Ken Lovelace
Seymour,TN
Summary
Accomplished Operations Manager with a proven track record at Cemex USA, enhancing operational efficiency and employee accountability, leading to a 10% yardage increase and significant sales growth. Solid in strategic planning and team leadership, demonstrated by managing 75 employees and maintaining a zero citation record. Skilled in problem-solving and organizational management, ensuring optimal performance and safety compliance. Served 7 years in the United States Air Force as the Security Clearance Manager overseeing 30,000 military and civilian security clearances.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations
ABE Concrete
04.2025 - 01.2026
- Leading the development of operational strategies that support scalable growth.
- Overseeing daily business operations and ensuring that all departments meet quality standards.
- Developing and implementing efficient processes and systems to increase productivity and reduce costs.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while establishing company policies and industry best practices.
- Managing vendor and customer relationships to ensure service quality and cost effectiveness.
- Driving operational excellence through process improvements and performance optimization.
- Driving growth by adding 8 Concrete Truck Drivers and increased revenue by 75%.
Operations Manager
Cemex USA
08.2020 - 04.2025
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Lead employees to create a safety culture to help achieve Zero injuries.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Hired 10 additional drivers and increased yardage 10%.
- Manage 5 Concrete Plants and 75 Employees.
- Sales Revenue grew 25% over the last 3 years.
- Portable Plant Job with Amazon with 80,000+ yards.
- Knoxville has had 0 Environmental or Driver Citations.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Quality Control Manager
Cemex USA
04.2015 - 08.2020
- Prepared concrete mix design submittal documents and worked with GC, Engineers and Concrete Contractors on all projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify potential areas of improvement in production processes, leading to enhanced product quality.
- Spearheaded root cause analysis investigations when needed, determining underlying issues and recommending appropriate fixes.
- Managed 3 to 10 job sites with one QC Technician daily to ensure Quality of Concrete to our customers.
Part/Full Time Youth/Children Minister
Seymour First Baptist Church
04.1992 - 01.2016
- Developed a sports soccer, basketball and flag football ministry that grew to 500+ children each season.
- Organized and led mission trips, empowering participants to serve others through acts of kindness and service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Kansas Newman University
Wichita, KS05.1991
Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Strategic Planning
- Client Relationships
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Decision Making
- Organizational Management
- Delegation
- Continuous Improvements
- Performance analysis
Certifications
NRMCA Durability Course
NRMCA Concrete Technologist
NRMCA Environmental Course
NRMCA Pervious Course
ACI Field Technician
Cemex Health and Safety Level 3
Tennessee Concrete Association Board Member
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
ABE Concrete
04.2025 - 01.2026
Operations Manager
Cemex USA
08.2020 - 04.2025
Quality Control Manager
Cemex USA
04.2015 - 08.2020
Part/Full Time Youth/Children Minister
Seymour First Baptist Church
04.1992 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Kansas Newman University