Mara Castro
Avondale,AZ
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Advisor
Ride Now Powersports
09.2023 - Current
- Educate customers on proper vehicle maintenance, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and loyalty.
- Maintained detailed records of services performed, ensuring accuracy in billing and warranty claims processing.
- Manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
- Consistently meeting or exceeding monthly targets by upselling relevant products/services when appropriate.
- Conduct thorough vehicle inspections to identify needed maintenance or repairs, recommending appropriate services to customers.
- Coordinate\ effectively with technicians and management staff, ensuring seamless communication throughout the entire service process.
- Examine and provide initial inspection of vehicle at the time of drop off to identify potential issues.
- Increased repeat business, establishing rapport and trust with customers through attentive listening and clear communication.
- Suggested add-on services that would be helpful to customers and improve bottom line.
- Assisted in training new Service Advisors, sharing best practices for effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborated with parts department to expedite necessary repairs, minimizing downtime for customers'' vehicles.
- Ensured high-quality service delivery by closely monitoring work progress and promptly addressing any issues or concerns.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling for improved efficiency and increased daily appointments.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
Production & Installation Manager
Cornerstone Building Brands
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Led initiative to remove deficit for over 230 doors at the time of being hired
- Formulated a strategy to keep production on cadence while reducing labor costs by over $200k per year
- Trained and mentored three department managers within the facility
- Managed 6 direct reports and 112 indirect reports
- Implemented processes and procedures to be more efficient throughout various areas of manufacturing
- Implemented a training and certification program to help associates grow within the organization
- Execution of additional duties asked of me by superiors
- Assisted Human Resources by conducting 51 New Hire Orientations
- Trained 24 new hires on strict manufacturing safety protocols reducing TRIR by 2% YOY
- Developed and executed plans for reorganization of several departments within facility
- Absorbed responsibility of various departments during leadership turnover
- Implemented a recovery plan to get glass department back on cadence of efficiency resulting of saving of $1.1 million per year
- Developed safer practices through processes in various departments, modified established safety policies as well as drafted of new policies
- Displayed problem solving skills throughout various challenges such as material shortages, staff shortages, a company RIF, managing labors hours for various departments during low volume seasons
- Conducted a value stream mapping in the Bath Department, highlighting opportunities for savings resulting in $500k per year in labor, $120K in fuel per year, and $280k in maintenance of fleet per year.
- Oversaw quality control measures during installations, identifying potential issues early on to minimize costly rework later.
- Conducted thorough post-installation inspections to verify adherence to design specifications and client expectations.
- Streamlined installation processes for increased productivity and reduced project timelines.
Production Supervisor
Dormakaba
05.2017 - 05.2022
- Oversaw the entire production floor for various shifts with an average of ninety associates throughout production, quality control, and shipping
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed seventeen machine operators and upkeep on a variety of machines
- Oversaw employee training initiatives to ensure all team members were proficient in company procedures, safety regulations, ANSI standards, and job-specific tasks.
- Held daily meetings to reinforce best safety practices and proper ergonomics to reduce lost time
- Mentored team members through regular feedback and performance evaluations, leading to professional growth and skill development.
- Improved product quality by monitoring production processes, conducting inspections, and initiating corrective actions as needed.
- Coordinated and optimized workflow through paint and shipping areas to keep orders staged and packaged together for efficiency of loading
- Acquired and scheduled various broker services to contract trucks for shipments throughout the continental United States
- Processed and created outbound deliveries per customer specification or shipping method
- Implemented safety protocols and conducted regular audits, achieving a reduction in workplace accidents and incidents.
- Recognized and awarded for response during life-saving safety incident.
General Manager
Cash Time Loan Centers
03.2005 - 04.2017
- Managed and oversaw a team of fifty employees and eight remote locations
- Ensured all loans that were being completed were state and federally compliant
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations for business to business partnerships
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Counted large sums of cash, checks, and money transfers for nightly balancing, prepared bank deposits and currency pickups
- Managed and reconciled petty cash monthly totaling $5000
- Ordered and maintained an inventory of supply room with supplies for entire building that housed multiple departments
- Prepared repossessed vehicles to be sold at auctions, communicating directly with auction personnel, and processing auction proceeds when vehicles were sold
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Successfully Opened two store front locations & managed at five different locations over twelve years.
Education
BBA - Organizational Business Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL10.2023
Distinguished Graduate of Leadership Essentials -
10 Week Course
05.2023
High School Diploma -
Parker High School
Parker, AZ05.2004
Skills
- Bilingual: read, speak, and write both English and Spanish
- Masterful public speaker
- Servant Leader
- Skillful Trainer
- Cincinnati Certified Brake Press Operator
- Innovative Thinker
- Active Communicator
- Organizational know-how
- Collaborative talent
- Self-Starter
- Encouraging Attitude
- Multitasking and Organization
- Computer Skills
- Customer Service
Certification
CPR and First Aid, 7 years
Activities
My time is spent with my amazing family my wife Cassondra, and my three wonderful children Dominick, Princess Allessondra, and Princess-Aubreyanna. Any other free time I may have is usually spent sleeping because my family & kids never stop
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancement4-day work weekFlexible work hoursWork from home optionPersonal development programsLanguages
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Service Advisor
Ride Now Powersports
09.2023 - Current
Production & Installation Manager
Cornerstone Building Brands
06.2022 - 08.2023
Production Supervisor
Dormakaba
05.2017 - 05.2022
General Manager
Cash Time Loan Centers
03.2005 - 04.2017
BBA - Organizational Business Management
Columbia Southern University
Distinguished Graduate of Leadership Essentials -
10 Week Course
High School Diploma -
Parker High School