James Hunter
Mercer Island
Summary
Operations and construction management professional with 15+ years of experience in plumbing, construction, and exterior services. Proven track record of driving growth, optimizing field operations, and leading large cross-functional teams.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Apollo Plumbing
Marysville
09.2024 - Current
- Oversaw the daily operations of a high-performance team including 18 service plumbers, 2 installation crews, dispatchers, and administrative support, ensuring seamless coordination across all departments.
- Directed the scheduling and dispatching of service calls and installations, reducing customer wait times and maximizing technician efficiency.
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), resulting in reduced operational costs, improved technician consistency, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Drove a 210% increase in monthly revenue within the first 120 days by optimizing team productivity, improving service workflows, and implementing performance-based KPIs.
- Delivered ongoing training, mentorship, and performance coaching to technicians and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Ensured full compliance with plumbing codes, local/state/federal safety regulations, and company SOPs; conducted regular safety audits and team briefings.
- Resolved high-level customer escalations with professionalism and urgency, maintaining a 90%+ customer satisfaction rate and strong long-term client relationships.
- Managed inventory control systems and equipment maintenance protocols to minimize downtime and ensure readiness across all service vehicles.
- Led the end-to-end recruitment process, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and ensuring compliance with all labor and safety regulations for new team members.
- Built a scalable onboarding program.
- Scaled from 4 technicians to 18 in 120 days.
- Reviewed and executed deliverables with leadership while ensuring all timelines were met.
Owner / Operator
Northwest Elite Exteriors
Bothell
08.2020 - 09.2024
- Successfully founded, scaled, and operated a high-end hardscape and landscaping business, achieving average annual sales of $8.4 million, with a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and design excellence.
- Personally oversaw the end-to-end execution of all sold projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to exacting client standards.
- Maintained continuous communication with clients throughout each project lifecycle, proactively managing expectations, change orders, and scope modifications to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
- Directed all logistics, including ordering and scheduling of materials, heavy equipment, and crew coordination for multiple concurrent job sites.
- Enforced strict adherence to quality control standards and OSHA-compliant safety protocols, resulting in a spotless safety record and high craftsmanship consistency.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and led a team of 45+ field and office staff, implementing coaching programs and building a high-performance, customer-focused culture.
- Managed all digital marketing efforts including social media strategy, content creation, and website maintenance, growing brand visibility and lead generation.
- Oversaw all financial operations including project-level budgeting, forecasting, invoice tracking, and change order management-consistently maintaining strong profit margins.
- Cultivated long-term vendor and subcontractor relationships to ensure priority service, competitive pricing, and material availability.
Operations Manager / Project Manager
AMA Repiping - National
Gilbert
01.2014 - 08.2020
- Managed 45-100 member crews, including subcontractors, for defect litigation repair and retrofitting of occupied luxury apartments, condos, and single-family units ranging in value from $4M to $25M.
- Oversaw correction and replacement of improperly installed domestic water systems, pumps, sanitary drainage, roof drains, and property storm drains.
- Submitted, requested, and procured necessary mechanical permits across multiple jurisdictions.
- Directed all interior repair work: drywall, flooring, paint, and finishes-ensuring return to pre-construction condition.
- Ensured strict compliance with all engineering specifications and construction regulations.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously-from contract to completion-with proactive communication across stakeholders.
- Identified deviations, obtained engineering judgments, and documented entire project timelines.
- Ordered materials, tracked finances, scheduled work, and coordinated specialty crews.
- Addressed homeowner concerns, ensured OSHA compliance, performed quality control, and managed permitting, inspections, payroll, per-diem, and production bonuses.
- Pulled permits nationwide in coordination with upcoming project phases.
Supervisor
Steel Structures of America
Colorado Springs
02.2012 - 12.2013
- Verified employee production quality and maintained high output across structural framing, siding, roofs, and trim installations.
- Managed final presentation of buildings, secured client approval, and resolved all issues to client satisfaction.
Laborer
Steel Structures of America
Colorado Springs
06.2009 - 02.2012
- Gained hands-on experience in steel building construction, carpentry, siding, and roofing from ground-up to finish.
- Provided general labor support across various construction phases.
Education
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -
09.2025
Water Restoration Technician (WRT) -
IICRC
10.2024
OSHA 30-Hour Training -
07.2024
High School Diploma -
Air Academy High School
Colorado Springs01.2012
Skills
- Operations & Field Management
- Plumbing & Mechanical Systems
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Project Management (Multisite / High-Value)
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Process Improvement / Lean Six Sigma
- Recruitment & Staff Development
- Customer Service & Conflict Resolution
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Multi-Jurisdictional Permit Procurement & Inspection Coordination
- Inventory Management
- Landscape & Hardscape Construction
Timeline
Operations Manager
Apollo Plumbing
09.2024 - Current
Owner / Operator
Northwest Elite Exteriors
08.2020 - 09.2024
Operations Manager / Project Manager
AMA Repiping - National
01.2014 - 08.2020
Supervisor
Steel Structures of America
02.2012 - 12.2013
Laborer
Steel Structures of America
06.2009 - 02.2012
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -
Water Restoration Technician (WRT) -
IICRC
OSHA 30-Hour Training -
High School Diploma -
Air Academy High School