Donald Kilty
Minnetrista,MN
Summary
With a proven track record at Laketown Landscape Design, I excel in client service and business management, enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering repeat business through strategic relationship building. My expertise spans from small business operations to comprehensive team oversight, showcasing a blend of hard and soft skills critical for leadership roles. Results-driven management professional with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Laketown Landscape Design
Minnetrista, MN
01.2020 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
Landscape Designer
King Scapes LLC
Inver Grove Heights, MN
08.2016 - 01.2022
- Evaluated existing landscapes and provided recommendations for improvements based on client needs and environmental considerations.
- Balanced aesthetics with functionality by considering factors such as drainage systems, erosion control measures, maintenance requirements, safety concerns in all designs.
- Established strong working relationships with local nurseries, suppliers, and contractors to ensure quality materials were sourced for each project.
- Rendered designs with manual and computer-aided methods.
- Consulted with customers and analyzed locations to develop concepts.
- Participated in industry conferences and workshops to stay current on trends and best practices in landscape design.
- Coordinated permitting processes with municipal authorities, ensuring smooth project execution.
- Created concept designs and estimated projects for residential and commercial customers.
Estimator
Hartman Companies Inc
Victoria, MN
11.2015 - 08.2016
- Used specialized software to create estimates quickly and accurately and make estimates easily understandable and shareable.
- Established a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate estimates, resulting in increased client trust and repeat business opportunities.
- Gathered cost and material data for accurate and up-to-date information on material and labor costs.
- Calculated labor hours accurately based on trade-specific productivity rates, leading to more realistic project timelines and work plans.
Operations Manager
Lees Landscaping and Design
Rockford, MN
11.2014 - 11.2015
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
Landscape Designer
Lee's Landscaping and Design
Hopkins, MN
12.2011 - 11.2014
- Evaluated existing landscapes and provided recommendations for improvements based on client needs and environmental considerations.
- Balanced aesthetics with functionality by considering factors such as drainage systems, erosion control measures, maintenance requirements, safety concerns in all designs.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout the entire design process to ensure satisfaction with the final product.
- Conducted site analyses and assessments to determine optimal design solutions for various projects.
- Developed comprehensive plans, including plant selection, hardscaping elements, and irrigation systems, ensuring project success.
- Implemented native plant species into designs to promote biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and budgets.
- Enhanced landscape designs by incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly materials and practices.
Landscape Designer
JLM Design Build
Edina
04.2010 - 12.2011
- Evaluated existing landscapes and provided recommendations for improvements based on client needs and environmental considerations.
- Balanced aesthetics with functionality by considering factors such as drainage systems, erosion control measures, maintenance requirements, safety concerns in all designs.
- Assisted in preparing cost estimates for proposals that accurately reflected the scope of work required.
- Created 3D visualizations using design software to help clients envision their future landscapes.
Landscape Designer
Tri Designs
Bloomington, MN
04.2009 - 04.2010
- Evaluated existing landscapes and provided recommendations for improvements based on client needs and environmental considerations.
- Balanced aesthetics with functionality by considering factors such as drainage systems, erosion control measures, maintenance requirements, safety concerns in all designs.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout the entire design process to ensure satisfaction with the final product.
- Conducted site analyses and assessments to determine optimal design solutions for various projects.
Warehouse Lead
Circuit City Stores
Coon Rapids, MN
06.2005 - 05.2009
- Trained employees on equipment operation and safety protocols.
- Managed a team of warehouse personnel, delegating tasks effectively to optimize workflow.
- Managed day-to-day operations of warehouse, freight and parcel shipments, returns, and transfers.
- Followed verbal and written instructions to properly move and ship products.
- Oversaw daily operations and shipping and handling processes.
- Supervised warehouse operations by managing employees during shifts.
- Loaded, unloaded, and sorted cargo as part of accurate and efficient weekly shipments.
- Collaborated with other departments to address any issues or discrepancies in orders, ensuring smooth communication across teams.
- Maintained a safe working environment, conducting regular safety audits and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Optimized space utilization within the warehouse by regularly reorganizing storage layouts based on inventory needs.
- Assisted in the recruitment and onboarding of new warehouse employees, ensuring they were well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively.
- Monitored performance and safety practices of 9-person warehouse staff.
Intern
Gertens
Inver Grove Heights, MN
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
Manager
Baja Sol
Minneapolis, MN
03.2003 - 06.2005
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
Manager
SUBWAY®Restaurants
River Falls, WI
01.1998 - 03.2003
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
Education
Associate of Science - Landscape Design And Construction
Hennepin Technical College
Minneapolis, MN05-2009
Landscape Design
University of Wisconsin, River Falls
River Falls, WIHigh School Diploma -
Spencer High School
Spencer, WI05-1996
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship Building
- Verbal and written communication
- Team Oversight
- Staff hiring
- Employee Development
- Sales Leadership
- Contract Management
- Administrative Oversight
- Client Service
- Business Management
Timeline
Owner
Laketown Landscape Design
01.2020 - Current
Landscape Designer
King Scapes LLC
08.2016 - 01.2022
Estimator
Hartman Companies Inc
11.2015 - 08.2016
Operations Manager
Lees Landscaping and Design
11.2014 - 11.2015
Landscape Designer
Lee's Landscaping and Design
12.2011 - 11.2014
Landscape Designer
JLM Design Build
04.2010 - 12.2011
Landscape Designer
Tri Designs
04.2009 - 04.2010
Intern
Gertens
05.2008 - 08.2008
Warehouse Lead
Circuit City Stores
06.2005 - 05.2009
Manager
Baja Sol
03.2003 - 06.2005
Manager
SUBWAY®Restaurants
01.1998 - 03.2003
Associate of Science - Landscape Design And Construction
Hennepin Technical College
Landscape Design
University of Wisconsin, River Falls
High School Diploma -
Spencer High School
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