Kurt W. Lester

• 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.
• Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
• Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
• Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
• Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.

• Negotiated high-value contracts with clients, securing profitable partnerships for the company.
• Established and implemented business procedures and process improvements.
• Mentored junior staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
• Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
• Oversaw financial management of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
• Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent, contributing to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting client demands effectively.
• Increased client base by implementing effective marketing strategies and fostering long-term relationships.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive organizational improvements and meet strategic objectives.
• Developed comprehensive business plans that led to significant revenue growth and expansion opportunities.
• Aligned business objectives with industry best practices to ensure the firm remained compliant with regulatory requirements and maintained its reputation for excellence.
• Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading by example and encouraging team innovation, which markedly increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

Performed removals from regional hospitals, nursing homes and private residences

Embalmed and prepared deceased individuals for burial and cremation

• Manage day-to-day business operations, including accounting, finance, HR, marketing and public relations.
• Recruit, hire and train initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
• Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.

• Maintained facility cleanliness, ensuring a welcoming environment for grieving families.
• Displayed highest level of professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with grieving family members.
• Managed all aspects of funeral arrangements for smooth and efficient service delivery.
• Arranged funeral/memorial services for grieving families to meet budget and memorialized instructions.
• Liaised between hospitals, physicians, county coroner and members of clergy to coordinate final arrangements.
• Served diverse clientele by offering a range of culturally and religiously appropriate services.
• Discussed pre-arranged funeral options and explained pricing to clients.

• Obtained documents, clearances, certificates and approvals from local, state and federal agencies.
• Entered details such as payments, account information and call logs into the computer system.
• Responded to customer requests via telephone and email.
• Conducted P&L statement analysis to improve daily operations, increase revenue and reduce costs.

• Sourced vendors and negotiated fair contracts for supplies.
• Drove business development and customer acquisition by devising targeted marketing and promotions plans.
• Maintained high standards of quality through continuous reviews of products and service.
• Hired, trained and motivated staff to achieve business objectives and exceed expectations.
• Mapped current processes and offered recommendations for improvement.
• took part in on-call rotation for removals,embalming and making arrangements.
• managed 2 locations serving 300 families per year