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Open to workDesired Job Title
SupervisorManagement SupervisorProduction ManagerOperations ManagerWork Type
Full TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Plainfield, IL
Open to relocation: Yes
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Dustin Gazda
Plainfield,IL
Work Preference
Summary
Distribution Manager with extensive experience leading operations and establishing U.S. branches under challenging market conditions. Proven track record in enhancing client retention through superior service and developing effective teams. Strong analytical skills complemented by a detail-oriented approach to inventory management and operational efficiency.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Distribution Manager
ABRAMS Industries Inc.
Bolingbrook, Illinois
11.2020 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations and decision-making processes, streamlining workflows and enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Interviewed and hired office and warehouse associates, establishing strong teams for efficient operations.
- Engineered, purchased, and installed all racking systems for raw material storage.
- Coordinated delivery and installation of production equipment, including milling machines and hydraulic presses.
- Oversaw setup of surface grinders, industrial saws, centralized coolant receptacles, and roller-levelers.
- Scouted properties to identify optimal headquarters location, ensuring operational continuity during COVID-19.
- Compiled competitive market intelligence on product offerings, pricing, and service capabilities for pricing structure development.
- Established first U.S.-based branch of Abrams Industries GmbH & Co. during challenging market conditions.
Owner
Gazda Painting Services LLC
Joliet, Illinois
10.2019 - Current
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
Co-Manager Distribution Systems
Precision Industries Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
10.2018 - 10.2019
- Drove client retention by delivering exceptional customer service.
- Supported senior leadership by accurately reporting monthly and annual sales, P&L and staff efficiency reports.
- Expanded process effectiveness by implementing new ordering system while identifying poor work habits.
- Monitored inventory levels of products and materials in warehouses to ensure goods are appropriately maintained.
- Proactively identified and solved complex strategy problems impacting business direction.
- Supervised activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing and shipping products to maintain operational efficiency.
- Trained staff on material handling processes to reduce shipping times.
- Scheduling of all office associates.
Support Services Specialist
Precision Industries Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Purchased over $1 million of steel annually from numerous suppliers worldwide.
- Traveled to Canada, Mexico and China to meet with customers and suppliers to negotiate pricing and terms.
- Managed/updated all material certifications for all grades/types of steel received.
- Managed daily cycle counts to ensure stock levels.
- Conducted all bank audits and maintained accurate records.
Outside Sales Representative
Precision Industries Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
06.2015 - 01.2018
- Conducted site visits to assess customer needs and demonstrate products, recommending strategic solutions that aligned with their requirements.
- Used networking opportunities to create successful, ongoing business relationships.
- Participated in trade shows and sales conferences to network with industry professionals and promote products.
- Collaborated with customers post-sale to identify and resolve service and technical product issues, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with colleagues to exchange selling strategies and marketing information.
- Maintained open communication with company leadership to support business development initiatives and align sales strategies.
- Maximized efficiency by reorganizing territory routes and schedules.
Inside Sales Representative
Precision Industries Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
11.2013 - 06.2015
- Engaged new and existing customers to identify and fulfill needs with tailored products and services.
- Built and maintained customer relationships to support revenue growth initiatives.
- Served as liaison between outside sales representatives and 60+ accounts to enhance communication and support.
- Responded to hundreds of customer inquiries quickly and professionally.
- Quoted prices, credit terms and other bid specifications.
Warehouse Associate
Precision Industries Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
06.2012 - 11.2013
- Operated forklifts, overhead cranes, and other transportation vehicles to efficiently move merchandise to and from target destinations, ensuring timely deliveries.
- Lifted materials manually to support operations and facilitate workflow. weighing up to 125 pounds on a regular basis.
- Methodically picked, packed and labeled merchandise to prepare for shipment.
- Tracked inventory, conducted cycle counts and audits, and resolved discrepancies to maintain accurate inventory records and support operational efficiency.
- Examined incoming and outgoing shipments, rejected damaged items and appropriately recorded any discrepancies.
Crane Operator/Shipping/Receiving
Independence Tube Corp
Bedford Park, IL
11.2009 - 02.2012
- Operated 40-ton overhead crane receiving 70,000 lb steel coils and safely transported to stocking locations. Used a micrometer to measure/verify incoming material.
- Operated 10-ton overhead crane to load/unload flatbed trucks and transport materials safely to various locations.
- Loaded over 3,000 trucks (45,000 lbs ea) and 50 rail cars (200,000 lbs ea).
- Negotiated freight terms and generated accurate bills of lading for efficient shipment processing.
Assistant Front End Manager
Jewel
Palos Park, IL
06.2000 - 03.2010
- Worked up through the ranks and completed the highest level of the management internships available to me.
- Received a Jewel Scholarship for excellence in academic and work performance.
- Key holder, open/close store, responsible for all currency entering and leaving store.
- Optimized personnel coverage, preparing work schedules.
- Customer Service specialist responsible for all complaints.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL05-2010
Bachelor of Science - Industrial And Organizational Psychology
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL05-2010
Skills
- Employee development and management
- Safety standards
- Manufacturing and warehouse procedures
- Shipping and receiving
- Inventory control procedures
- Inventory management / Vendor Management
- Microsoft Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook, Word
- Customer service-oriented
Timeline
Distribution Manager
ABRAMS Industries Inc.
11.2020 - Current
Owner
Gazda Painting Services LLC
10.2019 - Current
Co-Manager Distribution Systems
Precision Industries Inc.
10.2018 - 10.2019
Support Services Specialist
Precision Industries Inc.
01.2018 - 10.2018
Outside Sales Representative
Precision Industries Inc.
06.2015 - 01.2018
Inside Sales Representative
Precision Industries Inc.
11.2013 - 06.2015
Warehouse Associate
Precision Industries Inc.
06.2012 - 11.2013
Crane Operator/Shipping/Receiving
Independence Tube Corp
11.2009 - 02.2012
Assistant Front End Manager
Jewel
06.2000 - 03.2010
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
St. Xavier University
Bachelor of Science - Industrial And Organizational Psychology
St. Xavier University