ROBERT L. PETERSON
Wauchula
Summary
Operations and logistics leader with 10+ years of business experience (9+ in rental industry) delivering superior customer service, motivating others, and solving business challenges. Skilled in leading others to maximize business outcomes with a positive and outgoing attitude, a “team player” approach, and a growth mindset.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Outside Sales Representative
Sunbelt Rentals
Lakeland, FL
11.2025 - Current
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with customers, ensuring alignment with company objectives and needs.
- Assessed customer needs and provided tailored equipment recommendations, exceeding service expectations.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities while nurturing and expanding existing client relationships.
- Optimized routing and scheduling processes to enhance client visibility and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of rental equipment.
- Analyzed customer feedback to improve service offerings and client satisfaction.
Branch Manager
Sunbelt Rentals
Lakeland, FL
09.2021 - 11.2025
- Fostered a collaborative environment to boost team morale, supporting strategic initiatives outlined by upper management.
- Managed a team of 22 personnel, collaborating with department heads to optimize service, sales and dispatch processes.
- Managed staff performance through training, coaching, and ongoing development initiatives.
- Led branch operations to optimize equipment rental processes and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw management of a 20 million dollar rental fleet, focusing on strategic growth and asset optimization.
- Analyzed P&L statements to identify trends and drive strategic business decisions.
- Engaged in departmental meetings focused on assessing and refining process strategies.
- Developed comprehensive action plans aimed at enhancing branch performance and team collaboration.
Central Dispatch Manager
Sunbelt Rentals
Tampa, FL
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Manage between 11 and 18 drivers through utilization of 3 location’s fleet to increase logistics efficiencies, reduce overlap and manpower shortages, and increase branch revenues.
- Locate and strategically place deals and equipment at ideal locations to fill rent rentals out
- Coordinate with branch managers at direct locations on logistic and service department needs
- Run and analyze reports on fleet unavailable KPI and use data to inform decision making on where to strategically place trucks to increase opportunity for deals/revenue
- Manage productivity of team members through ongoing coaching and motivation and complete all management administrative requirements (approve hours, PTO requests, etc.)
Dispatch Manager
Sunbelt Rentals
Tampa, FL
05.2018 - 11.2020
- Managed DOT hour regulations and driver scheduling, coordinated with customers and other Sunbelt locations, and worked with service manager and outside repair shops to keep trucks up to DOT and company standards.
- Utilized dispatch software to manage fleet and quickly make decisions on where to place trucks to drive highest opportunity for increased deals/revenue
- Led safety meetings, managed location reservation board, approved hours and PTO requests, and maintained other administrative requirements
Operations Manager
CBS Rentals
Tampa, FL
11.2016 - 05.2018
- Managed location operations including employee schedules, hiring and training new team members, and reviewing and analyzing location’s P&L statements.
- Managed team members and maintained location daily operations
- Created and received POs
- Drafted and negotiated credits
Rental Coordinator
CBS Rentals
Tampa, FL
05.2016 - 11.2016
- Coordinated rental of equipment for location through quick and effective communication with customers and store personnel.
- Answered phones and communicated w/customers
- Created quotes, reservations and contracts, and closed out cash till
- Dispatched delivery, pickup, and service calls
Service Representative
Buccaneer Linen Service
Tampa, FL
03.2014 - 05.2016
- Owned management of one service route containing 40+ customers.
- Loaded route, operated company vehicles, serviced each account along route to customers satisfaction
- Retrieved checks and handled cash payments
- Performed truck inspections, inventory management
- Worked unsupervised and unaccompanied
Plant Worker
Buccaneer Linen Service
Tampa, FL
12.2013 - 03.2014
- Loaded and unloaded industrial linen machines, sorted and returned product for processing, stocked shelving with product to be returned to customers.
- Coordinated with other team members on operational efficiencies
- Suggested new ways of working to increase output per/hour (placing laundry carts in specific spots, order of operation of tasks, etc.)
- Motivated other team members with upbeat & positive attitude and by working hard and solving problems
Cashier
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Deerfield Beach, FL
09.2011 - 05.2013
- Performed cash out transactions for guests on food and merchandise purchases.
- Trained new employees on cash out tickets and merchandising sales
- Handled guest requests and conflict resolution when guests specified dissatisfaction
- Interacted w/guests so ensure they received best customer service
- Assisted in unloading company trucks as a volunteer additional task/stretch project
Detailer
Yacht Management
Pompano Beach, FL
04.2011 - 08.2011
- Detailed Yacht interior and exterior and transported boats from doc lifts to local marinas.
- Interfaced closely with high end clients and offered superior and “executive” customer service experience
- Coordinated w/other team members on how to effectively get as many Yachts complete in each day’s time as possible to increase revenue and customer satisfaction KPIs
Education
High School -
Sun Lake High School
BBA -
Florida Atlantic University
01-2013
Skills
- Leading & Managing People Operations & Logistics
- Planning/Budgeting/Reporting Data-Driven Decision Making Fleet Management & Dispatch
- Problem-solving
- Motivated team player
- Relationship building
- Customer Service-oriented
Timeline
Outside Sales Representative
Sunbelt Rentals
11.2025 - Current
Branch Manager
Sunbelt Rentals
09.2021 - 11.2025
Central Dispatch Manager
Sunbelt Rentals
11.2020 - 09.2021
Dispatch Manager
Sunbelt Rentals
05.2018 - 11.2020
Operations Manager
CBS Rentals
11.2016 - 05.2018
Rental Coordinator
CBS Rentals
05.2016 - 11.2016
Service Representative
Buccaneer Linen Service
03.2014 - 05.2016
Plant Worker
Buccaneer Linen Service
12.2013 - 03.2014
Cashier
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
09.2011 - 05.2013
Detailer
Yacht Management
04.2011 - 08.2011
High School -
Sun Lake High School
BBA -
Florida Atlantic University
HONORS & AWARDS
2x Representative of the Quarter
QUALITIES
- Outgoing & Positive Attitude Honest & Trustworthy Leader
- Passionate & Innovative Thinker Listens to Understand
- Responsible & Kind
SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Wynne
- VDOS
MORE ABOUT ROBERT L.
- Confident, kind, and honest leader who motivates others through a hands-on approach to working together to achieve business outcomes.
- Values hard work and continual improvement and growth.
- Building a career in management.
- Passionate about the rental industry!