Reed Kyle
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Experienced lead finisher with a strong background in wood finishing, color matching, and quality control. Known for guiding teams, training new finishers, and delivering precise, high-quality results while maintaining safety compliance and production standards.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Finisher
Simply Tables
Kansas City, Missouri
08.2026 - 10.2026
- Led finishing team in executing daily work and adhering to safety procedures.
- Finished custom tables using sanding, staining, sealing, and coating processes for Simply Tables.
- Inspected table surfaces for defects, color match, and finish consistency.
- Prepared wood surfaces by cleaning, filling, and smoothing before finishing.
- Mixed stains, paints, and coatings to match customer specifications.
- Trained new finishers on sanding, spraying, and hand-finishing techniques.
- Ensured readiness of finishing tools, spray equipment, and work area for optimal production.
- Provided technical guidance to other finishers throughout the production process.
- Assisted with the setup, operation, and maintenance of finishing equipment.
- Maintained accurate records for all finished parts and assemblies.
- Communicated regularly with management regarding progress updates, potential problems, and suggestions for improvement.
- Oversaw inventory levels of finishing supplies and coordinated timely ordering of materials.
- Operated various power tools and equipment in daily tasks.
- Applied final touches to products ensuring high-quality finishes.
- Performed minor repairs and maintenance on finishing equipment.
Cabinet Maker
Byrne Custom Woodworking
Lenexa, Kansas
02.2026 - 07.2026
- Built custom cabinets from shop drawings and client specifications at Byrne Custom Woodworking.
- Measured and cut hardwood, plywood, and veneer for cabinet components.
- Assembled cabinet boxes, drawers, and face frames using clamps and joinery tools.
- Installed hardware, hinges, slides, and pulls for finished cabinetry.
- Sanded, fitted, and prepared wood surfaces for staining and finishing.
- Read blueprints and verified dimensions for custom woodworking projects.
- Maintained saws, routers, and hand tools for safe shop operations.
- Built custom cabinets from raw materials based on customer specifications.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline project tasks and improve overall workflow.
- Maintained organized and safe work area to ensure efficient operations.
- Fabricated cabinet frames using a variety of woodworking tools, including saws, routers, and jointers.
- Drilled pocket holes to ensure secure joints for cabinets.
- Performed edge banding techniques to finish exposed edges of cabinet components.
- Promoted and complied with company policies and OSHA safety requirements.
- Executed projects independently while contributing to team objectives in carpentry.
Lead Finisher/Shop Fabricator
Gizmo Art Production
San Francisco, California
07.2025 - 11.2025
- Finished large-scale metal, wood, and foam fabrications.
- Grinding, deburring, and dremeling metal
- Knowledgeable about many water- and solvent-based finishes
- Researched finishing coatings for wood, metal, foam, and plastic.
- Conducted regular inspections and repairs on equipment to minimize downtime.
- Executed finishing techniques to achieve high-quality surface standards on products.
- Applied various coatings and treatments to enhance durability and appearance.
- Assembled components with precision to meet design specifications and quality standards.
- Installed finished products, ensuring proper functionality and alignment in final setup.
- Facilitated clear communication to resolve issues and enhance overall team performance.
- Finished art production pieces using hand tools and finishing equipment.
- Inspected surfaces for flaws and corrected details before release.
- Prepared materials for coating, trimming, sanding, and final assembly.
- Matched color, texture, and surface standards for custom artwork.
- Maintained clean work areas and organized finishing supplies.
- Trained new staff on finishing methods and workplace safety.
- Reviewed completed pieces against client and studio quality requirements.
- Assisted with the setup, operation, and maintenance of finishing equipment.
- Trained new employees on proper use of tools and equipment related to finishing processes.
- Provided technical guidance to other finishers throughout production process.
- Maintained accurate records for all finished parts and assemblies.
- Ensured all finishing activities adhered to safety standards and regulations.
- Supervised a team of finishers in the completion of assigned tasks.
- Analyzed blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine best methods for completing job orders.
- Used numerous types of power tools and other equipment daily.
- Troubleshot equipment issues and determined best courses of action for repairs.
- Followed detailed finishing instructions from supervisors.
- Mixed and applied finish coatings to products with precision.
- Prepared and treated surfaces before applying finishes.
- Monitored drying and curing processes of finishes.
- Adhered to environmental and safety regulations in finishing processes.
- Performed minor repairs and maintenance on finishing equipment.
- Set up and operated production machinery according to specific standards and protocols of company.
- Fabricated custom art pieces for Gizmo Art Production shop projects.
- Interpreted drawings and templates for precise shop fabrication work.
- Operated saws, drills, and hand tools in production shop tasks.
- Followed safety protocols throughout the entire fabrication process.
- Welded steel parts using MIG welding techniques to create high-quality welds.
- Operated shop machinery including drill presses, lathes, mills and other related equipment.
- Fabricated and installed custom metal shop components from blueprints and drawings.
- Cut materials such as sheet metal or tubing with saws, shears, punches, drills, grinders or other cutting equipment.
- Performed layout work with precision tools such as squares, rulers, levels, and calipers.
- Operated fabricating machines to bend and assemble metal components.
Finish manager
IK design Inc
San Rafael, California
03.2023 - 07.2025
- HVLP spraying on many species of wood
- Staining, pigment painting, clear coating
- Spraying conversion varnish and 2k epoxy
- Filling, patching, prepping, sanding, buffing
- Performed finishes from flat to high gloss
- Worked closely with other departments and clients on custom samples
- Ensured adherence to quality standards throughout finishing processes.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify and resolve quality issues promptly.
- Developed and maintained project schedules to meet deadlines efficiently.
- Coordinated resources and tasks to ensure timely project completion.
- Facilitated clear communication among team members to enhance collaboration.
- Supervised finishing operations to optimize workflow and productivity.
- Managed daily operations for IK design Inc design projects and client requests.
- Directed staff scheduling, workload planning, and task priorities across design teams.
- Trained team members on company processes, service standards, and workflow procedures.
- Monitored project timelines, deadlines, and handoff steps for design assignments.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Conducted performance reviews for team members.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Lead Finisher/Custom Cabinet Maker
Wes Edwin Design
Kansas City, Missouri
11.2016 - 01.2022
- Oversaw finishing workflow for bespoke interior pieces at Wes Edwin Design.
- Prepared wood surfaces for staining, sealing, and topcoat application.
- Achieved flawless finishes on custom cabinetry using advanced techniques and tools.
- Executed high-quality surface treatments, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Facilitated effective communication among team members to streamline project workflows.
- Coordinated with designers and craftsmen to ensure alignment on project specifications.
- Conducted thorough inspections of cabinetry to identify and rectify defects.
- Performed repairs on custom pieces, enhancing overall quality and customer satisfaction.
- Managed time effectively to ensure timely completion of all projects.
- Prioritized tasks to consistently meet or exceed project deadlines without compromising quality.
- Applied stains, lacquers, and protective finishes to custom furniture.
- Inspected finished pieces for flaws, color match, and surface smoothness.
- Coordinated finish schedules with design and shop teams.
- Mixed finish materials to match approved color and sheen samples.
- Guided finishers on sanding, masking, and coating techniques.
- Maintained finishing tools, supplies, and spray equipment in shop.
- Created detailed reports outlining progress on projects and cost savings initiatives implemented by the team.
- Performed quality control checks on finished products before shipment.
- Evaluated existing processes for areas where improvements could be made to increase productivity.
- Ensured all finishing activities adhered to safety standards and regulations.
- Resolved conflicts between workers concerning their assigned duties or work schedules.
- Maintained accurate records for all finished parts and assemblies.
- Analyzed blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine best methods for completing job orders.
- Trained new employees on proper use of tools and equipment related to finishing processes.
- Implemented procedures for tracking time spent on each project in order to accurately assess cost effectiveness.
- Assisted with the setup, operation, and maintenance of finishing equipment.
- Reviewed employee performance evaluations and provided feedback when necessary.
- Communicated regularly with management regarding progress updates, potential problems, and suggestions for improvement.
- Provided technical guidance to other finishers throughout production process.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in finishing operations and ordered additional materials as needed.
- Supervised a team of finishers in the completion of assigned tasks.
- Used numerous types of power tools and other equipment daily.
- Troubleshot equipment issues and determined best courses of action for repairs.
- Coordinated employee training in safety and equipment operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of finishing area.
- Managed inventory of finishing supplies and materials.
- Assisted in the development of new finishing methods and techniques.
- Adjusted finishing techniques based on material types.
- Monitored drying and curing processes of finishes.
- Used hand trucks and forklifts to unload, load and transport items.
- Built custom cabinetry from shop drawings for Wes Edwin Design projects.
- Measured and cut hardwood components for precise cabinet fit.
- Assembled cabinet boxes using clamps, fasteners, and wood glue.
- Installed hinges, drawer slides, and hardware for smooth operation.
- Sanded and prepared surfaces for stain, paint, and finish work.
- Matched materials and grain patterns to support custom design standards.
- Maintained tools, shop areas, and material flow in the design workshop.
- Worked closely with contractors to ensure timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to all safety regulations when operating power tools.
- Assembled cabinets with nails, screws, staples, glue, dowels, or mortise joints.
- Organized inventory of supplies needed for each job, including lumber, fasteners, and finishes.
- Promoted and complied with company policies and OSHA safety requirements.
Manager
Faux Couture
Kansas City, Missouri
08.2015 - 09.2016
- Faux-finishing and refinishing walls and furniture.
- Cabinet finishing
- HVLP spraying
- Working directly with clients.
- Paint mixing custom colors and one-of-a-kind finishing.
- Facilitated weekly team meetings to align goals and enhance communication.
- Coordinated the agenda and discussions to drive team performance and accountability.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by training staff on best practices.
- Resolved customer inquiries promptly, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Implemented inventory tracking systems to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Oversaw associate schedules, training, and daily task assignments.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Coached, mentored, and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Assigned tasks to associates to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, and vacation requests.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback and coaching for team development.
- Conducted performance reviews for team members.
- Oversaw daily operations, maintaining efficiency and quality standards.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.
Studio Assistant
Academy Records
Chicago, Illinois
01.2012 - 05.2014
- Preparator skills such as: moving artwork, traveling with artwork, working on a ladder, working with hand tools and stationary power tools.
- Installed and deinstalled work throughout the country, including LA and New York.
- Performed prep work for panels, frames, and pedestals.
- Assisted with drawing and painting practices.
- Assisted with hand sewing, machine sewing, and upholstery.
- Wall building and crate building in a gallery setting.
- Performed together.
- Recorded sound on analog equipment.
- Set stage and musical equipment.
- Worked closely on set design.
- Maintained and organized studio equipment for optimal performance during sessions.
- Conducted regular checks and troubleshooting on all recording equipment to ensure reliability.
- Facilitated clear communication between artists and the production team to achieve desired outcomes.
Administrative Assistant
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
04.2011 - 05.2014
- Provided timely help to student inquiries, ensuring clear communication, support, and safety.
- Facilitated open exchange of knowledge surrounding workshop equipment.
- Responsible for the safety of students using wood and metal tools.
- Experienced with woodworking equipment such as: table saw, miter saw, double miter saw, band saw, jointer, planer, sanders, drill press, as well as numerous hand tools.
- Experienced with metal working equipment such as: MIG welding, Oxy Acetylene welding, spot welding, soldering, plasma cutting, stationary power tools like sheers, presses, vertical and horizontal band saws.
- Experienced in many forms of cold forming and bending as well as hot forming such as forging.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Painting And Sculpture
School of The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2014
Skills
- Wood finishing
- HVLP spraying
- Expert finishing techniques
- Color matching
- Surface preparation
- Surface preparation techniques
- Wood staining mastery
- Attention to detail
- Grain filling techniques
- Lacquer application techniques
- Paint mixing
- Quality control
- Technical troubleshooting
- Equipment maintenance
- Finishing equipment operation
- Equipment setup
- Furniture restoration
- Furniture assembly
- Blueprint reading
- Supply chain coordination
- Production scheduling
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Strong leadership
- Problem solving
- Continuous improvement
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Technical communication
- Workplace safety management
- Safety compliance
- Work ethic
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking
- Power tool proficiency
- Hand tool expertise
- Proactive approach
- Process documentation
- Technical troubleshooting
- Work ethic
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking
Timeline
Lead Finisher
Simply Tables
08.2026 - 10.2026
Cabinet Maker
Byrne Custom Woodworking
02.2026 - 07.2026
Lead Finisher/Shop Fabricator
Gizmo Art Production
07.2025 - 11.2025
Finish manager
IK design Inc
03.2023 - 07.2025
Lead Finisher/Custom Cabinet Maker
Wes Edwin Design
11.2016 - 01.2022
Manager
Faux Couture
08.2015 - 09.2016
Studio Assistant
Academy Records
01.2012 - 05.2014
Administrative Assistant
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
04.2011 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Painting And Sculpture
School of The Art Institute of Chicago