Phillip Houston
Clinton Township,Michigan
Summary
An organized and motivated individual, eager to utilize time management and organizational skills across diverse settings. Seeking entry-level opportunities to enhance abilities while contributing to company growth. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Grounds Crew Member, Buildings Crew Member
huron clinton metroparks
Harrison Township, MI
05.2021 - Current
- Operated light construction equipment such as tractors, mowers, blowers, trimmers and other power tools.
- Performed regular maintenance of grounds, including mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, and planting.
- Conducted daily inspections of equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
- Removed debris from walkways and driveways with rakes or leaf blowers.
- Cleaned up work sites after each job was completed; disposed of trash properly.
- Assisted in the installation of new landscaping features such as trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
- Trained new employees in proper safety procedures related to groundskeeping activities.
- Participated in snow removal operations using shovels and snowblowers when necessary.
- Repaired fences, decks and other structures on the property when needed.
- Communicated with supervisors about any issues or concerns that arose during work hours.
- Collaborated with other crew members to complete large-scale projects efficiently.
- Assisted in the preparation of soil for seeding or sodding lawns.
- Operated landscaping equipment to maintain grounds and remove trees.
- Troubleshot mechanical issues and completed basic repairs to keep equipment working at peak levels.
- Pruned trees and bushes to improve visibility and shape.
- Applied mulch and burlap coverings to bushes and trees for winter.
- Maintained garden areas and landscaping greenery to enhance property appearance and plant health.
- Cleared pathways of overgrowth, debris, and snow to reduce hazards.
- Trimmed shrubbery and trees to help plants produce more flowers and fruit to benefit wildlife.
- Cut and trimmed lawns using power mowers and edgers.
- Performed preventative maintenance to keep equipment in excellent working condition.
- Pruned and trimmed trees and shrubs with shears and pruning saws.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas, tools, and equipment.
- Installed outdoor lighting systems to enhance the nighttime appearance of landscapes.
- Used hand tools to break up clumps of dirt, transplant seedlings and mix in fertilizers.
- Performed erosion control measures to protect landscape features and surrounding areas.
- Followed planned landscaping designs to lay sod, seed grass or plant flowers and foliage.
- Built pergolas, retaining walls, decks, and large, and small scale water features to enhance grounds.
- Planted trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers in decorative planters and displays.
- Pruned and trimmed trees and hedges with shears, pruners, or chain saws.
- Shoveled snow and spread salt on walkways and parking lots.
- Raked, mulched and composted leaves.
- Trimmed or edged around flower beds, walks, or walls.
- Trimmed flowers and cleaned flower beds.
- Maintained or repaired tools or equipment for safety and longevity.
- Decorated gardens, paths and beds with stones or plants.
- Provided proper upkeep of planters, paved areas or other grounds features.
- Built or maintained greenhouses, fences or benches,
- Watered lawns, plants, or trees, using sprinkler systems or watering cans as part of overall maintenance plan.
- Set support stakes and attached wires from planted trees.
- Cared for lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding or grubbing.
Head Custodian
Chippewa Valley School District
Clinton Township, MI
08.2003 - Current
- Monitored budget expenses related to custodial operations.
- Identified areas where improvements can be made in terms of efficiency or cost savings.
- Reported any damage or malfunctioning equipment to appropriate departments for repair or replacement.
- Trained new employees in proper use of custodial equipment and techniques.
- Planned preventative maintenance programs for all areas requiring routine upkeep.
- Maintained cleanliness and order in all facilities by sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, waxing, and polishing floors.
- Ensured the safety of personnel and equipment by regularly inspecting floors, walls, ceilings, lighting fixtures, and other areas for potential hazards.
- Investigated complaints from visitors regarding custodian service quality.
- Supervised daily activities of custodial staff members including setting goals and deadlines.
- Conducted regular inspections of custodial supplies to ensure adequate inventory levels.
- Created records of maintenance activities performed in each area.
- Scheduled periodic deep cleaning projects such as carpet shampooing or window washing.
- Provided assistance with special events held at the facility such as set-up, breakdown of chairs, tables, stages.
- Performed minor repairs on equipment such as plumbing systems and electrical wiring.
- Assigned tasks to custodial staff members based on their abilities and expertise.
- Evaluated performance of each employee through regular feedback sessions.
- Developed policies and procedures related to the maintenance of buildings and grounds.
- Dispensed cleaning materials to custodial staff members according to established procedures.
- Reviewed invoices from vendors for accuracy before submitting for payment.
- Prepared weekly work schedules for custodians ensuring coverage during peak times.
- Coordinated janitorial services with outside contractors when necessary.
- Implemented energy conservation measures throughout the building.
- Established positive working relationships with staff, supervisors and building occupants.
- Oversaw and facilitated general and preventive maintenance schedule across facility.
- Organized assignments and schedules for subordinates to cover daily and deep cleaning needs.
- Reported or resolved observed hazards observed and followed up to verify resolution.
- Kept building interiors appealing with routine deep cleaning of high-traffic areas.
- Monitored building access and secured premises by locking and unlocking entrances according to established schedule.
- Discarded cardboard boxes and trash in compactors and balers.
- Moved equipment and furniture to thoroughly clean space.
- Performed landscaping tasks and removed litter to maintain grounds.
- Operated industrial cleaning equipment to quickly complete custodial tasks.
- Checked and stocked inventory throughout facility to meet expected demands.
- Wet and spot mopped to clean floors and other surfaces in public corridors.
- Stripped, sealed, finished and polished floors to maintain longevity and health.
- Wiped down various surfaces with approved cleaning products to prevent growth of bacteria and viruses.
- Maintained janitorial equipment and performed minor repairs to extend machine life and avoid malfunctions.
- Maintained accountability for building keys, master keys and access cards.
- Set up and removed furniture, equipment and supplies required for meetings and special events.
- Notified building managers about needed repairs to maintain public safety.
- Handled, labeled, and safely stored various hazardous chemicals and solutions to prevent injuries.
- Vacuumed floors and dusted furniture to maintain organized, professional appearance.
- Checked inventory for required supplies and made lists for needed cleaning products.
- Addressed minor maintenance issues, reporting more serious conditions to supervisors for attention from maintenance technicians.
- Completed routine maintenance checks, notifying management of needed repairs.
- Inspected exterior and interior of building for service issues and reported damages and needed repairs to supervisor.
- Completed deep-cleaning floor buffing, carpet cleaning, duct cleaning and wall washing.
- Followed safety processes for all manual and electric cleaning equipment.
- Handled, mixed and stored chemical cleaners in compliance with safety requirements and standard operating procedures.
- Completed in-depth restroom cleanings to sanitize partitions, decorations, sinks, counters and mirrors.
- Pulled chewing gum from undersides of tables, desks, chairs and various other fixtures, discarding gum and sanitizing area.
- Kept business entrances clean, tidy and professional in appearance.
- Followed company uniform, performance and security policies with every job.
- Monitored supply levels and requested new items to maintain completing daily cleaning tasks.
- Followed chemical cleaner and power equipment procedures to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
- Monitored building security and safety by locking doors or avoiding hazards.
- Steam-cleaned or shampooed carpets.
- Polished windows, glass partitions or mirrors using sponges or squeegees.
- Mowed or trimmed lawns or shrubbery using mowers or hand or power trimmers.
- Moved furniture, equipment or supplies manually or with hand trucks.
- Cleaned building floors by sweeping, mopping or vacuuming.
- Dusted furniture, machines or equipment.
- Stripped, sealed and polished floors.
- Serviced, cleaned and restocked restrooms.
- Mixed water and detergents or acids to prepare cleaning solutions.
- Requisitioned supplies or equipment for cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Removed snow from sidewalks using snowplows, snow blowers or snow shovels.
- Cleared snow, leaves, trash and debris from steps, walkways and areas around building entrances and exits, maintaining cleanliness and appearance of premises.
- Notified managers of repair needs or additions to building operating systems.
Loss Prevention Manager
Meijer
Roseville, MI
05.1995 - 01.2004
- Reviewed incident reports from store personnel and investigated further when necessary.
- Conducted investigations into suspected internal and external theft cases, including interviewing personnel and witnesses.
- Developed and enforced loss prevention policies, procedures, and standards for all stores.
- Developed strategies for minimizing losses due to shoplifting or employee theft.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies on investigations involving criminal activity.
- Provided feedback to store management regarding potential risks or violations of security protocol.
- Monitored store surveillance systems to identify potential shoplifting incidents.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations such as robberies or other violent acts.
- Identified opportunities for improvements in existing security systems and processes within stores.
- Conducted periodic store visits to ensure compliance with established safety guidelines and procedures.
- Analyzed sales data trends to identify possible fraudulent transactions or discrepancies in inventory levels.
- Utilized computer databases to track information related to thefts, investigations, arrests.
- Assisted with the development of employee training programs related to loss prevention topics such as shoplifting awareness and fraud detection methods.
- Trained new employees on company security protocols and safety regulations.
- Served as liaison between corporate office, law enforcement agencies, and local businesses in order to prevent theft activities.
- Created reports summarizing losses due to theft or fraud for upper management review.
- Maintained a high level of customer service while enforcing loss prevention policies.
- Investigated suspicious activity at point-of-sale registers or other areas of the stores.
- Communicated investigation findings, areas of opportunity, and future prevention techniques to drive loss prevention improvements.
- Monitored loss prevention operations to minimize impact of shrink and identify theft and fraud.
- Conducted thorough investigations of theft-related issues with potential to impact company operations and objectives negatively.
- Obtained positions of increasing responsibility based on expertise in loss prevention and store operations.
- Monitored loss prevention operations to reduce impact of loss and identify theft and fraud.
- Reviewed loss prevention exception reports and cash discrepancies.
- Maintained documents of all loss prevention activity.
- Recommended loss investigation procedures to retail establishments.
- Developed and facilitated training programs and materials on loss prevention practices, policies and operations.
- Served as team lead for safety and loss prevention operations, teaching fellow employees various methods to prevent theft.
- Furnished insights and collaborated with leadership to develop loss prevention policies and initiatives.
- Prepared and reviewed paperwork associated with audits, shortage control programs, apprehensions, and disposition.
- Responded calmly and promptly to emergency conditions, safety hazards, and threats to life or property.
- Calculated response to detected theft attempts on basis of age and behavior of suspected perpetrator, erring on side of caution to insulate company from liability.
- Patrolled perimeter of property to observe and identify potential security risks and undesirable conditions
- Escorted undesirable persons off property to minimize security violations.
- Trained new staff on loss prevention strategies and company policies.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies during investigations and provided evidence as required.
- Prepared security reports to document and log theft, accidents and safety violations.
- Utilized loss prevention technologies to enhance security measures.
- Responded to emergencies to mitigate safety hazards, fires and threats to life or property.
- Watched for customer and employee theft, identifying shoplifters and signs of dishonesty.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies to minimize potential theft.
- Participated in loss prevention meetings and shared best practices.
- Monitored employees entering and leaving property, inspecting parcels or packages.
- Apprehended and detained shoplifters according to legal and company policies.
- Conducted exit inspections of staff and contractors to prevent internal theft.
- Documented evidence of attempted theft and recovered merchandise for use in loss prevention report generation.
- Implemented both individual and group training for executive and loss prevention personnel.
- Monitored and supervised customer's activities in store to detect signs of attempted theft.
- Interviewed individuals suspected of internal theft or shoplifting.
- Conducted regular audits of merchandise stock levels and monitored cash handling practices.
Customer Service Team Member
meijer
Roseville, MI
01.1990 - 05.1995
- Attended regular staff meetings designed to improve efficiency within the retail space.
- Kept abreast of current promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges as well as security practices.
- Created visual merchandising displays that showcased product features effectively.
- Maintained cleanliness of the store by organizing displays and cleaning up after customers.
- Organized backroom storage area including disposing of damaged items according to company policies.
- Ensured safety of the store environment at all times by following safety protocols established by the organization.
- Assisted customers with product selection, payment, and returns.
- Greeted customers and provided assistance to them in the store.
- Answered customer questions regarding products, prices, availability, product uses, and services.
- Managed fitting rooms ensuring all clothing was hung up neatly for customers to try on.
- Stocked shelves with merchandise and ensured that items were properly priced and labeled.
- Operated equipment such as scanners, computers, registers, wrapping machines. safely and efficiently according to instructions provided by management team members.
- Provided excellent customer service by listening to customer needs and offering solutions.
- Improved customer service feedback scores through outstanding service.
- Assisted in ringing up sales at registers and bagging merchandise.
- Arranged merchandise for display to highlight new styles, attract customers, and enhance sales.
- Monitored sales floor to identify customers in need of assistance and merchandise requiring replenishment.
- Maintained attractive merchandise displays to maximize purchases.
- Assisted in strategic planning and setup of merchandise displays to promote target products and attract customer traffic.
- Assessed assigned areas and displays to maintain presentable condition, restocking and reorganizing merchandise.
- Promoted customer satisfaction.
- Assisted large number of customers per day in finding or selecting items.
- Kept calm and applied strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts.
- Helped customers by answering questions and locating merchandise.
- Handled price checks, merchandise transfers and fitting room returns to keep store orderly and efficient.
- Built customer loyalty by engaging with and identifying product needs of customers.
- Managed cash register operations using POS system and processed sales and returns.
- Supported managers with organizing store and showcasing new items in eye-catching displays.
- Maintained current store, product, and promotional knowledge to drive consistent sales.
- Engaged positively with each customer, providing professional, and polite support for sales and service needs.
- Help customers load purchased equipment when necessary.
- Drove sales using upselling and cross-selling strategies.
- Counted cash, made change, and stored coupons to keep organized and balanced cash register drawer.
- Increased store sales by cross-selling complementary items.
- Readied merchandise for sales floor by marking items with identifying codes and accurate pricing.
- Welcomed customers, offered to help locate items and suggested merchandise without being intrusive or pushy.
- Stocked, replenished, and organized inventory to keep store merchandise fresh.
- Engaged customers, found requested items and explained sales promotions to deliver pleasant shopping experiences.
- Promoted brand through event marketing, demonstrations, and sales.
- Maintained assigned area to store standards by setting up and monitoring accurate ad signage and correct merchandise placement.
- Processed payments and maintained accurate drawers to meet financial targets.
- Completed assigned training to stay updated on important policies and procedures.
- Greeted each customer and offered assistance in finding requested items, helping boost customer satisfaction and retention.
- Drove sales by effectively upselling and cross-selling products to maximize profitability.
- Processed merchandise returns and exchanges for customers to refund payments, trade items, and offer store credit.
- Followed company policies, rules and procedures to promote company goals and maintain safety.
- Worked with off-site locations to find desired items for customers.
- Designed and deployed new display ideas to improve accessibility to merchandise.
- Maintained friendly, outgoing personality to promote positive work environment and build customer loyalty.
- Engaged shoppers, providing assistance and information on merchandise and product features.
- Initiated friendly conversation with customers to determine level of assistance required.
- Addressed customer questions and concerns regarding products and services.
- Checked shipment pack slips to confirm quantities and correct merchandise in delivery.
- Restocked and organized shelves during slow periods to maintain store appearance.
- Placed special orders or called other local stores to find desired items for customers.
- Resolved customer complaints to boost service and satisfaction and escalated higher level issues to supervisor for immediate remediation.
- Restocked shelves, racks and bins with latest merchandise and changed signage to promote special items.
- Explained information about quality, value and style of products to influence customer buying decisions.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of store shelves and displays.
- Answered questions about current promotions and resolved issues according to store policies.
- Engaged with customers and recommended products based on needs and requests.
- Organized store by returning merchandise to proper areas and restocked displays.
Education
High School Diploma -
Roseville High School
Roseville, MI08-1995
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Macomb Community College
Warren, MISkills
Vehicle experience include but not limited to
- Ford f550 stake truck diesel
- Ford f550 xl dump truck
- Ford 550 super duty v10 dump truck
- Ford transit z50 van
- Ford f250 xl liftgate truck
- Ford xl550 curbtender garbage truck
- Ford 250xl/Honda Gx200 truck bed mounted pressure washer
- Kubota extra duty diesel
- Kubota 4x4 diesel RTV900XT stadium vac Broyhill
- Toro Workman
- Carryall 700
- Various club carts
- Kubota V5266 power sweeper
Tractor experience include but not limited to
- John Deere 440R tractor bucket and fork attachments
- John Deere 4520 E hydro tractor with Paladin sweeper
- John Deere 1070 tractor
- John Deere E hydro
- New Holland tractor with Woods Backhoe
- New Holland TN65 tractor with TR3 rake,scarifier,box scraper,grading rake
- Komatsu WA200 front loader
Tools for outside wood,tree,brush work include but not limited to
- Stihl ms 461 chainsaw
- Stihl ms 290 chainsaw
- Stihl ms 261 chainsaw
- Stihl MS261C chainsaw
- Stihl Pole saw
- Chipper Bandit model 90XP
- Northstar log splitter
- Little Wonder Monster Leaf Vac
Snow removal vehicles and attachment experience include but not limited to
- Western snowplows pro plus ultra mounts
-Saltdog Pro 2000 by Buyers truck bed spreaders
-Kubota snow blades
-Polaris snow machine/snowmobile
-F550 stake truck
-F550 dump truck
-Kubota 4x4
Grounds mower experience include not limited to
-Exmark zero turn 72"deck
-Exmark zero turn 60"deck
-Toro Groundsmaster 328-C
-Toro Groundsmaster eleven foot wing mower
-Toro Groundsmaster sixteen foot wing mower
-Toro four wheel drive front mower
-Toro Reelmaster 3100-D (Golf course)
-Toro Greenmaster 3150-Q (Golf course)
Various other Equipment experience include not limited to
-Stihl BG86 hand blower
-Stihl BR600 magnum backpack blowers
-Honda GCV 170 walk behind push mowers
-Stihl FS111 RX weed whips
-Cub Cadet FT 24 walk behind tiller
-Stihl TS 420 wet cement saw
-Toro pro force tow behind blower
-Toro power clear walk behind snow blower
-Brute Bosch drill
-McLane gas powered edger
-Echo walk behind salt spreader
-Stihl BT 131 power auger
-Ingersoll Rand 195 Air compressor (trailer mounted)
-Trailer mounted water delivery system
Park Project Memorial Benches Nature Center Pond (Metro Beach Metropark)
A couple of many Personal Projects I am proud of I have done at the park
During the mild winter season this past year I removed and replaced several memorial benches that are located off of the nature trail behind the nature center that surround the pond. These benches were sunk into the ground so deep they could not be sat on ,also the wood for the benches was decayed and in need of replacement. I removed all benches , new wood was installed and the memorial plaques installed. I then installed all of the benches properly drilling the holes with a power auger ,adding a crushed rock base then finishing with cement , made sure benches were straight and level and ADA compliant I had received many compliments from patrons walking by as I worked thanking me for doing this because they love to sit back there and watch the wildlife and they were not able to anymore due to the previous condition of the benches . This location is one of the most scenic and tranquil spots at Metro Beach Metropark ,not only because of the wetlands that surround this spot but also a huge number of the bird wildlife such as swans,geese, have their offspring there due to how quiet it is . This was a project that I knew would be hard work but was very much needed and is a focal point at this park , the enjoyment I witnessed of patrons enjoying the benches with their kids and families after it was done was well worth it .
Park Project Activity Center (Metro Beach Metropark)
Upon starting employment at Metro beach Metropark I had learned that the Activity center (twac) floor was either not done every year or by contractors etc.. i have many years of flooring experience being a Head custodian and have done numerous school building floors over the years , I was given the chance to do the AC floor and patrons and park staff alike seem very pleased with the outcome ,so every year since my employment began i do the AC building floor during the off season and i do it alone ( i prefer this method i have been offered help ) but for safety reasons etc.. I prefer to do it myself . This project includes stripping the floor of all old finish with a swing machine and floor pads , cleaning of all floor and door trim ,prepping the beautiful Terrazzo floor surface by removing all scuffs, black marks,tapes,staines. Final washing of the floor with a floor machine and mop , finally applying the new floor finish by hand in this case a high shine premium wax. The floor gets many compliments all season, the AC building hosts many weddings ,meetings,events . I am proud to have the knowledge to complete this project and proud that our crews take credit for it,and not outside contractors having to come in and do the job at a very expensive cost .
Accomplishments
In relation to the full time position at Huron Clinton Metroparks I have been previously a Certified Pool Operator , Current vertical lift operator certification, Current Chauffeur Drivers License, More Recently Tested And Passed the tests of Commercial Core (C-Core),Right Of Way (6),Turf(3A) ,Ornamental(3B) to become a Commercial Pesticide Applicator As Required For A Full Time Position At Huron Clinton Metroparks.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Grounds Crew Member, Buildings Crew Member
huron clinton metroparks
05.2021 - Current
Head Custodian
Chippewa Valley School District
08.2003 - Current
Loss Prevention Manager
Meijer
05.1995 - 01.2004
Customer Service Team Member
meijer
01.1990 - 05.1995
High School Diploma -
Roseville High School
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Macomb Community College
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