Gus Katsafaros
Morton Grove,IL
Summary
Experienced business leader and finance manager with demonstrated strategic planning, problem-solving and team-building abilities. Successful at bringing in and training staff to handle customer and business needs. Motivational, diplomatic and respectful of those from different backgrounds. Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experience stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive company success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Built Rite Construction
02.2023 - Current
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Handled all building inspections associate with projects
Finance Manager
McGrath KIA
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Drove regulatory compliance by staying informed on industry changes and ensuring adherence to all relevant laws and regulations.
- Supervised loan personnel and motivated to maintain customer service and performance standards.
- Collaborated with team leaders to define standards, policies and procedures to meet company revenue goals.
- Created and maintained relationships with lenders.
- Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations and state regulations.
- Maintained 2500 - 2800 per copy average while processing 70+ files per month.
- Monitored pipelines to track and log status of loans.
- Analyzed potential risks and evaluated loan products to identify suitable options for customers.
- Provided expert advice on insurance options, tailoring coverage plans to suit individual client requirements.
- Obtained copies of applicants' credit histories and reviewed paperwork to determine feasibility of granting loans.
- Led process improvements initiatives, resulting in enhanced operation and efficiency.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
Site Superintendent
Burling Builders Inc.
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Managed 50+ personnel site operations resulting in completion under budget and ahead of schedule.
- Communicated directly with clients and project managers to resolve problems and coordinate site work.
- Utilized various programs to record field data, including scope progress, photographs or summaries of visual observations.
- Supervised work of all technicians and subcontractors to determine proper execution of work to be completed per drawings and clients wishes.
- Manage successful environmental cleanup tasks while observing all safety protocols and wearing correct protective gear.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service
- Communicated effectively with clients, staff members and peers, promoting development of long-term, productive professional relationships.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to products and services.
Owner Operator
Marmalade Chicago Inc.
06.2011 - 03.2020
- Led startup and opening of restaurant and catering business and provided business development, creation of operational procedures and workflow planning
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures
- Directed hiring and training of new department managers to drive organizational improvements
- Assembled and managed teams for development, construction, sales and marketing initiatives
- Negotiated with vendors to gain optimal pricing on products resulting in substantial increase in profit margin
- Oversaw staff hiring, initiating new training and scheduled processes to streamline operations
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue
- Coordinated with webmaster to develop website and create online advertisements
- Worked with chefs to prepare custom menus, including meals and beverages
- Gathered customer requirements and worked with catering team in implementing specifications
- Grew sales of catering services by 150% through strategic marketing and promotions
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank
- Supervised staff preparing and serving 500+ meals per day
- Trained all front of house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to ensure positive experience
- Built revenue by delivering innovative catering services, leading region in catering sales.
Real Estate Broker/Developer
Capital Realty & Financial Services Inc
09.1999 - 05.2011
- Monitored construction costs and progress timeline with real estate projects.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers and designers to establish design and development plans.
- Managed 30-50 member construction crews.
- Researched potential of specific tracts of land for real estate development.
- Obtained building permits and required public approval to begin land development.
- Planned development agenda to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
- Increased process improvement initiatives and troubleshot problems for corrective action to boost functionality and workflow.
- Inspected sites before and after construction projects.
- Complied with operational standards and OSHA regulations.
- Coordinated all phases of construction projects from inception to completion.
- Bought, renovated and flipped houses using real estate and construction knowledge.
Mortgage Broker
Country Mortgage
09.1997 - 09.1999
- Served as liaison between borrowers and lenders and collaborated with both parties to obtain optimal loans for home purchases.
- Presented and processed client loan documents and verified comprehension of essential language.
- Reviewed financial data, including pay stubs and credit history for borrowers to ascertain loan qualification.
- Communicated closely with various lenders to obtain effective loans for customers purchasing homes.
- Procured and processed 25 applications monthly.
- Clarified all details in regards to mortgage loan process so that borrowers were well-educated.
- Built business base by word of mouth as result of maintaining positive relationships with former borrowers.
Electrician
TGL Electric
09.1993 - 09.1997
- Installed and wired electrical transformers, service panels, and circuit breakers.
- Worked from ladders, scaffolds and lifts to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring equipment and lighting fixtures in ceilings, on roofs and on towers.
- Installed, maintained, repaired, and tested equipment for electricity generation and utilization.
- Planned layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures based on specifications and applicable code.
- Inspected electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects, and repair requirements.
- Performed routine and complex maintenance and repairs on various electrical equipment.
- Mentored apprentice electricians in proper installation techniques, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methods to enhance their skill sets.
- Inspected worksites and installations to verify compliance with state safety codes.
Electrician
Apollo K Electric
09.1991 - 09.1993
- Worked from ladders, scaffolds and lifts to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring equipment and lighting fixtures in ceilings, on roofs and on towers.
- Installed and wired electrical transformers, service panels, and circuit breakers.
- Installed, maintained, repaired, and tested equipment for electricity generation and utilization.
- Planned layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures based on specifications and applicable code.
- Inspected electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects, and repair requirements.
Education
Certificate - M&P Series Essentials
Mitsubishi Electric
Schaumburg, IL10-2024
Product And Procedure Certification - Finance And Insurance
Ethos Group
Dallas, TX09.2022
OSHA 30 Certified -
OSHA
12.2020
Entry Level Electricians Degree -
Coyne College
Chicago, IL06.1992
High School Diploma -
Stephen T Mather High School
Chicago, IL06.1991
Skills
- Marketing tactics
- Labor relations
- Strategic project planning
- Hiring and staffing
- Project organization
- Contract negotiation expertise
- Customer relations
- Cost reduction
- Profit and loss analysis
- Staff training and development
- Recruiting and hiring
- Bidding processes
- Project estimating
- Product branding
- Financial Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Verbal and written communication
- Financial Administration
- Insurance Negotiation
- Risk Analysis
- Team Building Leadership
Languages
Greek
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Project Manager
Built Rite Construction
02.2023 - Current
Finance Manager
McGrath KIA
06.2021 - 12.2022
Site Superintendent
Burling Builders Inc.
10.2020 - 05.2021
Owner Operator
Marmalade Chicago Inc.
06.2011 - 03.2020
Real Estate Broker/Developer
Capital Realty & Financial Services Inc
09.1999 - 05.2011
Mortgage Broker
Country Mortgage
09.1997 - 09.1999
Electrician
TGL Electric
09.1993 - 09.1997
Electrician
Apollo K Electric
09.1991 - 09.1993
High School Diploma -
Stephen T Mather High School
Certificate - M&P Series Essentials
Mitsubishi Electric
Product And Procedure Certification - Finance And Insurance
Ethos Group
OSHA 30 Certified -
OSHA
Entry Level Electricians Degree -
Coyne College
Similar Profiles
Joseph TandocJoseph Tandoc
Furniture Mover Furniture Assemble at Built Rite ServicesFurniture Mover Furniture Assemble at Built Rite Services
Charles TruesdellCharles Truesdell
Ownrr at True Built Construction, True Built Heating and CoOwnrr at True Built Construction, True Built Heating and Co
Kevin MoranchelKevin Moranchel
Construction Worker at Moran Built constructionConstruction Worker at Moran Built construction