Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Julie Gardemann

Cedar Rapids,IA

Summary

I have worked years of customer service, ran 2 businesses, traveled for selling dance shoes and teaching dancing. Drove school bus for 18 years but I am now legally blind in right eye so cdl is no longer. I’m a hard worker always on time and love people

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

School Bus Driver

Crcsd
07.2007 - 04.2024
  • Completed pre-trip and post-trip bus inspections and documented info in vehicle logs.
  • Demonstrated professionalism at all times while engaging with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators alike during daily duties.
  • Provided a positive environment for students during transportation, fostering respectful interactions and promoting good behavior.
  • Assisted in maintaining bus cleanliness with regular sanitizing and disinfecting.
  • Transported passengers safely along prescribed routes according to tight schedules.
  • Ensured proper bus equipment functionality through regular checks of lights, signals, mirrors, brakes, tires, and other essential components.
  • Enhanced student safety by strictly adhering to bus routes and schedules, as well as enforcing established behavior guidelines.
  • Complied with all relevant state and federal regulations regarding school transportation services, ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times.
  • Obeyed federal, State and local traffic laws and regulations to enable safe transportation outcomes for participants.
  • Developed positive relationships with students, faculty and parents to support continuous rapport and communication.
  • Demonstrated strict adherence to safety regulations and traffic laws to safeguard passengers.
  • Adapted quickly to unexpected situations such as road closures or detours while maintaining composure under pressure to ensure timely arrivals at destinations.
  • Reported vehicle maintenance and repair issues to appropriate personnel for timely resolution.
  • Collaborated with school administrators to address any behavioral issues arising during transportation effectively.
  • Adhered to scheduled routes and accomplished timely drop-offs and pick-ups to comply with preset route criteria.
  • Maintained State driver's license to enable legal operation of school buses for student transport, field trips, and other purposes.
  • Assisted in emergency preparedness drills, demonstrating appropriate evacuation procedures to students and staff members.
  • Communicated information to parents to promote good communication and transparency.
  • Participated in ongoing training programs to maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and safety regulations.
  • Inspected emergency equipment and verified safe working order for student and driver use.
  • Upheld high standards of cleanliness for the school bus interior by performing regular cleaning tasks after each trip.
  • Improved on-time performance with efficient route planning, taking into consideration traffic patterns and weather conditions.
  • Coordinated closely with colleagues during field trips or special events to provide seamless transportation services for all participants involved.
  • Kept parents informed of schedule changes or other relevant updates through clear communication channels.
  • Reduced vehicle maintenance costs by conducting daily pre-trip inspections and promptly reporting any necessary repairs or concerns.
  • Assisted students with boarding and exiting bus to reduce safety issues.
  • Supported special needs students by accommodating individual requirements and ensuring their comfort throughout the journey.
  • Assisted passengers with disabilities and other physical issues in boarding and exiting bus to promote passenger safety.
  • Fostered a strong sense of community among bus riders, promoting respect for fellow passengers and valuing the importance of punctuality.
  • Increased overall student satisfaction by attending to individual needs and addressing any concerns expressed during transportation experiences.
  • Complied with personal grooming and conduct guidelines and regulations to promote high standard of professionalism.
  • Streamlined boarding procedures, implementing an organized system that ensured timely departures from each stop along the route.
  • Contributed to district-wide fuel efficiency initiatives by practicing mindful driving techniques and minimizing idle time.
  • Assisted students with loading and unloading luggage, mobility aids and bicycles.
  • Drove bus along assigned route, picking up students.
  • Supervised students during loading, unloading and on bus.
  • Created and enforced bus rules and kept expectations posted.
  • Enforced student behavior policies and responded to student emergencies.
  • Identified and reported mechanical problems and safety hazards.
  • Worked closely with school administration and transportation to maintain smooth operations.
  • Operated CB radio and bus PA system to make announcements and stay abreast of traffic conditions.
  • Completed logbooks, incident reports and other daily paperwork.
  • Attended pre-trip meetings to support safe transport of students.
  • Inspected and serviced buses on regular basis.
  • Kept up to date on local, state and federal regulations related to school bus operations.
  • Assisted in loading and unloading students and belongings.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date route and time logs.
  • Drafted and submitted reports detailing trips, fuel, mileage, and hours.
  • Executed proper and timely loading and unloading of passengers.
  • Recorded bus route and made notes for substitute drivers.
  • Assisted in training new drivers and maintaining driver certifications.

Owner

Dancinworld
01.2003 - 12.2008
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
  • Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
  • Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
  • Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
  • Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.

Service Writer and Bookkeeper

Major Tire
04.2002 - 04.2007
  • Responded to customer calls and emails to answer questions about products and services.
  • Increased repeat business with exceptional customer service skills and follow-up calls to ensure satisfaction.
  • Reduced wait times for customers by effectively managing appointment schedules and coordinating with technicians.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate service estimates.
  • Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, fostering trust and loyalty among clientele.
  • Assisted in inventory management, helping maintain appropriate stock levels for parts department.
  • Produced accurate customer estimates and clearly articulated charges to customers to minimize complaints.
  • Worked effectively with repair staff and parts providers, staying current on availability and service processes.
  • Developed customized preventative maintenance plans tailored to individual client needs, extending the lifespan of their vehicles while preventing costly future repairs.
  • Logged work orders and change orders into Software database to track job status.
  • Enhanced communication between technicians and customers by acting as a liaison, resulting in clear expectations and better understanding of repair services.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of completed repairs, aiding in the maintenance of detailed records for future reference.
  • Presented different repair options to customers to help each person make appropriate choices.
  • Utilized industry-specific software programs efficiently to manage work orders, invoices, and customer information.
  • Consulted with customers to assess service requirements and produce accurate orders.
  • Streamlined repair order processes for increased efficiency and productivity.
  • Established a welcoming and professional environment in the service area, creating positive first impressions for customers upon arrival.
  • Maintained accurate and current customer account data with manual forms processing and digital information updates.
  • Gathered information through research and vendor inquiries to provide job estimates.
  • Maintained strong professional relationships with vendors, enabling prompt delivery of necessary parts for repairs.
  • Contributed to team goals by upselling additional services based on customer needs, generating increased revenue.
  • Optimized workflow processes by assigning tasks based on technician expertise, ensuring efficient completion of repair jobs and maximizing resource utilization.
  • Negotiated favorable pricing agreements with suppliers, reducing overall operational costs while maintaining high-quality standards for parts inventory.
  • Exceeded monthly sales targets consistently by effectively promoting special offers and warranty packages to customers during service appointments.
  • Conferred with sales teams to schedule and price repair requirements for used and new vehicles.
  • Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
  • Followed up with customers about resolved issues to maintain high standards of customer service.
  • Provided excellent customer care by responding to requests, assisting with product selection and handling ordering functions.
  • Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
  • Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
  • Promoted superior experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy, and resolving problems swiftly.
  • Calculated correct order totals, updated accounts, and maintained detailed records for inventory management.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
  • Increased efficiency and team productivity by promoting operational best practices.
  • Responded to customer requests, offering excellent support and tailored recommendations to address needs.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
  • Collaborated with staff members to enhance customer service experience and exceed team goals through effective client satisfaction rates.
  • Educated customers about billing, payment processing and support policies and procedures.
  • Maintained clean and orderly checkout areas by mopping floors, emptying trash cans and wiping down surfaces.
  • Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
  • Investigated and resolved accounting, service and delivery concerns.
  • Cross-trained and backed up other customer service managers.
  • Enhanced productivity levels by anticipating needs and delivering outstanding support.
  • Sought ways to improve processes and services provided.
  • Met customer call guidelines for service levels, handle time and productivity.
  • Monitored cash drawers in multiple checkout stations and maintained adequate cash supply.
  • Collected and returned unpurchased or returned items to correct shelf locations and arranged displays to promote sales.
  • Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
  • Managed accounts payable and receivable activities, maintaining vendor relationships and positive cash flow.
  • Handled payroll processing for employees, ensuring timely payment and adherence to tax regulations.
  • Monitored incoming payments from clients, ensuring prompt application of funds against outstanding invoices.
  • Completed payroll for employees and maintained detailed records of procedures.
  • Prepared monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accurate representation of company''s financial position.
  • Reconciled and corrected issues with financial records.
  • Tracked expenses and income for businesses while organizing and maintaining bank statements for checking accounts.
  • Posted daily receipts and payments in accordance with corporate protocols.
  • Maintained accurate records of all transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
  • Identified accounting errors when cross-referencing documents and database information.
  • Improved financial accuracy by reconciling accounts and identifying discrepancies in financial records.
  • Enhanced cash flow management through timely invoicing and collection of outstanding receivables.
  • Developed and implemented procedures to improve accounting efficiency.
  • Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts to obtain best prices and value for money.
  • Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
  • Inspected account books and recorded transactions.
  • Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
  • Maintained account accuracy by reviewing and reconciling checks monthly.
  • Generated invoices upon receipt of billing information and tracked collection progress.
  • Reconciled accounts, managed audits and updated financial records with remarkable accuracy.
  • Managed complex problem-solving for upper management in order to complete projects on-time and within budget.

Office Manager and Sales

Dance Connection
01.1999 - 04.2003
  • Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
  • Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
  • Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
  • Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
  • Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
  • Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
  • Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
  • Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
  • Coordinated special projects and managed schedules.
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
  • Controlled finances to lower costs and keep business operating within budget.
  • Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
  • Developed comprehensive policy manuals outlining procedures and guidelines, contributing to a well-organized workplace culture.
  • Reduced costs with meticulous budget monitoring and expense tracking for essential supplies and equipment.
  • Contributed to workplace safety by ensuring compliance with established emergency protocols and conducting regular equipment inspections.
  • Organized travel arrangements for executives by researching cost-effective options while accommodating individual preferences.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
  • Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
  • Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
  • Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development

Education

Banking And Life Insurance

Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

Graduate -

Kennedy Senior High School
Cedar Rapids, IA
06.1976

Skills

  • Dependable and reliable
  • Effective communication skills
  • Safety-focused
  • Safe Driving Practices
  • Commercial driving
  • Special Needs Assistance
  • Passenger Management
  • Punctuality
  • Route Planning
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Defensive Driving
  • Vehicle inspections
  • DOT Regulations
  • Weather condition driving
  • Transporting Students
  • Pre-Trip Inspections
  • License endorsements
  • Route logs
  • Route Navigation
  • Customer-Oriented
  • Bus evacuation drills
  • Adaptable routes
  • Post-Trip Inspections
  • Student Supervision
  • Passenger safety management
  • Safe Driver Training
  • Passenger Assistance
  • Route coordination
  • Traffic Laws Adherence
  • Equipment Operation
  • Child Safety Awareness
  • Wheelchair lift operation
  • Background Checks
  • GPS and route planning
  • Understands local routes
  • Order picking and processing
  • Shipping and packaging
  • Commercial Drivers License CDL
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Clean Driving Record
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Dispatcher Communication
  • Special Needs Passengers
  • Passenger Safety

Timeline

School Bus Driver

Crcsd
07.2007 - 04.2024

Owner

Dancinworld
01.2003 - 12.2008

Service Writer and Bookkeeper

Major Tire
04.2002 - 04.2007

Office Manager and Sales

Dance Connection
01.1999 - 04.2003

Banking And Life Insurance

Kirkwood Community College

Graduate -

Kennedy Senior High School
Julie Gardemann