Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Websites
Volunteer Endeavors
References
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Natalie Brown

Woodstock,Illinois
Natalie Brown

Summary

Accomplished operations manager with over 20 years of experience leading teams, streamlining processes, and managing complex logistics across the restaurant and office management sectors. Currently completing a degree in Applied Science of Horticulture, combining decades of high-level management with a passion for plants, garden design, and sustainable landscaping. Skilled in vendor coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and team training — all of which translate directly into efficient garden project execution and client-focused service. Actively building hands-on experience in plant care, seasonal garden maintenance, and landscape design, with a goal of bringing operational excellence to a career rooted in horticulture.

Overview

26
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Preferred Professional Plumbing
Lombard, IL

Office Manager
08.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Coordinated schedules for plumbing service technicians and office staff to optimize productivity.
  • Maintained inventory of office supplies and ordered replacements as needed to support operations.
  • Assisted in preparing invoices and processing payments for plumbing services rendered.
  • Handled customer inquiries and complaints, providing prompt and professional responses.
  • Developed filing systems to organize documents and improve information retrieval efficiency.
  • Implemented scheduling software to streamline appointment bookings for plumbing services.
  • Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
  • Answered phone calls, responded to emails, routed mail and coordinated courier services.
  • Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
  • Monitored payments due from clients and promptly contacted clients with past due payments.
  • Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
  • Performed general bookkeeping duties such as reconciling bank statements and creating journal entries.

Bolder Lawns LLC
Villa Park, IL

Office Manager
05.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Managed client bookings and inquiries through various communication channels.
  • Coordinated appointments and meetings using advanced scheduling software.
  • Ensured compliance with local regulations pertaining to landscaping projects.
  • Provided support in resolving customer complaints related to landscaping services.
  • Communicated professionally with customers about their needs for landscaping services.
  • Assisted in scheduling weekly landscaping projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Assisted in the design, installation and maintenance of landscaping projects.

Portillo's Restaurant Group
Oak Brook, IL

Assistant Restaurant Manager
06.2001 - 01.2022

Job overview

Ensured staff adherence to standards while managing performance appraisals and providing daily feedback.

Drove sales through customer relationship-building, complaint resolution, and execution of local marketing initiatives.

Maintained turnover rate below 15% by recruiting, training, and supervising staff effectively.

Managed scheduling for over 100 employees while consistently meeting labor cost objectives.

Controlled food costs through strategic ordering and effective inventory management.

Oversaw payroll and timekeeping processes for accurate onboarding and terminations.

Maintained safe work environment by implementing proactive safety measures to reduce accident risks.

Managed vendor relationships to secure high-quality products at optimal prices.

The Lyman Group
Elmhurst, IL

Survey Assistant
02.1999 - 12.2001

Job overview

  • Executed manual and robotic field surveying techniques to ensure accuracy in results.
  • Assisted team members in analyzing survey data for comprehensive reporting.
  • Conducted surveys for diverse projects and clients, contributing to successful outcomes.

Education

College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL

Associate of Applied Science from Horticulture
06-2026

University Overview

  • Certificate in Landscape Design
  • Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural

College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL

Some College (No Degree) from General Studies

Skills

  • Problem solving
  • Effective communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Landscape design
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Project management
  • Plant maintenance
  • Customer service
  • Inventory management
  • Office management
  • Facility management
  • Presentation design
  • Performance improvement
  • Strategic planning
  • Staff hiring and training
  • Administrative oversight
  • Documentation control
  • Operations management
  • Bookkeeping and account reconciliation
  • Administrative support
  • Team scheduling and bonding
  • Customer engagement and relations

Affiliations

  • Gardening and Home Design
  • Woodworking
  • Reading
  • Ice Skating
  • Bargain Hunting
  • BeeKeeping
  • DIY

Certification

* IL Safety and Sanitation License Serve Safe

* TIPS and Basset License to serve alcohol

* Landscape Design

* Sustainable Agriculture

Languages

French
Elementary
Spanish
Professional

Volunteer Endeavors

  • Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity
  • Organized food donation from Restaurant to Churches and Charitys
  • Volunteered at Hinsdale Humane Society an animal Shelter
  • Volunteered At CLC to help remove invasive species

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Office Manager

Preferred Professional Plumbing
08.2022 - Current

Office Manager

Bolder Lawns LLC
05.2022 - Current

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Portillo's Restaurant Group
06.2001 - 01.2022

Survey Assistant

The Lyman Group
02.1999 - 12.2001

College of Lake County

Associate of Applied Science from Horticulture

College of DuPage

Some College (No Degree) from General Studies
Natalie Brown
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