I love to work in my garden, grow flowers and vegetables, spend time with my children and my husband I love to fish any chance that I can, day or night I have many cats and dogs that I love dearly and that I directly care for I love to travel when I can I am quite handy with DIY projects, and I have my own tools I enjoy creative outlets such as crafting also I believe that environmental stewardship and conservation is paramount Leave this world a little better place than one found it
Paula Skaggs
Milledgeville,GA
Summary
As a native of Milledgeville, Georgia I have been inclined to return to the area after living elsewhere for several years. I have strong work ethics and feel the need to make a difference in whatever task I take on. I am capable of working alone, but would much rather be a part of a team, having the opportunity to share and build upon my ideas and experience and the ideas and experience of others. I have the ability to follow orders, and requests, whether printed or verbal, to meet the sought after results. I am seeking a position to offer me challenged, new experiences, and rewards for meeting them. I have been involved with horticulture, plant management, greenhouse operations and management, and customer service for over 30 years. I feel my experience , knowledge, training and constant pursuit of more knowledge in this field could bring great value to the company. I do realize that there is always room for more education, training, improvement and experience. I hope to pass along some of this knowledge to other team members to further benefit the company. Hardworking and passionate , fully capable and eager to step up to the task at hand.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Floral Designer /Plant Head
Floral Fantasy of the Keys
10.2021 - 01.2025
- Designed custom plant orders and floral arrangements for events, enhancing client satisfaction and aesthetic appeal.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision, translating ideas into tangible floral and plant designs.
- Managed inventory of flowers, plants and supplies, ensuring optimal stock levels for operational efficiency.
- Created visually impactful displays for retail space, driving customer engagement and sales growth.
- Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for large-scale orders, coordinating logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation of arrangements.
- Increased repeat business with exceptional customer service and personalized floral and plant recommendations.
Floral Designer, Plant Grower /Plant Maintenance Supervisor
Independent Contractor
10.2016 - 10.2021
- Designed custom floral and plant arrangements for various events, both at corporate and residential levels incorporating client /corporate preferences and seasonal availability.
- Collaborated with clients to determine needs and budget considerations, ensuring satisfaction with final products.
- Oversaw logistics for delivery and setup of floral and plant items at venues, ensuring timely execution of services.
- Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers, to ensure complete satisfaction with products.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for large-scale orders, coordinating logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation of arrangements and plants.
- Managed pest control programs to ensure plant health.
- Developed effective pruning strategies, leading to healthier plants and more productive flowering.
- Educated employees and members of public on plant biology and health.
- Unloaded plants and nursery items from delivery trucks.
- Planted bulbs, trees, bushes, and flowers for residential and commercial clients.
- Mulched gardens, and adjusted soils to provide optimal growth potential.
- Managed wide variety of plants, from seedlings to mature specimens, keeping soils and planting beds healthy and conducive for growth for residential and commercial clients.
Manager of Garden Center and Plant Nursery
Living Color Garden Center/Black Olive Nursery
03.2008 - 10.2016
- Oversaw daily operations, and associates, ensuring high standards of customer service and product quality.
- Enhanced product quality by instituting rigorous quality control procedures, resulting in fewer customer complaints.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and ensure timely deliveries.
- Streamlined operational processes, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency in the garden center.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Managed inventory levels, implementing efficient stock replenishment processes.
- Maximized product knowledge to all associates and customers with thoughtful care and consideration
Manufacturing Production Associate
Vought Aircraft
10.2007 - 03.2008
- Operated machinery to ensure efficient production of aircraft components.
- Conducted quality inspections to maintain adherence to industry standards.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline assembly processes and reduce downtime.
- Made sure that products were produced on time and are of good quality.
- Operated complex machinery efficiently while adhering to all safety guidelines set forth by the company and regulatory agencies.
- Assembled products according to changing daily work orders and specific customer needs.
- Consistently met production targets through effective time management, prioritization of tasks, and teamwork.
Cashier /Merchandise Stocker
Walmart
01.2007 - 10.2007
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer balances through regular reconciliation.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and resolved issues promptly.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and safety procedures during operations.
Owner/Operator/Manager
Lexis' Flower Box
10.2006 - 05.2007
- Designed and curated floral arrangements for diverse occasions, enhancing customer satisfaction and store reputation.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely procurement of fresh flowers and supplies to meet customer demand.
- Developed marketing strategies utilizing social media platforms to increase brand visibility and attract new customers.
- Trained and supervised staff in best practices for floral design, customer service, and operational efficiency.
- Established strong supplier relationships to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices, optimizing operational costs.
- Managed day-to-day business operations including payroll
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Optimized supply chain operations, negotiating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Coordinated logistics for timely delivery of products, optimizing route planning and scheduling.
- Oversaw inventory management, resulting in reduced waste and optimized stock levels.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that benefited the company''s bottom line.
Floral Department Associate
Kroger
08.2005 - 09.2006
- Assisted in daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory levels, coordinating restocking efforts to maintain product availability.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance store presentation and merchandising standards.
- Analyzed sales data to support inventory management decisions and promotional strategies.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally, resulting in increased satisfaction rates.
- Regularly maintained inventory levels by reviewing stock availability and placing timely orders.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
Shift Supervisor
Stantex
10.2005 - 07.2006
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and company policies.
- Trained and mentored team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Coordinated shift schedules to optimize workforce efficiency and meet production goals.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow and reduced operational delays.
- Supervisor of creation and shipping of chenille yarn
- Managed inventory levels to ensure timely availability of materials for production needs.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration.
- Conducted routine inspections to check quality and compliance with established specifications.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Walked through department multiple times each shift to evaluate and correct issues such as cleaning and stock replenishment needs.
Manufacturing Assembly Technician
Vought Aircraft
10.2000 - 11.2002
- Operated assembly tools and equipment to assemble aircraft components efficiently.
- Inspected finished products for quality assurance and compliance with specifications.
- Collaborated with engineers to troubleshoot assembly issues and implement solutions.
- Participated in regular performance reviews enabling continuous professional development through constructive feedback and goal-setting activities.
- Reduced assembly errors through thorough quality control checks and adherence to standard operating procedures.
- Increased production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing techniques and optimizing assembly processes.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new skills required for changing job responsibilities or evolving industry demands.
- Played an active role in problem-solving efforts aimed at identifying root causes behind defects or inefficiencies within the manufacturing process, helping implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Maintained detailed records of production data allowing for accurate tracking of progress towards goals and identification of areas requiring improvement.
- Followed protocols to enhance protection and maintain safe work environment.
- Stocked and replenished parts used on assembly line to maintain consistent supply and inventory.
- Completed durable assemblies and subassemblies with hand and power tools.
- Assembled components with minimal supervision, exceeding expected project milestones.
- Documented production data and output to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Assembled production parts with high degree of accuracy and precision using hand and power tools.
- Utilized blueprints, schematics and diagrams to accurately complete tasks.
- Coordinated with other departments to complete projects within deadline.
- Maintained detailed records of production and assembly processes.
Floral Designer
Freelance /Independent Contractor
10.1984 - 10.2000
- Designed custom floral arrangements for various events, ensuring client satisfaction and aesthetic appeal.
- Collaborated with clients to understand vision and preferences, translating ideas into unique designs.
- Worked in several cities: Milledgeville, Ga. Gray, Ga., Eatonton, Ga.,Jefferson, Ga., Athens , Ga.
- Implemented efficient workflow processes, reducing turnaround time for order fulfillment while maintaining quality standards.
- Established strong client relationships through exceptional service and follow-up consultations, leading to repeat business opportunities.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences.
- Managed inventory effectively, ensuring optimal levels of fresh flowers and supplies while minimizing waste.
- Transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions, comprising weddings, funerals, and banquets.
- Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
- Quoted, generated, and processed customer orders to meet specifications and various occasions.
- Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and consistently delivering high-quality floral arrangements.
- Maintained detailed records of client consultations, design specifications, order details, and invoicing information for seamless communication across the team.
- Prepared potted plants and bouquets based on customer requirements.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of needs, characteristics, and varieties of flowers and greenery used in shop to inform arrangement decisions and provide information to customers.
- Provided expert care instructions to customers, extending life of their floral or plant purchases.
Education
High School Diploma -
Baldwin High School
Milledgeville, GA06-1983
Skills
- Sales and marketing
- Floral shop assistance
- Greenhouse operations and management
- Floral design
- Plant care
- Horticulture
- Order management
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 26 staff members while working as greenhouse manager and customer service manager at Living Color Garden Center in Ft. Lauderdale Florida.
- Achieved exceptional ratings from commercial and residential customers by completing landscaping and plant maintenance task with accuracy and efficiency .
- Documented and resolved plant care and plant needs which led to commercial and residential customers extreme satisfaction and resulted in repeat customers and contact renewal in commercial settings
Interests
Timeline
Floral Designer /Plant Head
Floral Fantasy of the Keys
10.2021 - 01.2025
Floral Designer, Plant Grower /Plant Maintenance Supervisor
Independent Contractor
10.2016 - 10.2021
Manager of Garden Center and Plant Nursery
Living Color Garden Center/Black Olive Nursery
03.2008 - 10.2016
Manufacturing Production Associate
Vought Aircraft
10.2007 - 03.2008
Cashier /Merchandise Stocker
Walmart
01.2007 - 10.2007
Owner/Operator/Manager
Lexis' Flower Box
10.2006 - 05.2007
Shift Supervisor
Stantex
10.2005 - 07.2006
Floral Department Associate
Kroger
08.2005 - 09.2006
Manufacturing Assembly Technician
Vought Aircraft
10.2000 - 11.2002
Floral Designer
Freelance /Independent Contractor
10.1984 - 10.2000
High School Diploma -
Baldwin High School