Melinda Wright
Athens,MI
Summary
Experienced with transportation safety management, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and standards, and traffic laws, I safely and successfully drive and deliver precious cargo, while consistently using extreme care and attention with my vehicles, load, and surroundings.
I Utilize comprehensive safety audits and risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential hazards. I have a proven track record of implementing learned skills and safety training and I am committed to continuous education safety improvement.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Consultant/Independent Contractor
Pampered Chef
MICHIGAN
10.2025 - Current
- Assisted in gathering and analyzing client requirements to support project development.
- Supported team in preparing presentation materials for client meetings and workshops.
- Conducted market research to identify industry trends and inform strategic recommendations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on project objectives and deliverables.
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Enhanced communication among team members to foster collaborative and supportive work environment.
School Bus Driver
Union City Community Schools
Union City, MI
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Operated school bus safely, ensuring timely transport of students to and from school.
- Monitored student behavior during transit, promoting a safe and respectful environment.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections, identifying and reporting maintenance issues promptly.
- Maintained accurate logs of mileage and hours driven, complying with safety regulations.
- Communicated effectively with parents and school staff regarding transportation schedules and concerns.
- Assisted in training new drivers on operational protocols and safety procedures.
- Implemented efficient route planning, optimizing travel time while ensuring student safety.
- Responded quickly to emergencies, demonstrating strong decision-making skills under pressure.
- Completed pre-trip and post-trip bus inspections and documented info in vehicle logs.
- Demonstrated professionalism at all times while engaging with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators alike during daily duties.
- Provided a positive environment for students during transportation, fostering respectful interactions and promoting good behavior.
- Assisted in maintaining bus cleanliness with regular sanitizing and disinfecting.
- Transported passengers safely along prescribed routes according to tight schedules.
- Enhanced student safety by strictly adhering to bus routes and schedules, as well as enforcing established behavior guidelines.
- Ensured proper bus equipment functionality through regular checks of lights, signals, mirrors, brakes, tires, and other essential components.
- Complied with all relevant state and federal regulations regarding school transportation services, ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times.
- Obeyed federal, State and local traffic laws and regulations to enable safe transportation outcomes for participants.
- Developed positive relationships with students, faculty and parents to support continuous rapport and communication.
- Demonstrated strict adherence to safety regulations and traffic laws to safeguard passengers.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected situations such as road closures or detours while maintaining composure under pressure to ensure timely arrivals at destinations.
- Reported vehicle maintenance and repair issues to appropriate personnel for timely resolution.
- Collaborated with school administrators to address any behavioral issues arising during transportation effectively.
- Adhered to scheduled routes and accomplished timely drop-offs and pick-ups to comply with preset route criteria.
- Maintained State driver's license to enable legal operation of school buses for student transport, field trips, and other purposes.
- Assisted in emergency preparedness drills, demonstrating appropriate evacuation procedures to students and staff members.
- Communicated information to parents to promote good communication and transparency.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and safety regulations.
- Upheld high standards of cleanliness for the school bus interior by performing regular cleaning tasks after each trip.
- Improved on-time performance with efficient route planning, taking into consideration traffic patterns and weather conditions.
- Coordinated closely with colleagues during field trips or special events to provide seamless transportation services for all participants involved.
- Reduced vehicle maintenance costs by conducting daily pre-trip inspections and promptly reporting any necessary repairs or concerns.
- Collaborated with school officials to update and optimize bus routes, meeting evolving needs of school community.
- Increased awareness of safety protocols among students with engaging and informative presentations at beginning of school year.
Professional Photographer/Sole Proprietor
(SELF)Wright Way Fine Fotographi
Michigan & Indiana
01.2002 - 04.2020
- Captured high-quality images for diverse client projects, ensuring alignment with artistic vision and client expectations.
- Developed creative concepts for photoshoots, enhancing visual storytelling through innovative techniques.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their needs and translate them into compelling photographic content.
- Edited and retouched images using industry-standard software, achieving polished final products ready for publication.
- Managed equipment inventory, ensuring optimal functionality and availability for all scheduled shoots.
- Established streamlined workflows that improved efficiency in photo editing and project turnaround time.
- Led client presentations showcasing portfolios, effectively communicating artistic vision and securing new business opportunities.
- Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
- Optimized studio lighting setups to achieve desired visual effects for diverse photoshoots.
- Conducted pre-production meetings with clients to establish goals and expectations for each project.
- Mastered various photography techniques, consistently producing visually stunning images.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering high-quality photographs for various events and projects.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision, resulting in tailored photography services.
- Managed correspondence with clients, documented interactions and tracked data transfers with manual and automated strategies.
- Established a strong online presence through an updated portfolio website, attracting new clients.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Developed customized photography packages to cater to diverse client needs and budgets.
- Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
- Built lasting relationships with vendors in the industry, leading to valuable partnerships and referrals over time.
- Incorporated feedback from clients effectively into future work, demonstrating an adaptive approach towards photographic styles.
- Implemented efficient file management systems, enabling quick access to archived photographs for clients when needed.
Independent Contractor
Advantage Sales And Marketing
Southern Michigan & Northern Indiana
06.2011 - 01.2014
- Collaborated with team members to execute promotional events and product demonstrations.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring product availability and accuracy in stock records.
- Trained new team members on company policies and operational procedures for efficiency.
- Assisted in developing marketing strategies to enhance product visibility in retail environments.
- Fostered relationships with clients and vendors to support business objectives and enhance collaboration.
- Delivered outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, keeping them informed of progress updates or any potential issues that arose.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and offering solutions that met their needs.
- Adapted quickly to changing demands or unforeseen challenges within a project''s scope without compromising results.
- Offered creative problem-solving techniques when faced with unexpected obstacles during the course of a project.
- Maintained detailed records of project progress, expenses, and communications for accurate invoicing and future reference.
- Utilized specialized software tools when necessary to enhance productivity or meet specific client requirements.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
Independent Contractor
News America Marketing
Michigan & Indiana
02.2009 - 05.2011
- Managed servicing of tobacco product lines across retail convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations.
- Managed transportation and distribution of products and advertising materials using a personally owned, licensed, and insured vehicle.
- Managed documentation, rotation, cleaning, and stocking of tobacco products.
- Monitored product quality by inspecting freshness, expiration dates, and date codes. Supported compliance with best sales policies to enhance customer satisfaction. Assisted in maintaining inventory standards for optimal product turnover.
- Executed removal of outdated products from sales availability, ensuring inventory accuracy.
- Conducted comprehensive research and delivered insightful responses to surveys focused on inventory and sales analysis.
- Captured and documented physical observations along with photographic evidence.
- Recorded job details, hours worked, and travel distances into accounting software to maintain accurate records. Supported team by inputting essential data for project tracking. Assisted in ensuring timely updates of work logs and travel documentation.
Forklift Operator
Eaton Corporation
Marshall, Michigan
02.1994 - 12.2001
- Operated forklifts and material handling equipment to transport goods efficiently within warehouse environment.
- Conducted regular safety checks on equipment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulations.
- Assisted in loading and unloading shipments, verifying accuracy of inventory against shipping documents.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain clean, organized workspaces, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Participated in training new staff on safe forklift operation and best practices for material handling.
- Safely loaded and unloaded trucks using appropriate forklift attachments, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Maintained accurate records of daily activities, contributing to effective communication between shifts and departments.
- 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.
- Wrapped pallets in plastic wrap and attached merchandise tags to prepare for shipping.
- Transported goods between warehouse locations according to shipment and storage needs.
- Operated forklift in compliance with OSHA guidelines and organizational policies.
- Operated equipment safely and efficiently to prevent damage to items and avoid injuries.
- Unloaded and stacked materials by raising and lowering lifting devices.
- Maneuvered forklift safely using appropriate load rates and maintaining clear visibility of work areas.
- 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.
- Communicated with floor managers to determine merchandise placement.
- Enhanced workplace safety by diligently inspecting forklifts before each shift and reporting any issues promptly.
- Maintained optimal inventory levels with precise forklift operation and proper storage techniques.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by accurately picking orders from storage areas.
- Coordinated with other lift truck drivers and production personnel to process orders efficiently.
- Maneuvered forklift safely in congested and confined areas using Skill and Technique.
- Used strapping and bracing techniques combined with proper balancing to prevent load shifting.
- Inspected equipment for defects and performed repairs or maintenance tasks.
- Expedited order fulfillment with proficient navigation of narrow aisles during the picking process without causing damage or delays.
- Prevented stock discrepancies by performing routine inventory checks using both manual methods and automated systems.
- Increased storage efficiency with strategic pallet stacking and goods placement.
- Enhanced operational efficiency, regularly updating skills through company-provided training sessions.
- Facilitated collaborative work environment, readily assisting colleagues in heavy lifting tasks.
- Supported continuous operation by performing minor maintenance on forklifts, preventing downtime.
- Promoted culture of safety, conducting informal peer training on forklift operation safety standards.
- Optimized fuel usage and maintenance costs by operating forklifts in economical manner.
- Supported inventory accuracy, assisting in periodic stock counts and audits.
- Ensured timely movement of products to designated areas, leading to smoother warehouse operation.
- Operated machinery to ensure efficient production flow and meet daily targets.
Education
TANKER (N) ENDORSEMENT - CDL-B TANKER (N) HAZMAT
Midwest Truck Driving Institute
Michigan SOS02.2026
CDL-B, P, S - Federal Department of Transportation
Union City Community Schools Transportation Department
Union City, MI01.2021
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership & development
- Client relationships
- Integrity and honesty
- Strategic planning
- Customer relationship management
- Public speaking
- Client engagement
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Continuous improvement
- Client rapport
- Best practices implementation
- Cultural awareness
- Business planning
- Change management
- Process optimization
- Timeline development
- Performance tracking
- Management coaching
- Event Hosting
Certification
February 9, 2026 I successfully added TANKER (N) Endorsement to my Michigan CDL-B and currently enrolled in qualified Hazmat Training program.
Timeline
Consultant/Independent Contractor
Pampered Chef
10.2025 - Current
School Bus Driver
Union City Community Schools
09.2020 - 06.2022
Independent Contractor
Advantage Sales And Marketing
06.2011 - 01.2014
Independent Contractor
News America Marketing
02.2009 - 05.2011
Professional Photographer/Sole Proprietor
(SELF)Wright Way Fine Fotographi
01.2002 - 04.2020
Forklift Operator
Eaton Corporation
02.1994 - 12.2001
TANKER (N) ENDORSEMENT - CDL-B TANKER (N) HAZMAT
Midwest Truck Driving Institute
CDL-B, P, S - Federal Department of Transportation
Union City Community Schools Transportation Department