Steve R. Bruce
Arkansas City
Summary
Dedicated and knowledgeable manufacturing professional with diverse industry knowledge and special talent for seeking out opportunities for improvement, contributing to cost reduction, increased productivity, and waste reduction. Provide objective analysis and innovative solutions to a wide range of manufacturing problems including repair needs, cost and productivity optimization, inventory management and safety and environmental issues. Demonstration of cross-functional knowledge with proven operational success. Proactive planner with the ability to nurture credibility and confidence with management and company personnel. Exhibits the ability to work independently and under guidance. Demonstrates strong leadership skills, quality control, problem solving skills, and strong oral communication skills.
Experienced transportation professional prepared for role in operating and managing locomotive engines. Expertise in safety protocols, mechanical systems, and navigation. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Reliable and skilled in communication, problem-solving, and maintaining operational efficiency.
Knowledgeable in mechanical operations with strong background in operating and maintaining locomotives. Proven track record of ensuring safe and timely train operations while adhering to stringent safety protocols. Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting mechanical issues and collaborating effectively with crew members to achieve operational goals.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineer
BNSF Railroad
07.2022 - Current
- Operated locomotives safely and efficiently in compliance with federal regulations.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to ensure equipment readiness and safety standards.
- Monitored train operations and responded promptly to signals and communication from dispatch.
- Collaborated with crew members to execute safe loading and unloading procedures at stations.
- Trained new engineers on operational protocols, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
- Led safety meetings, reinforcing best practices for locomotive operation among team members.
- Coordinated with yardmasters to ensure the efficient movement of trains within rail yards, optimizing space utilization and minimizing delays.
- Inspected locomotives before and after runs.
- Operated locomotives to transport freight and other materials.
Owner/Operator
B Leaf Enterprises LLC
01.2010 - Current
- Developed and implemented business strategies to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Managed financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure sustainable growth.
- Established vendor relationships to optimize supply chain operations and cost management.
- Mentored staff to improve skills and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Streamlined processes through technology integration, enhancing productivity across departments.
- Conducted performance reviews and provided feedback for continuous team improvement.
- 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.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- 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.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
Print Shop Manufacturing Manager
First Intermark
01.2002 - 03.2020
- Oversaw daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency and product quality.
- Implemented process improvements that increased production capacity and reduced downtime.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain logistics and inventory management.
- Led the implementation of lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve workflow efficiency.
- Managed resource allocation effectively to meet production targets while minimizing costs.
- Supervised production team, keeping production schedules on track to meet tight deadlines.
- Fostered strong relationships with external vendors and suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries of raw materials needed for seamless production operations.
- Tracked new material shipments and coordinated flow of materials at different stages of manufacturing to align with procurement expectations.
- Performed detailed material inventories and ordered more supplies.
- Anticipated and addressed production problems, material shortages, equipment malfunctions, and unavoidable delays.
- Conducted performance reviews each quarter, offering praise and recommendations for improvement.
- Partnered with vendors and suppliers to effectively manage and budget.
- Applied lean principles to improve workflow and quality and reduce waste.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal levels were maintained to meet production demands without excessive stockpiling or shortages.
- Reduced machine downtime through proactive maintenance and effective troubleshooting techniques.
- Made sure that products were produced on time and are of good quality.
- Changed equipment over to new products to meet customer requirements.
- Created and oversaw production schedules and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines.
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
- Trained in and implemented emergency response procedures to protect team members and property.
Print Shop Manager
Jiffy Print
02.1998 - 11.2001
- Oversaw daily operations for print production, ensuring timely completion of projects.
- Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Trained and mentored staff on equipment usage and safety protocols.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain high product standards.
- Developed process improvements that increased production capacity and reduced waste.
- Maintained accurate records of job orders, invoices, payments, and other essential documents to ensure smooth business operations.
- Streamlined print shop operations for increased productivity by optimizing equipment usage and staff scheduling.
- Managed vendor selection and relations to guarantee best pricing and on-time deliveries.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing while maintaining quality standards for materials and services.
- Trained new employees on proper use of equipment, safety procedures, and company policies, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
- Enhanced overall printing quality, maintaining high standards in materials used and final products delivered.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for all print shop equipment to minimize downtime due to malfunctions or repairs.
- Cooperated with staff and clients to achieve customer service goals and surpass team objectives.
Lead Press Operator
Master Print
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Operated multiple printing presses, ensuring high-quality production standards and minimal downtime.
- Led team in troubleshooting and resolving mechanical issues, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Trained new operators on safety protocols and machine operation procedures to ensure compliance.
- Implemented quality control measures, reducing waste and increasing overall print accuracy.
- Developed maintenance schedules for equipment, prolonging lifespan and minimizing repair costs.
- Trained new hires on company policies, safety procedures, and operation of various press machinery, ensuring smooth integration into the team.
- Streamlined workflow processes to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
- Reduced waste and improved productivity with careful material handling and accurate measurements.
- Evaluated color consistency throughout print runs to ensure uniformity and meet client specifications.
- Maintained a safe working environment for team members through adherence to safety protocols and proper training.
- Enhanced overall print quality by maintaining strict attention to detail throughout the printing process, from ink mixing to final press checks.
- Examined job orders to determine quantity, stock specifications, colors and special printing instructions.
- Multi-tasked to keep all assigned projects running effectively and efficiently.
- Set up and operated printing press machines.
- Promptly removed completed loads from press.
- Checked job information at each press to verify that correct ink was delivered.
- Proofed all job orders, securing client approval prior to production.
- Loaded and positioned unprinted materials.
- Reviewed completed orders for quality and accuracy.
- Prepared and operated offset printing press for maximum efficiency and production.
- Inspected machines and performed repairs.
- Adjusted controls to regulate flow of ink and dampening solution to plate cylinder.
- Mixed and poured paint and color mixtures into reservoirs.
- Adjusted press during production runs to maintain specific registration and color densities.
- Produced high-quality brochures, flyers, four-color artwork and mailers.
Production Line, Shipping & Receiving and Press Operator
Gilliland Printing
01.1991 - 01.1997
Education
Construction Certificate - Carpentry
Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, KS01.1988
High School Diploma - undefined
Arkansas City High School
01.1988
Skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Project management
- Project planning
- Data interpretation
- Safety rules and regulations
- Train control systems
- Railroad signaling understanding
- Two-way communication device use
- Continuous learning mindset
- Communication and coordination
- Regulatory compliance
Accomplishments
- Recognized opportunity and proactively coordinated purchase of upgraded equipment. Received recognition from Chief Operating Officer
- Successfully improved equipment reliability and productivity by effective personnel training to maximize efficiency
Certification
- Certified Locomotive Engineer, BNSF Railroad - 08/28/2023
- Certified Conductor, BNSF Railroad - 11/27/2022
Timeline
Engineer
BNSF Railroad
07.2022 - Current
Owner/Operator
B Leaf Enterprises LLC
01.2010 - Current
Print Shop Manufacturing Manager
First Intermark
01.2002 - 03.2020
Print Shop Manager
Jiffy Print
02.1998 - 11.2001
Lead Press Operator
Master Print
01.1997 - 01.1998
Production Line, Shipping & Receiving and Press Operator
Gilliland Printing
01.1991 - 01.1997
High School Diploma - undefined
Arkansas City High School
Construction Certificate - Carpentry
Cowley County Community College
Safety awards
Received safety awards from BNSF Railroad in 2023,2024, and 2025