Russell Van Sickle
Eagle River,AK
Summary
Results-driven professional with a proven track record in cost reduction and enhancing customer relations, leveraging extensive experience at Washington State DOT to cultivate technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills are complemented by a commitment to quality control and effective team collaboration. This strategic approach integrates industry knowledge with meticulous attention to detail, driving significant efficiencies and fostering dynamic team environments. Dedicated to delivering outcomes that align with organizational objectives and elevate overall performance.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Parts Counter Sales Person
Peterbilt of Alaska
Anchorage, AK
09.2024 - Current
- Managed customer order processing operations, focusing on timely fulfillment of parts and accessories.
- Advised customers on optimal part choices, fostering increased satisfaction and deeper product knowledge.
- Monitored and adjusted inventory levels to support seamless operations and enhance product availability.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for new team members on effective parts identification and sales techniques, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Engaged with mechanics to source and secure specialized components, optimizing repair workflows for client satisfaction.
- Designed a comprehensive tracking system for part returns, significantly improving operational workflows and reducing inventory losses.
- Managed customer interactions by promptly addressing inquiries and complaints, fostering trust and long-term engagement.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of sales trends to optimize inventory management, ensuring alignment with overall store performance goals.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate parts, enhancing overall satisfaction and product knowledge.
- Processed customer orders efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of parts and accessories.
Assistant Store Manager
GPC
Anchorage, AK
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Resolved complaints efficiently while maintaining excellent customer service.
- Managed all customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and timely manner.
- Performed regular audits of merchandise displays and stock levels.
- Held employees accountable and corrected issues to achieve high standards.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordering of stock to ensure shelves were adequately stocked.
- Tracked daily operational activities such as store expenses.
- Updated records related to sales and inventory.
- Implemented inventory control systems to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
- Established strong relationships with vendors for timely supply of merchandise.
- Initiated cost-saving measures.
- Monitored suppliers to efficiently provide needed goods and services within budgetary limits.
- Developed and implemented effective strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Trained and mentored new team members on company policies and procedures.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient store management and customer satisfaction.
Owner
Van Sickle Auto & Diesel
Davenport, WA
09.2015 - 01.2024
- Managed the daily operations related to customer service, inventory management, and marketing.
- Maintained a high standard of customer service through quality assurance checks.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements with business partners, vendors, and customers.
- Utilized effective problem-solving techniques to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently.
- Managed budgets effectively by accurately forecasting expenses and revenues.
- Built and maintained strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to reduce costs while increasing quality standards.
- Implemented cost-saving measures throughout the organization while maintaining excellent customer service levels.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers.
- Developed and implemented effective strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Analyzed data from financial reports to identify areas of improvement in business operations.
Equipment Tech 3
Washington State DOT
Bellevue, WA
09.2009 - 07.2015
- Heavy equipment technician repairing light and heavy on and off road equipment. Parts ordering, building work orders, as well as work with department managers to Schedule maintenance and repairs as needed. Spent 6 months as a manager of this shop, overseeing 3 other employees working with superintendent and maintenance workers. Was responsible for parts ordering and maintaining the parts department and inventory.
- Worked with coworkers to complete tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible.
- Responded quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Focused on learning new skills and staying updated with industry changes.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance own job skills and knowledge.
- Provided efficient and courteous service to customers at all times.
- Met deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
- Managed and coordinated multiple projects while ensuring timely completion.
- Skilled in using various software applications and programs including Microsoft Office, light and heavy duty diagnostic equipment.
- Identified ways to improve efficiency in operations and implemented process changes.
- Collaborated with departmental leaders to establish organizational goals, strategic plans and objectives.
- Troubleshot minor problems and reported larger technical issues.
- Sought continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry trends.
- Developed departmental objectives, budgets, policies, procedures, and strategies.
Heavy Equipment Repair Mechanic
JH Large Truck Repair
Spanaway, WA
08.2007 - 08.2009
- Provided customer service by explaining technical issues in layman’s terms.
- Interpreted manufacturer’s technical manuals to perform repairs.
- Maintained professional relationships with customers providing them with information about their vehicle’s condition upon completion of work.
- Repaired, replaced, or adjusted parts and components of heavy equipment such as engines, transmissions, brakes, hydraulic systems, electrical wiring and components and air conditioning systems.
- Exercised sound judgment when making decisions related to safety practices while working on projects.
- Maintained a clean work area according to OSHA standards including disposing hazardous materials properly.
- Ordered parts needed for repairs from suppliers as required and maintained an accurate inventory of supplies used in the repair process.
- Observed operational performance after completing repairs to ensure that it meets specifications.
- Operated hoists and lifting devices to remove major assemblies from vehicles for repair or replacement.
- Performed preventive maintenance tasks on heavy equipment such as lubrication services and engine tune-ups.
- Disassembled defective units to identify defects in components through visual inspection or by utilizing specialized test instruments.
- Utilized hand tools and power tools to repair and maintain heavy equipment.
- Performed welding operations using oxyacetylene torches as necessary during repairs.
- Communicated effectively with other technicians regarding complex issues encountered during repairs.
- Fostered a safe workplace environment adhering strictly to company policies and safety regulations at all times.
- Kept records of repairs made on each piece of equipment.
- Evaluated performance reports generated by computerized diagnostic tests to verify accuracy.
- Assembled repaired items following established procedures ensuring proper fit and function of all components.
- Inspected and diagnosed malfunctions in heavy equipment by using various testing devices.
- Troubleshot mechanical problems with the use of diagnostic software programs.
- Communicated with equipment operators to accurately determine mechanical issues.
- Serviced machine attachments to improve equipment performance and safety.
- Enabled optimal equipment performance by cleaning and lubricating components.
- Tested repaired equipment to verify integrity and adjust when necessary.
- Consulted operating manuals and blueprints for informing best maintenance practices.
- Inspected machinery for structural weaknesses to safeguard worksite.
- Recorded maintenance history in repair logs to track equipment statuses.
- Diagnosed and repaired heavy equipment malfunctions to ensure optimal performance.
- Conducted routine maintenance and inspections on various machinery types.
Fabrication Welder
The Fab Shop
Milton, WA
06.2004 - 06.2006
- Proficient in using welding machines and tools such as MIG, TIG, stick welders, plasma cutters and oxy-acetylene torches to fabricate steel parts.
- Read blueprints or work orders to determine job instructions or specifications.
- Followed strict safety guidelines when performing welding operations.
- Collaborated with other welders to complete projects in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated strong problem solving skills when faced with unexpected challenges during the fabrication process.
- Welded structural steel components in flat, horizontal, vertical or overhead positions with shielded metal arc processes and gas tungsten arc processes.
- Utilized hand tools such as hammers, grinders and saws for cutting, shaping and finishing metal pieces prior to welding operations.
- Cut and shaped metal components to specified dimensions using hand and power tools.
- Operated overhead cranes and hoists safely to move large components into position for welding.
- Performed welding repairs and maintenance on all types of equipment and machinery.
- Participated in team meetings designed to discuss design improvements or changes required on existing products.
- Ignited torch and adjusted valves, amperage, and voltage to obtain desired flame and arc.
- Fabricated components from blueprints or sketches according to established procedures and standards.
- Prepared metal surfaces for welding by grinding, filing or chiseling away excess material.
- Developed jigs or fixtures as needed to ensure proper alignment of fabricated parts during the welding process.
- Applied knowledge of metallurgy principles to select appropriate welding techniques and filler metals.
- Inspected completed work for conformance to specifications utilizing precision measuring instruments.
- Collaborated with engineering staff in creating prototypes for testing purposes prior to mass production.
- Adhered to quality control procedures throughout the fabrication process by inspecting finished products for defects.
- Maintained records of daily production activities including number of hours worked each day and type of work performed.
- Performed preventative maintenance on all welding equipment including troubleshooting electrical issues related to welders.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed while working around hazardous materials such as fluxes or gases.
- Assembled and clamped workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat or solder fabricated metal components.
- Repaired worn parts on equipment by cutting out sections with a torch before welding replacement pieces into place.
- Positioned or tightened braces, jacks and clamps in position for welding or riveting.
- Corrected problems by adjusting controls or stopping machines and opening holding devices.
- Created detailed reports documenting any problems encountered during fabrication operations along with proposed solutions.
- Assisted in the development of new designs by providing input on materials selection, part tolerances and manufacturing methods.
- Cleaned and organized work sites to reduce team hazards and boost productivity.
- Used grinders and hand tools to buff workpiece edges and verify secure fit.
- Leveraged skill in arc, mig, and tig welding to fabricate or repair diverse structures.
- Used hoists, cranes, wire, and banding machines and hand tools.
- Supported on-time project completion by prioritizing critical tasks and delegating overflow to helpers.
- Operated metal shaping, straightening and bending machines, such as brakes, and shears.
- Operated safety equipment and use safe work habits.
- Detected faulty operation of equipment and defective materials and notified supervisors.
- Designed project-specific jigs to support workpiece alignment and complete fabrication.
- Monitored assembly processes to avoid warping or shrinking caused by overheating.
- Measured and inspected finished workpieces and verified gaps and allowances for quality control.
- Analyzed project documentation to plan layout and assembly processes.
Education
I-CAR ASE - Autobody
Green River Community College
Auburn06-2005
Skills
- Cost Reduction
- Customer Relations
- Technical Expertise
- Industry Knowledge
- Quality Control
- Leadership Abilities
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Driven and Determined
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Product knowledge expertise
- Strong negotiation
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Customer relationship building
Certification
CDL class A tanker Endorsement
Timeline
Parts Counter Sales Person
Peterbilt of Alaska
09.2024 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
GPC
05.2024 - 09.2024
Owner
Van Sickle Auto & Diesel
09.2015 - 01.2024
Equipment Tech 3
Washington State DOT
09.2009 - 07.2015
Heavy Equipment Repair Mechanic
JH Large Truck Repair
08.2007 - 08.2009
Fabrication Welder
The Fab Shop
06.2004 - 06.2006
I-CAR ASE - Autobody
Green River Community College