Lawrence "Larry" Gates
Rexford,NY
Summary
Accomplished General Manager at Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales & Service, adept in operations management and leadership, significantly enhancing service revenue and team productivity. Expert in fostering strong relationships and implementing effective problem resolution strategies. Demonstrated ability to drive profitability and employee satisfaction, with a keen focus on achieving strategic goals and customer satisfaction.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales & Service
08.2020 - 10.2024
- Managed day to day operations of multiple service locations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of service technicians and mid level managers, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase service revenue and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with fire departments, municipalities, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Created, developed, and implemented a bonus program for service technicians based efficiency
Service Manager
Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales and Service
02.2013 - 08.2020
- Resolved customer complaints in professional and timely manner.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for continued patronage.
- Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet business goals.
- Worked with company owners to focus on growth and profitability of the service department
- Converted, corrected grammer and converted service work orders to invoices.
Lead Service Technician
Vander Molen Fire Apparatus
12.2010 - 02.2013
- Provided exceptional customer service by clearly communicating timelines, expectations, and results throughout the entire service process.
- Led troubleshooting efforts for urgent issues requiring immediate resolution while maintaining clear communication lines with affected parties.
- Enhanced team productivity, conducting thorough training sessions for new technicians.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize risks associated with servicing high-voltage electrical systems or hazardous materials.
- Hired and trained new service technicians
- Processed all service tech work orders and converted to invoices.
Section Leader
United States Marine Corps
08.1990 - 08.1996
- Mentored junior staff members, contributing to their professional growth while enhancing team performance overall.
- Delegated tasks appropriately to ensure optimal utilization of team member skills and capabilities.
- Adapted quickly to changing circumstances or unforeseen obstacles encountered during project execution, demonstrating resilience under pressure while continuing forward momentum towards achieving desired outcomes.
- Collaborated with senior NCO's and Company Officers to develop strategic plans that aligned with company objectives.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management
Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady, NY06-1999
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Operations Management
- Team Player
- Profit and Loss
Accomplishments
- Supervision - Supervised sales team to monitor sales activity and goal achievement.
- Staffing - Worked directly with Human Resources to streamline hiring and onboarding process.
- Business Development: - Spearheaded acquisition of two competitor companies.Established and managed partner relationships on a daily basis. Developed new marketing strategy which increased customer base by 23%.
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
Certification
- NY Commerical Class B Driver's License
- First Aid Certification
- Forklift Certification
- Multiple EVT certifications
- NY State Group 1,2 & 3 Inspectors License
- Navy Achievement Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Timeline
General Manager
Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales & Service
08.2020 - 10.2024
Service Manager
Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales and Service
02.2013 - 08.2020
Lead Service Technician
Vander Molen Fire Apparatus
12.2010 - 02.2013
Section Leader
United States Marine Corps
08.1990 - 08.1996
- NY Commerical Class B Driver's License
- First Aid Certification
- Forklift Certification
- Multiple EVT certifications
- NY State Group 1,2 & 3 Inspectors License
- Navy Achievement Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management
Schenectady County Community College
Similar Profiles
SUSAN OBERSCHLAKESUSAN OBERSCHLAKE
Office Manager at Fire Apparatus Service & Repair, Inc.Office Manager at Fire Apparatus Service & Repair, Inc.
Ethan BradfordEthan Bradford
Fire Engine Tech at Outback Fire ApparatusFire Engine Tech at Outback Fire Apparatus
Robert LiberatoreRobert Liberatore
Outisde Sales at Premier Fire ApparatusOutisde Sales at Premier Fire Apparatus