Derrick Allen
Fort Walton Beach,FL
Summary
Knowledgeable Buyer experienced in supporting businesses with high-quality, reliable goods delivered on a consistent schedule. Expert background in purchasing and procurement environments. Proficient in pricing structures, supplier relations and contract negotiation.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
LBM Buyer/Internet Sales and Marketing Contract Employee
Gatlin Lumber & Supply Co.
Fort Walton Beach, FL
2024.08 - Current
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to optimize inventory costs.
- Evaluated vendor proposals to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
- Managed purchase orders and tracked delivery schedules for timely arrivals.
- Collaborated with sales team to forecast demand and adjust purchasing strategies.
- Developed long-term supplier relationships to enhance product sourcing efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic buying decisions for various products.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Trained junior buyers on procurement processes and best practices in sourcing.
- Resolved any discrepancies between purchase orders and actual receipts of goods or services.
- Worked with suppliers to expedite open purchase orders and shipments in-transit.
- Participated in negotiations with vendors concerning prices, delivery schedules, warranties and other contractual issues.
- Requested pricing quotes from multiple suppliers to compare costs. from suppliers to determine best source of supply.
- Developed relationships with vendors to secure better prices and payment terms.
- Managed inventory control systems to track stock levels, deliveries and related information.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure availability of products for customers.
- Researched competitors to identify market trends and pricing strategies. and sourced new vendors.
- Coordinated activities among sales, engineering, finance, and logistics departments to streamline operations. between departments such as sales, engineering, finance and logistics.
- Participated in industry trade shows and conferences to stay abreast of current trends in product development.
- Researched sources of supply and services to maintain flexibility, high quality and competitive pricing.
- Evaluated quotations received from prospective suppliers to award purchase orders.
- Drafted requests for quotes from vendors for comparison shopping purposes.
- Assessed trends and inventory usage to provide maximum product coverage for different time frames.
- Synchronized supply chain inventory with customer demand to mitigate excess and obsolete inventory.
- Ensured compliance with government regulations regarding purchasing activities.
- Collaborated with company managers regarding product pricing, promotions and markdowns.
- Examined, selected and purchased merchandise consistent with specification requirements.
- Obtained information about customer needs and preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
- Stayed abreast of market trends and anticipated consumer needs and purchasing habits.
- Monitored product margins and managed product resales.
- Assessed condition of shipped products upon arrival to meet quality standards.
- Traveled to various vendor locations to negotiate contracts and procure materials. to procure materials and products from vendors.
- Reviewed customer feedback to brainstorm new merchandise ideas and improve existing products.
Team Leader
Mexico Beach Pavers, Landscaping & Irrigation
Mexico Beach, USA
2023.04 - 2024.01
- Supervised, coordinated, read blueprints, performed physical job duties, & led man for customer relations which included brick paver driveways, patios, outdoor fireplaces, construction of outdoor kitchens & counter tops, landscaping & landscaping design, wooden fences, irrigation, etc.
- Supervised crew members during project execution to maintain quality standards.
- Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
- Managed inventory of materials and supplies for landscaping tasks.
- Developed schedules for project timelines and resource allocation.
- Communicated with clients to understand project requirements and preferences.
- Resolved conflicts within the team to maintain a positive work environment.
- Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior leadership to provide updates on team progress.
- Supervised, coordinated, read blueprints, performed physical job duties, & lead man for customer relations which include brick paver driveways, patios, outdoor fireplaces, construction of outdoor kitchens & counter tops, landscaping & landscaping design, wooden fences, irrigation, etc.
Owner/Operator
Mexico Beach Property Maintenance & Handyman Services LLC
Mexico Beach, USA
2016.05 - 2023.03
- Perform general maintenance & Handyman services for Parker Realty, Forgotten Coast Realty, Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals & many residential clienteles.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for service appointments and repairs.
- Oversaw daily business operations for property maintenance and handyman services.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally in order to maintain a positive reputation for the business.
- Including, but not limited to minor / semi-major issues regarding electrical, plumbing, wood repair, painting, house/condo cleaning, moving furniture, installing appliances, programming electronics, building decks, landscaping, flooring, trim, & drywall needs, pressure washing, replacing filters/light bulbs etc.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Oversaw inventory management for supplies and materials used in services.
- Built lasting relationships with clients with customers by promoting great service and engagement skills and quickly resolving issues.
- Negotiated contracts with clients for products or services rendered by the company.
- Monitored financial performance of the business on a weekly basis to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Also, dealing with customer satisfaction & support within these boundaries & diffusing disgruntled clients was an absolute must.
Owner/Operator
Deadwood Mountain Millworks Inc.
De Funiak Springs, USA
2003.06 - 2016.04
- Managed daily operations of the business, including staff, sales, inventory, and accounting.
- Supervised a team of skilled technicians on various projects.
- Trained new employees on company procedures and best practices in maintenance.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for service appointments and repairs.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Oversaw inventory management for supplies and materials used in services.
- Established long-term relationships with customers by promoting great service and engagement skills and quickly resolving issues.
- Negotiated contracts with clients for products or services rendered by the company.
- Maintained relationships with vendors and suppliers in order to secure favorable terms on materials and services.
- Monitored financial performance of the business on a weekly basis to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Developed business plan and budget to maximize profitability.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Oversaw hiring process for new employees, from recruiting to onboarding training.
- Blueprint reading, on-site design, & customer care for contractors/homeowners.
- Reported delays due to breakdowns, weather or traffic conditions and emergencies relating to pick up or delivery of products.
- Established relationships with customers through use of interpersonal, active listening and inquiry response skills.
- Custom cabinetry/ furniture fabrication, finish, & installation.
- Inspected and maintained vehicle supplies and equipment to ensure vehicles remained in proper working condition.
Owner/Operator
Understood Lawncare
Canton, USA
1996.01 - 2001.07
- Performed comprehensive lawn care and landscaping services to enhance property appearance.
- Established long-term relationships with customers by promoting great service and engagement skills and quickly resolving issues.
- Developed relationships with clients to understand their maintenance needs.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for service appointments and repairs.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- General lawn care, landscaping & maintenance
Education
Technical school - Custom cabinet/furniture making
Okaloosa Applied Technology Center
Fort Walton Beach, FLHigh school diploma -
Sequoyah High School
Canton, GASkills
- Construction Management
- Blueprint Reading
- Vendor management
- Inventory control
- Purchase order management
- Supply chain coordination
- Negotiation
- Sales experience
- Customer relationship management
- Facilities Maintenance
- Supervising Experience
- Handyman
- Remodeling
- Plumbing
- Electrical Experience
- Carpentry
- Trim Carpentry
- Drywall
- Roofing
- Mold remediation
- Appliance repair
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Low Voltage
- Caulking
- Fabrication
- Commercial Cleaning
- Custodial experience
- Janitorial experience
- Floor care
- Landscape Maintenance
- Load & Unload
- Forklift
- Box Truck
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Quality assurance
- Compliance assurance
- Resourcefulness
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Decision-making
- Task prioritization
- Multitasking strength
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Active listening
- Relationship building
- Inventory monitoring
- Materials sourcing
- Vendor vetting
- Pricing
- Recordkeeping skills
- Multitasking
- Verbal and written communication
- Resourcefulness
- Quality assurance
- Customer service
- Inventory oversight
- Decision-making
- Active listening
- Task prioritization
- Professionalism
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
LBM Buyer/Internet Sales and Marketing Contract Employee
Gatlin Lumber & Supply Co.
2024.08 - Current
Team Leader
Mexico Beach Pavers, Landscaping & Irrigation
2023.04 - 2024.01
Owner/Operator
Mexico Beach Property Maintenance & Handyman Services LLC
2016.05 - 2023.03
Owner/Operator
Deadwood Mountain Millworks Inc.
2003.06 - 2016.04
Owner/Operator
Understood Lawncare
1996.01 - 2001.07
Technical school - Custom cabinet/furniture making
Okaloosa Applied Technology Center
High school diploma -
Sequoyah High School