IBCA Proprietor of the Year, BPAA Proprietor of the Year, IBCA Hall of Fame, Bluffton Bowling HoF
Stephen W Kunkel
Avon,IN
Summary
Adaptable and dedicated professional with a versatile background in bowling management and team leadership. Known for strong communication skills and a commitment to enhancing community outreach and organizational success.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commissioner Indiana High School Bowling
Indiana Bowling Centers Association
07.2005 - 07.2021
Led strategic initiatives to enhance member engagement and participation across statewide bowling centers.
Developed and implemented policies to promote safety and compliance within bowling facilities.
Coordinated training programs for staff, improving operational efficiency and service standards.
Fostered relationships with local organizations to increase community outreach and support for bowling events.
Analyzed industry trends to inform decision-making and adapt strategies for association growth.
Managed communication efforts, ensuring alignment between members and association objectives.
Facilitated collaboration among bowling centers to share best practices and resources effectively.
Oversaw event planning and execution for tournaments, enhancing visibility of the bowling community in Indiana.
Enhanced organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative strategies.
Mentored junior staff members to enhance their professional development and promote career growth opportunities within the organization.
Facilitated cross-functional team collaborations for increased innovation in problem-solving efforts.
Developed and executed strategic plans to guide the organization towards its long-term goals.
Provided leadership in crisis management situations, effectively resolving issues and mitigating risks.
Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessment and feedback mechanisms, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Created policies and procedures that improved overall operations and reduced redundancies in workflows.
Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms while maintaining high-quality products or services.
Built strategic partnerships with external organizations to expand reach and increase impact on key stakeholders.
Oversaw budget formulation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Material Handler
FedEx
09.2010 - 09.2017
Operated material handling equipment to ensure efficient movement of packages within facility.
Loaded and unloaded freight, maintaining organization and accuracy in inventory management.
Conducted quality inspections on incoming and outgoing shipments to minimize discrepancies.
Coordinated with team members to streamline workflows and enhance overall productivity.
Packed items into appropriate containers for shipment.
Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and high-quality work standards.
Expedited order fulfillment by accurately picking, packing, and shipping products to customers.
Increased customer satisfaction by accurately and promptly processing orders.
Supported production line with timely material supply, keeping operations running without interruptions.
Loaded and unloaded materials onto and off of trucks for fast shipment.
Drove forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment to move materials.
Owner/Manager
The Bowling Center, Inc.
07.1974 - 07.2005
Directed daily operations, ensuring quality service and customer satisfaction.
Streamlined inventory management processes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Developed promotional strategies that increased customer engagement and revenue growth.
Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
Enhanced community relations through local events and partnerships, boosting brand visibility.
Managed day-to-day business operations.
Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
Enhanced company's market position by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
Oversaw daily operations to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norwell High School
Ossian IN
Bowling Management & Maintenance
Vincennes University
Vincennes IN
Skills
Organizational leadership
Government relations
Social media
Volunteer management
Partnership development
Workforce planning
Board relations
Good judgment
Positive attitude
Teamwork and collaboration
Customer service
Time management
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking Abilities
Reliability
Computer skills
Organizational skills
Team leadership
Effective communication
Relationship building
Professional and courteous
Scheduling and coordinating
Self motivation
Team development
Professionalism
MS office
Adaptability
Professional demeanor
Accomplishments
Supervised team of 30 staff members.
Collaborated with team of hundreds in the development of Indiana High School Bowling Program.
Certification
Bowling Management & Maintenance Certificate, Vincennes University - 1970
Timeline
Material Handler
FedEx
09.2010 - 09.2017
Commissioner Indiana High School Bowling
Indiana Bowling Centers Association
07.2005 - 07.2021
Owner/Manager
The Bowling Center, Inc.
07.1974 - 07.2005
High School Diploma -
Norwell High School
Bowling Management & Maintenance
Vincennes University
IBCA Proprietor of the Year, BPAA Proprietor of the Year, IBCA Hall of Fame, Bluffton Bowling HoF
I was on the ground floor in planning, organizing, promoting, building and running the Indiana High School Bowling Program. With that I was the first Commissioner of the program. The program grew from no/zero schools involved to over 200 participating schools and several thousand bowlers. Due to the growth and strength of the program I was given both the IBCA and BPAA Proprietor of the Year Awards. I have also been inducted into the IBCA and Bluffton Bowling Hall of Fames for my accomplishments and promotions to further the game of bowling in Bluffton and Indiana.