Kenneth Ballard
Salem,AL
Summary
Proven leader in warehouse and retail management, adept at boosting efficiency and team performance. At DX Enterprises for Hero Logistics, I mastered forklift operation and OSHA compliance, significantly enhancing safety and productivity. Versed in using scanners and warehouse management systems (WMS) to promote safe and on-time shipment and delivery. Known for punctuality and reliability, my strategic approach to inventory and staff management consistently drives positive results and operational excellence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Forklift Operator
DX Enterprises for Hero Logistics
Blue Springs, MS
10.2023 - Current
- Safely loaded and unloaded trucks using appropriate forklift attachments, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Kept warehouse clean and organized by removing debris and returning unused pallets to designated areas.
- Improved warehouse efficiency by skillfully operating forklifts to move, locate, and stack materials.
- Operated forklift in compliance with OSHA guidelines and organizational policies.
- Operated equipment safely and efficiently to prevent damage to items and avoid injuries.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks quickly and increase overall productivity.
- Coordinated with supervisors to prioritize tasks, ensuring the most urgent shipments were processed first.
- Minimized product damage through careful maneuvering and transporting of fragile items.
- Assisted in training new employees on safe forklift operation, contributing to a stronger workforce.
- Enhanced workplace safety by diligently inspecting forklifts before each shift and reporting any damage or concerns.
- Maneuvered forklift safely in congested and confined areas.
- Conserved warehouse space through efficient stacking and placement of materials according to size, weight, and fragility requirements.
- Kept accurate records of materials moved within warehouse to quickly locate inventory and keep facility operating smoothly.
- Streamlined order processing by accurately updating inventory management software.
- Enhanced operational efficiency, regularly updating skills through company-provided training sessions.
- Increased operational flexibility by obtaining certifications for various types of forklifts.
- Reduced product damage by adhering to strict handling and lifting protocols.
- Maintained clean and safe work environment, contributing to reduction in workplace accidents.
- Promoted culture of safety, conducting informal peer training on forklift operation safety standards.
- Assessed equipment for damage, wear, battery life, and fluid levels.
Store Manager
Bucks Small Engine Repair
Smiths Station, AL
05.2009 - 10.2010
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Organized special events such as seasonal sales promotions to drive foot traffic into the store and increase sales opportunities.
- Conducted market research to better understand local consumer base, tailoring store offerings to meet their needs.
- Increased community engagement by participating in local events and sponsoring youth sports teams, raising store's profile.
- Enhanced team performance with comprehensive training programs, leading to improved customer service and operational efficiency.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory accordingly, preventing stockouts of popular items.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Department Manager
Lowes Home Improvement Stores
Opelika, AL
09.2003 - 05.2009
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
- Established clear performance expectations for staff members which led to increased accountability.
- Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
- Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading to notable enhancements in staff performance and morale.
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for growth and areas for improvement, informing strategic direction.
- Championed customer-first approach, significantly enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
Assistant Department Manager
Big Lots
Opelika, AL
08.2002 - 09.2003
- Motivated associates to consistently deliver effective selling behaviors through coaching and recognition.
- Participated in storewide initiatives such as visual merchandising updates or special events planning, demonstrating cross-functional teamwork abilities.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Collaborated with the department manager to develop and implement strategic plans for growth and improvement.
- Demonstrated adaptability by taking on additional responsibilities when necessary, showcasing leadership potential beyond the assistant level position role scope requirements.
- Oversaw daily operations within the department, ensuring tasks were completed accurately and on time.
- Ensured compliance with company safety protocols while promoting a secure working environment conducive to staff member productivity.
- Worked actively with management team to create daily and weekly sales plans based on weekly sales trends.
Education
Tech Prep Diploma -
Smiths Station High School
Smiths Station, AL05.2003
Skills
- Forklift Operation
- Loading and unloading
- Shipping and receiving
- Material Handling
- Punctual and Reliable
- OSHA Compliance
- Warehouse Management Systems
- Storage and Stacking
- Wrapping and Banding
- Warehouse Operations
Accomplishments
- Winner of the highest-level safety award given to employees within the corporation.
Certification
- Certified Forklift Operator, Hero Logistics
- Certified Landscape Gardner, U.S. Department of Labor
Timeline
Forklift Operator
DX Enterprises for Hero Logistics
10.2023 - Current
Store Manager
Bucks Small Engine Repair
05.2009 - 10.2010
Department Manager
Lowes Home Improvement Stores
09.2003 - 05.2009
Assistant Department Manager
Big Lots
08.2002 - 09.2003
Tech Prep Diploma -
Smiths Station High School