Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Richard Lero

Minneapolis ,MN

Summary

Accomplished Cabinetmaker and Business Owner with a proven track record at Oakcraft and Alpinewoodworking Inc, demonstrating expert craftsmanship and exceptional leadership skills. Achieved over 20% increase in client satisfaction through innovative design and efficient project management. Skilled in AutoCAD and effective communication, I excel in transforming client visions into reality while fostering team collaboration and continuous improvement.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner/Operator

Alpinewoodworking Inc
12.1997 - 12.2024
  • Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates by prioritizing client needs and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Established a loyal customer base through targeted marketing campaigns, referral programs, and personalized customer experiences.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Successfully managed a team of employees, providing guidance, coaching, and performance evaluations to ensure optimal productivity.
  • Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers/vendors to secure favorable pricing agreements for materials/services needed for daily operations.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Managed financial operations effectively by implementing stringent budget controls and regular financial reporting procedures.
  • Fostered a positive work environment that encouraged employee retention, professional development opportunities, and open communication channels.
  • Monitored staff performance, providing final-say assessment over inquiries.
  • Increased overall business efficiency by streamlining operational processes and implementing new technologies.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures by renegotiating vendor contracts and reducing overhead expenses.
  • Served as primary point-of-contact with suppliers and contractors to achieve inventory expectations.
  • Optimized inventory management systems to reduce waste, improve stock turnover rate, and minimize out-of-stock occurrences.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.

Forman

Thompson Homes
12.1996 - 12.1997
  • Trained new employees to learn new systems, apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
  • Maintained a safe working environment through adherence to safety protocols and regular site inspections.
  • Addressed issues proactively, resolving problems quickly to minimize delays in project timelines.
  • Enhanced team productivity by providing clear direction, setting expectations, and offering constructive feedback.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, fostering open communication channels for smooth project execution.
  • Adapted workflows in response to changing environmental conditions or unexpected challenges encountered during construction activities.
  • Reviewed project details to specify correct materials and equipment for job sites.
  • Collaborated with project managers in planning stages, advising on schedule adjustments and potential obstacles.
  • Monitored progress against established benchmarks, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet targets consistently.
  • Optimized resource utilization for cost savings, carefully monitoring material usage and labor allocations.
  • Facilitated smooth project handovers, compiling comprehensive documentation and conducting detailed briefings.
  • Oversaw daily operations at site, keeping team production moving at optimal pace.
  • Monitored job progress and performance of employees or contractors to complete projects prior to deadlines.

Cabinetmaker and Installer

Oakcraft
01.1991 - 05.1996
  • Mentored junior cabinetmakers, sharing knowledge of best practices and fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Communicated effectively with team members on progress updates resulting in smooth workflow.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to industry safety standards and protocols during cabinet fabrication and installation.
  • Reduced material waste by optimizing cutting patterns and implementing sustainable practices.
  • Utilized advanced woodworking techniques to create high-quality, durable cabinets that exceeded client expectations.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in various woodworking machinery such as table saws, joiners, planers, routers, sanders, drills while fabricating cabinets.
  • Increased overall productivity through effective time management skills and prioritizing tasks according to project deadlines.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by designing and crafting custom cabinetry tailored to their specific needs.
  • Streamlined installation processes for increased efficiency, resulting in timely project completion.
  • Managed inventory of tools, supplies, and materials, ensuring proper maintenance for optimal performance during cabinetmaking tasks.
  • Collaborated with designers and architects to develop aesthetically pleasing and functional cabinetry solutions.
  • Maintained neat, clean and hazard-free sites.
  • Designed, constructed and installed cabinetry and woodwork.
  • Cut plywood, MDF and solid wood to size.
  • Sanded and finished surfaces to create smooth and attractive finish.
  • Maintained proper fit and appearance of cabinets and countertops to fit into desired installation area.
  • Developed and retained excellent tool and machinery skill to produce consistent, top-quality work.
  • Created detailed moldings and trim for cabinetry and furniture.
  • Reinforced joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.

Custom Woodworker

S and W Enterprises
09.1982 - 01.1991
  • Streamlined production processes for increased efficiency and faster project completion times.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering high-quality custom woodworking projects tailored to individual needs.
  • Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks, minimizing downtime due to machine malfunctions or repairs.
  • Optimized workshop layout for improved workflow efficiency, maximizing space utilization without sacrificing functionality or safety.
  • Collaborated with fellow woodworkers on complex projects requiring specialized skills or knowledge sharing experiences that benefited the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by utilizing reclaimed wood and eco-friendly materials whenever feasible, reducing the business''s environmental impact.
  • Collaborated with designers and architects to create unique, visually appealing woodwork pieces for residential and commercial spaces.
  • Completed general finish work and sanding.

Education

High School Graduate -

Blaine High School
Blaine, MN
05.1983

Skills

  • Cabinet installation
  • Power tool operation
  • Woodworking techniques
  • Material selection
  • Finishing techniques
  • Advanced joinery
  • Computer-aided design
  • Client communication
  • Hand tool expertise
  • Layout planning
  • Hardware installation
  • Estimating costs
  • Expert craftsmanship
  • Custom design
  • Shop maintenance
  • Precision cutting
  • Site cleanup
  • Finishing skills
  • Assembly line work
  • Repair expertise
  • Power tool proficiency
  • On-site installations
  • Door hanging
  • Hand and power tools
  • Safety awareness
  • Hand tool use
  • Finish carpentry
  • Hand tool mastery
  • Safety
  • Repair skills
  • Carpentry experience
  • Millwork
  • Finishing procedures
  • Remodeling
  • Millwork experience
  • Shelving construction
  • Carpentry background
  • Blueprint mastery
  • Power tool safety
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Power tools operation
  • Excellent communication
  • Organizational skills
  • Reliability
  • CNC machine operation
  • Active listening
  • Effective communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Material handling
  • Decision-making
  • Client consultation
  • Safety compliance
  • Relationship building
  • Machine maintenance
  • Hinge insertion
  • Surface preparation
  • Team building
  • Task prioritization
  • Safety management
  • Self motivation
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Goal setting
  • Analytical thinking
  • Professionalism
  • Quality control
  • Continuous improvement
  • Precision measurement
  • Quality assurance
  • Surface sanding
  • AutoCAD proficiency
  • Professional demeanor
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Wood selection
  • Drafting skills
  • Manual dexterity
  • Hand tools proficiency
  • Detail orientation

Accomplishments

Built 7 homes from foundations to completion my self doing framing drywall tile hardwood flooring all trim work windows roofing siding electrical plumbing HVAC painting staining . Cabinetry many pieces of furniture 1000s of kitchen cabinets all aspecs of doors drawers box work CNC operation and programming operation of 6 headed molder inset application and overlay all cabinet making aspects

Cabinet vision since 1997 lots of restoration work lath turning laminate cabinets

Timeline

Business Owner/Operator

Alpinewoodworking Inc
12.1997 - 12.2024

Forman

Thompson Homes
12.1996 - 12.1997

Cabinetmaker and Installer

Oakcraft
01.1991 - 05.1996

Custom Woodworker

S and W Enterprises
09.1982 - 01.1991

High School Graduate -

Blaine High School
Richard Lero