John Schaefer, CR, WLS
Johnsburg,Il.
Summary
Methodical, organized director with a reputation for innovative problem solving and outstanding leadership. Comprehensive experience overseeing daily operations of a property restoration organization. Adaptable and well-versed in executing business strategies with a thorough knowledge of market changes and trends paired with strong grasp of corporate finance and performance measures. Experienced in overseeing large project losses up to $5M, personnel management and detailed project organization.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations, Large Loss Project Management
ACR, Inc. (Action Cleaners Restoration, Inc.)
Wheeling, IL
06.2011 - 08.2024
- Led the strategic planning, coordination, and oversight of all business operations to drive continuous growth and profitability for the company
- Ensured company operations comply with relevant government laws, rules, and regulations.
- Served as IT manager, Safety manager, and Technical consultant for the entire company.
- Served as Instructor for Continuing Education courses.
- Drove improvements in the company's market position resulting in increased financial growth
- Defined strategic goals, liaised with business partners and stakeholders, identified new business opportunities, and kept up to date with market trends.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Implemented systems for tracking progress on key initiatives or projects.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify trends in product performance or customer service issues.
- Directed operations to improve efficiency and increase profit margins.
- Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
- Represented the organization at industry events, conferences, and public meetings.
- Facilitated professional development programs to build a high-performing team.
Production Manager
ACR, Inc. (Action Cleaners Restoration, Inc.)
Wheeling, IL
06.2002 - 06.2011
- Oversaw all production of Fire, Water, Mold restoration jobs, Responsible for Hiring of staff, training, discipline of staff, ordering of all Equipment and supplies, Vehicle and building Maintenance
- Project Managed losses from $500 to over $500,000.
Senior Restoration Technician
ACR, Inc. (Action Cleaners Restoration, Inc.)
Wheeling, IL
06.1996 - 06.2002
- Produced losses from Fires, Water Damage, Mold remediation, cleaning, demolition, application of disinfectants, set up of drying equipment, documentation of losses, customer communication
- Pack outs/Back
- Cleaning of contents, cleaning, and deodorization of structures. Supervise crews. Project estimating.
Education
Certified Restorer & Water Loss Specialist - Property Restoration
IICRC
01-2010
Skills
- Personnel Management
- Project organization
- Innovative problem solving
- Leadership
- Business development
- Strategic planning
- Compliance
- Technical consulting
- Market positioning
- Financial growth
- Production management
- Hiring
- Training
- Equipment and supplies ordering
- Vehicle and building maintenance
- Restoration techniques (fire, water, mold)
- Customer communication
- Documentation
- Estimating
- Project management
- Contractor and vendor oversight
- Education and training
- Safety and training program development
- Policy and procedure standards development
- Technical advancements integration
- Healthcare remediation supervision
- Expert witness testimony
- Efficiency improvement
- Hardwood floor restoration techniques
- Risk Mitigation
- Process Improvements
- Operational Efficiency
- Employee Development
- Customer Retention
- Operations Management
- Purchasing and planning
Accomplishments
- Achieved Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Water Loss Specialist (WLS # 131) designation in October of 2012 with only 135 designations in the world as well as Certified Restorer (CR # 631)
- Awarded the RIA International Phoenix award for Innovation in Restoration 2014 and 2023
- Accomplished Professional Expert witness for numerous restoration related court cases.
- Approved as an Instructor of Continuing Education for multiple states Department of Insurance including IL, TX, IN, WI, GA
- Developed and implemented Safety and Training program for new and current employees.
Currentmemberships
- RIA- Restoration Industry Association, 1998, Present, AGA- Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee, TPA/TPC Committee
- IICRC- Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, 1998, Present, 26370
- HESNI- Healthcare Engineers Society of Illinois, 2020, Present
- AHA-American Hospital Association, 2020, Present
- ASHE- American Society of Healthcare Engineering, 2020, Present, 8023024937
- NWFA- National Wood Flooring Association, 2016, Present
- APIC- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, 2020, Present
- WASBO-Wisconsin Association of School Board Officials
Specialty Expertise
Through his participation in leading-edge research in restorative drying of water-damaged hardwood flooring, John adapted the tested techniques to apply superior solutions to recovering hardwood sports floors. This approach provides an alternative to costly tear-out and replacement for upward of 80% savings of loss of use and operational expense. ACR was recognized for this achievement by being named 2014 and 2023 winner of the RIA International Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration.
Timeline
Director of Operations, Large Loss Project Management
ACR, Inc. (Action Cleaners Restoration, Inc.)
06.2011 - 08.2024
Production Manager
ACR, Inc. (Action Cleaners Restoration, Inc.)
06.2002 - 06.2011
Senior Restoration Technician
ACR, Inc. (Action Cleaners Restoration, Inc.)
06.1996 - 06.2002
Certified Restorer & Water Loss Specialist - Property Restoration
IICRC
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