Gregory Illson
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Well-rounded, organized and motivated with a demonstrated track record of developing meaningful relationships with clients and building strong operational foundations for dynamic environments. Experienced in small business management and its unique demands for problem-solving in an evolving structure. Capable of learning new technical skills to build full understanding of product and present it in the most suitable manner for any audience.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Agency Owner
Allstate Insurance
10.2021 - 07.2023
- Fully Controlling an Agency with $3.9M in Premium and up to 5 Staff Members
- Maintaining over 90% customer retention facing 6 rate increases on main policies since inception of Agency
- Leading all aspects of the business including Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and More
- Hiring and Training Staff to fulfill Agency Objectives
- Evolving understanding of all Personal and Commercial Insurance Types to improve user outcomes
- Assisting Staff and Customers alike with evolution of Proprietary Company Technology
Process Improvement Specialist Sr
PNC Bank
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Established the Centers of Excellence (COEs) for User Acceptance Testing (UAT), End-to-End Testing, and Business Process Mapping For all of Technology division
- Drove SharePoint development and UAT guidance creations
- Created relevant information and templates designed to help non-expert project team members gain familiarity with the topics and know which tools and resources to access to ensure project quality
- Conducted thorough GAP analysis while successfully reengineering key business processes to increase operational efficiency and alignment of business unit objectives
- As the informal Scrum Master, facilitated daily scrums and regular Agile Ceremonies for the team
- Documented and followed up on action items for continuous improvement.
Project Manager/Scrum Master
PNC Bank
08.2016 - 08.2020
- Scrum Master for Reporting, Analytics, and Metrics team in Technology & Innovation (T&I) Division
- Subject matter expert in Agile software development lifecycle (SDLC) and servant leader to the team
- Consolidated all reporting functions from several groups within T&I into one team that built advanced, automated reports from Tableau and TOAD script automation
- Prioritized work efforts and managed capacity for a team of 5 reporting specialists
- Represented team in Scrum of Scrums group ceremonies for all teams involved in software deployment
- Oversaw the development structure of the Enterprise Project Office reporting strategy including consolidation of reports
- Developed an in-depth process improvement plan for technology sourcing for the company after reviewing PNC’s current process.
US Sales Manager
Phoenix Packaging
09.2015 - 03.2016
- Independently managed and built roster of US clients for Canadian company
- Built client roster including local, national, and international companies ranging from food production to craft beer and spirits
- Established $300,000 of revenue with high growth potential within 6 months in the position
- Provided excellent customer service and support to all customers
- Utilized proven sales techniques including research, prospecting, lead generation, cold calling and closing
- Self-motivated to work remotely without formal company structure for remote employees.
- Prepared all company materials and coordinated all transportation of goods for 8 trade shows annually.
VP of Operations
Phoenix Packaging
06.2013 - 08.2015
- Tasked with management of multiple core company functions including sales staff, facilities, marketing, hiring, and IT
- Developed series of systems to be used by all staff to increase efficiency and formally establish proper procedures for reporting internal information across the company
- Led re-organization of nearly 5,000 sq. ft warehouse including company samples and client goods after moving
- Acted as supervisor and technical support specialist to the sales staff
- Implemented professional team management technology to enhance ease of internal collaboration
- Created strategies for promotions and expansion of the programs/services within the facilities
- Supervised and coordinated third-party providers when needed for specific client requests on complex projects
- Led hiring of new staff; created postings, screened applications, and independently conducted 1st round interviews
- Verified status of client list with each sales consultant on weekly basis to ensure no disruptions in the communication process
- Provided guidance to a team of 3 sales consultants ranging from 0 to 18 years of experience.
Associate
Tandemlaunch Technologies
01.2013 - 04.2013
Marketing Coordinator
Ruveneco Inc
05.2012 - 12.2012
Service Packages Intern
Bombardier Inc
01.2012 - 05.2012
Export Logistics Coordinator
BDP International Inc
07.2008 - 06.2010
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Technology & Innovation Management Concentration
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing, Music
Cum Laude
Skills
- Business Development
- Metrics and Analytics
- Process Development
- Small Business Management
- Communications Strategies
- Customer Support and Service
- Team Development
- Complex Processes
Additional Information
Certified SCRUM Master, Scrum Alliance, July 2018
Property & Casualty, Life & Health Insurance Lines Authorized
Languages
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Agency Owner - Allstate Insurance
10.2021 - 07.2023
Process Improvement Specialist Sr - PNC Bank
08.2020 - 09.2021
Project Manager/Scrum Master - PNC Bank
08.2016 - 08.2020
US Sales Manager - Phoenix Packaging
09.2015 - 03.2016
VP of Operations - Phoenix Packaging
06.2013 - 08.2015
Associate - Tandemlaunch Technologies
01.2013 - 04.2013
Marketing Coordinator - Ruveneco Inc
05.2012 - 12.2012
Service Packages Intern - Bombardier Inc
01.2012 - 05.2012
Export Logistics Coordinator - BDP International Inc
07.2008 - 06.2010
McGill University Desautels - Master of Business Administration (MBA), Technology & Innovation Management Concentration
Saint Joseph’s University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Marketing, Music
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