Lavenia Sue Conklin
Novato,CA
I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it.
Marilyn Monroe
Summary
Professional administrative services expert with extensive experience in enhancing operational workflows and office administration. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, while being adaptable to changing needs. Possesses key skills in budget management and process improvement, coupled with reliability and organizational aptitude sought by employers.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Career Break
Care Partner
Novato, CA
04.2023 - Current
- Medical leave for back surgery performed 4/2023, healing until January 2024
- Beginning February 2024, I provided daily personal care and support to aging Mother-in-Law with varying needs to maintain her self-esteem and emotional wellness.
- Assisted with mobility, ensuring safety and comfort during activities.
- Arranged transportation and accompanied Mother-in-Law to emergency medical appointments.
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with healthcare professional sand monitored her health status.
- Provided end-of-life care and support for Mother-in-Law and Hospice, ensuring dignity, comfort, and emotional closure during difficult time in our family.
Managing Partner
HouseSaversDeckMasters
San Rafael, CA
03.2021 - 04.2023
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure project completion within timelines and quality standards.
- Developed strategic partnerships with suppliers to enhance material sourcing and cost efficiency.
- Worked closely with Field Manager, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative work environment for 15 employees.
- Implemented process improvements that increased workflow efficiency and reduced operational delays.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with clients, securing profitable partnerships for the company.
- Executed job cost accounting and payroll administration, ensuring compliance with budget guidelines.
- Managed complex projects across multiple departments, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Licensed Life & Health Insurance Agent
Independent Agent With People Helping People
Bay Area
09.2017 - 09.2021
- Educated clients on life insurance options and benefits to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Assisted clients in completing applications and navigating coverage selection processes efficiently.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and policy changes affecting clients' coverage options.
- Developed training materials for new agents focused on compliance best practices and effective sales strategies.
- Provided exceptional customer service, leading to numerous referrals and a growing client base.
- Conducted thorough market research to stay ahead of life insurance trends, enhancing advisory quality for clients.
- Generated leads through cold-calling, networking and other outreach methods.
- Worked with sales team 25 to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Implemented time-saving administrative processes, maximizing efficiency within the workplace.
Sole Proprietor
Advanced Communications Technologies
Novato, CA
12.2014 - 09.2020
- Developed client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Implemented innovative solutions to streamline processes and reduce operational costs.
- Oversaw project management for multiple communication initiatives.
- Developed strong professional relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Designed business plan to define concept, short-term and long-term goals and strategies.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Negotiator/Case Manager
LitFrogs
Sacramento, CA
08.2013 - 12.2018
- Negotiated favorable contracts with stakeholders to optimize costs and enhance service delivery.
- Analyzed market trends to identify negotiation opportunities and improve strategic positioning.
- Developed comprehensive negotiation strategies that aligned with organizational goals and client needs.
- Managed high-pressure situations effectively, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Built strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.
- Prepared written opinions or decisions regarding cases.
- Reviewed legal documents and contracts to determine potential conflicts and disputes.
- Oversaw case lifecycle management from initial drafting through renegotiation or termination while minimizing legal exposure.
Case Manager/Front End Customer Service Associate
Marin Treatment Center
San Rafael, CA
04.2017 - 03.2018
- Developed comprehensive case management plans tailored to client needs and goals.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting interventions based on outcomes and feedback.
- Advocated for clients, connecting them to essential resources and services in the community.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
- Managed crisis situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring client safety and continuity of care.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes and enhance overall service delivery.
- Greeted and verified 150 patients upon entry to optimize security.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
- Met customer call guidelines for service levels, handle time and productivity.
Customer Service Manager
Prima Fleur Botanicals, Inc.
Novato, CA
06.2012 - 08.2013
- Managed escalated customer inquiries, ensuring timely resolution and satisfaction.
- Took ownership of customer issues and followed problems through to resolution.
- Managed complex customer contracts ensuring compliance and certification of EcoCert while managing required state and federal documentation.
- Comprehensive logistics of industry trade show in New York, including event participants and stakeholder engagement.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules while at annual New York, Global Expo Trade Show.
Legal Secretary/Litigation Paralegal Internship
Terry Carlson Law
San Rafael, CA
10.2011 - 06.2012
- Managed legal documents and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated scheduling for attorneys, optimizing calendar management and meeting arrangements.
- Prepared trial materials, including briefs and exhibits, enhancing case readiness for court proceedings.
- Facilitated communication between clients and legal teams, maintaining professional relationships and providing updates.
- Streamlined filing systems to improve document retrieval efficiency and reduce processing time.
- Researched legal precedents and case law to support attorney strategies in complex litigation matters.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for attorneys.
- Researched and identified legal precedents and statutes.
- Generated documents and presentations using large repertoire of software programs.
- Assisted attorneys in trial proceedings by organizing evidence and exhibits.
- Completed electronic court filings at state and federal levels.
Office Manager
HouseSaversDeckMasters
San Rafael, CA
08.2007 - 04.2010
- Oversaw daily office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies.
- Managed scheduling and coordination of meetings, optimizing team productivity and communication.
- Streamlined office procedures, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced operational delays.
- Evaluated vendor contracts, negotiating terms that enhanced service quality while reducing costs.
- Served as a liaison between upper management and 30 staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Supported department heads in accomplishing their goals through diligent administrative assistance such as lead generation and appointment scheduling.
- Spearheaded community outreach initiatives, improving company's local reputation and engagement.
- Completed weekly payroll for 30 employees.
Partner/Managing Director
Sign-A-Rama, Nationwide Sign Franchise
San Rafael, CA
01.2006 - 08.2007
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance business growth and market presence.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute high-impact initiatives and drive operational efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and optimize service offerings.
- Implemented performance metrics to assess partner engagement and satisfaction levels.
- Facilitated negotiations that resulted in mutually beneficial agreements with key stakeholders.
- Oversaw firm's day-to-day administrative operations, provided guidance to support staff and enforced compliance with state, federal, and local regulations across organization.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
Sole Proprietor
SusieBrown Public Relations
Novato, CA
05.2000 - 12.2006
- Developed customized communication solutions to meet client needs.
- Managed project timelines and budgets to ensure timely delivery of services.
- Implemented marketing strategies that increased customer engagement and retention.
- Nurtured community relations within Novato.
Director of Sales and Marketing/Crew Trainer
NACIO Systems
Novato, CA
05.1998 - 05.2000
- Developed and implemented comprehensive sales strategies to enhance market presence and drive revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer behavior to identify new business opportunities and optimize offerings.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
- Managed a high-performing sales team, providing regular coaching and training to enhance their skills and performance.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Developed training materials to enhance onboarding experience for staff.
- Trained and mentored 150 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
- Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
Education
Transfer Units - Business Management
- Relevant Coursework: Business Law, Management, and Accounting
Transfer Units - Business Administration And Management
- Relevant Coursework: Business Law and Managerial Accounting
Paralegal Assoiciate of Art Degree - Legal Studies
- Relevant Coursework: Legal Studies
High School Diploma -
- Extracurricular Activities: Student Advisory Council
Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Facilities management
- Budget administration
- Problem-solving
- Public relations
- Records and database management
- Professionalism
- Staff management
- Administrative management
- Event planning
- Negotiation
- Payroll oversight
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Career Break - Care Partner
04.2023 - Current
Managing Partner - HouseSaversDeckMasters
03.2021 - 04.2023
Licensed Life & Health Insurance Agent - Independent Agent With People Helping People
09.2017 - 09.2021
Case Manager/Front End Customer Service Associate - Marin Treatment Center
04.2017 - 03.2018
Sole Proprietor - Advanced Communications Technologies
12.2014 - 09.2020
Negotiator/Case Manager - LitFrogs
08.2013 - 12.2018
Customer Service Manager - Prima Fleur Botanicals, Inc.
06.2012 - 08.2013
Legal Secretary/Litigation Paralegal Internship - Terry Carlson Law
10.2011 - 06.2012
Office Manager - HouseSaversDeckMasters
08.2007 - 04.2010
Partner/Managing Director - Sign-A-Rama, Nationwide Sign Franchise
01.2006 - 08.2007
Sole Proprietor - SusieBrown Public Relations
05.2000 - 12.2006
Director of Sales and Marketing/Crew Trainer - NACIO Systems
05.1998 - 05.2000
Chaffey College - Transfer Units, Business Management
College of Marin - Transfer Units, Business Administration And Management
MTI College - Paralegal Assoiciate of Art Degree, Legal Studies
Los Altos High School - High School Diploma,