School
Derek Solano