Gerald Straits

Ypsilanti

Summary

Creative Landscaper willing to handle various landscaping duties in all weather conditions. Uses high degree of dexterity when handling tools and equipment. Works for sustained periods of time maintaining concentrated attention to detail.

Completed efficient, high-quality landscaping work for business, residential and institutional customers. Maintained cost-effective operations and achieved high satisfaction ratings. Background includes working alone or with crew members to perform several jobs per week.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Landscaper

Straits Gardens LLC

Ypsilanti

01.2000 - Current

Transported plants, turf and other materials to designated areas for installation.
Applied mulch and burlap coverings to bushes and trees for winter.
Operated landscaping equipment to maintain grounds and remove trees.
Cleared pathways of overgrowth, debris, and snow to reduce hazards.
Cut and trimmed lawns using power mowers and edgers.
Performed erosion control measures to protect landscape features and surrounding areas.
Assisted in budgeting and quoting landscaping projects, including labor, materials, and timelines.
Pruned trees and bushes to improve visibility and shape.
Built retaining walls using stones or bricks for stability purposes.
Maintained and operated lawn care equipment such as mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, and hedge clippers.
Cultivated soil by using rakes, shovels, hoes, trowels or other tools.
Trimmed shrubbery and trees to help plants produce more flowers and fruit to benefit wildlife.
Answered customer questions regarding care and general knowledge of landscape.
Pruned and trimmed trees and shrubs with shears and pruning saws.
Provided customer service, addressing client concerns and ensuring satisfaction with completed projects.
Planted trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers in decorative planters and displays.
Applied fertilizers and pesticides according to safety regulations.
Followed landscaping designs to determine placement of sod, flowers or foliage.
Operated machinery such as bobcats or tractors when necessary.
Inspected property for signs of damage or infestation from pests or weeds.
Maintained garden areas and landscaping greenery to enhance property appearance and plant health.
Picked and chose new shrubs and plants according to bedding and sunlight.
Installed outdoor lighting systems to enhance the nighttime appearance of landscapes.
Pruned trees, shrubs, hedges, bushes and vines to enhance their growth patterns.
Provided knowledgeable advice about plant selection for customers' landscapes.
Advised customers on plant, flower or shrubbery care.
Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.

Farm/Livestock Trader

Self Employed Web

Milan

12.1989 - 09.2020

Evaluated the grade and sorted livestock by weight and class.
Moved equipment and livestock manually, or using trucks and trailers.
Safely planned the loading of livestock onto trucks.
Evaluated the medical needs of livestock and administered appropriate medications.
Managed assets and liabilities for farm operations.
Maintained fields, pastures, and fencing.
Grew cash crops, produce, and specialty crops for market.

Auto Sales Consultant

Spirit Ford

Dundee

07.1998 - 06.2002

Arranged test drives for potential buyers and answered questions regarding the vehicles' performance.
Maintained knowledge of sales and promotions, return policies and security practices.
Called and emailed leads to update on desired inventory, maintain interest and enhance sales.
Answered customer inquiries regarding product features, pricing, and availability.
Showcased vehicle features and took customers on test drives in local area.
Explained differences between models to clients, comparing and discussing capabilities and features.
Accompanied customers during test drives to explain valuable features and monitor safe return of vehicles.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of new models, features and accessories.
Greeted customers at arrival to build positive relationships and discuss vehicles.
Managed sales negotiations and financing options.
Greeted customers to determine wants or needs.
Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
Closed deals by working with finance and insurance team to provide customers with smooth, comprehensive service.
Demonstrated strong communication skills when interacting with customers both in person and over the phone.
Assisted in marketing efforts such as attending community events or setting up product displays at local businesses.
Greeted and assisted customers entering showroom or sales lot to answer questions and show vehicles.
Organized promotional materials for display in showroom areas or other designated locations.
Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust sales strategies accordingly.
Consistently exceeded quotas by pursuing and closing sales.
Followed up with customers to build long-term relationships and successful referrals.
Collaborated with prospective customers over phone and email to schedule sales appointments.
Contacted customers after sale to provide owed add-ons, encourage repeat business and request referrals.
Negotiated with customers to close sales at agreed upon prices.

Education

Certificate - Horticulture

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, MI

04-2010

Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Education

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

05-1995

Accomplishments

FFA State Farmer degree
Top 25 State Agribusinessman 1991
American Farmer degree
State Public Speaking award
FFA Chapter Star Farmer award

Affiliations

FFA President 1990=1991
Milan Area Fire Department Explorers Group President
Monroe County Junior Livestock Association President
Monroe County Dairy Association President
Milan Garding Club Treasurer
Washtenaw County Horticultural Society member
Michigan Livestock Association member

Timeline