Creative Business Owner with exceptional background spent in the online marketplace and public communications. More than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, with measurable success working in truly competitive and demanding environments. Dedicated to customer satisfaction and business development with a personable, engaging demeanor. Talented in building sales and maintaining a strong returning customer base.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner/Operator
Ragg & Bone Shop
09.2008 - Current
Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability.
Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
Created and implemented business budget planning, personally responsible for all accounting functions, purchasing, and materials sourcing financial needs.
Served as primary point-of-contact with suppliers and contractors to achieve inventory expectations.
Create realistic budgets based upon income and expenditures for successfully operating sole-proprietor business.
Monitored production performance, cost efficiency for new product development.
Employed prompt decision-making and in-depth research to resolve issues and create lasting customer satisfaction. Averaging 5 star ratings throughout 3600 customer reviews and 7600 sales.
Devised and deployed sales and marketing tactics to drive strategic growth and support achievement of revenue goals.
Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports. Produced annual tax returns and managed all credit, utility and materials supply accounts.
Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships. Building a strong returning customer base with many returning for hundreds of purchases.
Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Lead Cake Decorator-Baker
Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival
03.2006 - 08.2007
Designed specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, and graduations. Helping Festival Brand design signature products, implementing standardized production procedures and requirements for maintaining quality and marketing of those products.
Communicated directly with incredible variety of specialty customers. Handled high levels of phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders, and ordering conflicts.
Managed material inventory and ordered new materials when needed.
Verified accuracy of orders while meeting strict deadlines on producing completed products, using reasonable planning and preparation to enhance customer satisfaction.
Used variety of baking and decorating tools such as mixers, carving tools, and confectionery products.
Precisely arranged display cases throughout workday to highlight finished products.
Researched and tested new cake recipes to expand product line of bakery and provide more selections to customers.
Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
Trained new employees on bakery methods and procedures.
Baker
People's Food Co-op
01.2005 - 03.2006
Produced consistently high-quality baked goods for customers.
Operated and maintained bakery equipment, including ovens and mixers.
Complied with health and safety codes to protect staff and customers.
Collaborated with team members to complete tasks and maintain smooth running of bakery.
Packaged and labeled baked goods with accurate descriptions and ingredients.
Resolved customer concerns with positive approach and constructive strategies.
Coordinated food deliveries to guarantee timely arrival of supplies.
Analyzed customer preferences to design and create tailored products.
Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
Managed display cases to verify freshness and attractiveness of products.
Library Assistant
University Of Wisconsin Masters Extension
02.2003 - 12.2004
Organized library shelves, materials and equipment in clear, alphabetized order.
Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at circulation desk. Processing over 2500 books per day.
Placed books on proper shelves when returned to circulation.
Located library materials, resources and technologies to fulfill patron requests.
Developed library displays and implemented research activities for improved community engagement.
Purchase and cataloged materials based on Masters in Education Student fields of interest.
Handmade Crafts Artist
All Seasons Workshop
01.1992 - 02.2002
Designed and constructed a variety of craft items. Cut materials according to specifications in preparation for assembly, finishing and packaging.
Trade show engagements, set up and sales for 52 shows per year.
Researching and implementing strategies for direct sales and customer service enhancement to meet sales objectives.
Planned projects by identifying necessary equipment, tools, and required assistance.
Kept tools, equipment and work areas properly maintained.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Library Clerk
La Crosse Public Library
01.1994 - 01.1996
Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at circulation desk.
Located library materials, resources and technologies to fulfill patron requests.
Assisted patrons with printing and copying according to personalized requirements.
Answered patron questions in-person or by phone regarding library services and resources.
Processed library card applications and maintained patron records with accurate contact information.
Organized library shelves, materials and equipment in clear, alphabetized order.
Set up computer and digital device access, providing assistance with use and operation.
Compiled and submitted library activity and performance reports for improved insight.
Maintained and updated patron records in library system database.
Located desired customer items through interlibrary loan system and coordinated deliveries.
Communicated with other local and regional branches to locate materials for inter-library loans.
Education
Business Communications
American College of Art And Design
London, England
General Liberal Arts
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
La Crosse, WI
Fine Arts
Minneapolis College of Art And Design
Minneapolis, MN
Skills
Small Business Process Optimization
Financial Planning Reporting and Management
Sales Tactics, Negotiation and Persuasion
Competitor Trend Research
Resources Allocation, Purchasing and Planning
Business Policies and Procedures Development
Extensive Customer Service, relations, and relationship building
Strategic Decision-Making
Cost Analysis and Savings
Driven and Determined Entrepreneurial Personality
Timeline
Business Owner/Operator
Ragg & Bone Shop
09.2008 - Current
Lead Cake Decorator-Baker
Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival
03.2006 - 08.2007
Baker
People's Food Co-op
01.2005 - 03.2006
Library Assistant
University Of Wisconsin Masters Extension
02.2003 - 12.2004
Library Clerk
La Crosse Public Library
01.1994 - 01.1996
Handmade Crafts Artist
All Seasons Workshop
01.1992 - 02.2002
Business Communications
American College of Art And Design
General Liberal Arts
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Fine Arts
Minneapolis College of Art And Design
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