Taylor Whitaker
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hunting Manager
Sportsman's Warehouse
09.2022 - Current
- Manage a team of ten employees to 100% ATF compliance
- Maintain complete control of all inventory
- Merchandising of hard goods, camping optics, firearms, archery, and general outdoor products
- Provide customers with knowledgeable and tailored advice to create an amazing shopping experience
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
E-Commerce Photographer
Grove Collective
04.2022 - 07.2022
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
- Increased overall productivity by effectively managing schedules appointments, location scouting, equipment maintenance, image processing, archiving photoshoots.
- Managed and organized photo database using consistent naming conventions and key-wording for search optimization.
- Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
Screen Printer
Eborn Industries
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Cleaned, adjusted and repaired screen printing machines.
- Increased efficiency by troubleshooting and resolving printing issues, minimizing downtime and delays.
- Ensured accurate project completion through meticulous attention to detail in alignment, registration, and curing processes.
- Examined products to identify defects and variations from coloring and other processing standards and tested solutions used to process textile goods to detect defects.
- Optimized print results with precise application of emulsion coatings for optimal exposure times and image clarity on screens.
Sales Associate
Utah state Liquor and Wine Store
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Developed new client relationships by actively engaging with potential customers and highlighting the benefits of our product offerings.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Maximized profitability with strategic upselling techniques during one-on-one interactions with clients at the point of purchase.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
Studio Manager/Photographer
The Photo Studio
10.2017 - 07.2020
- Styled and shot studio photo sessions for a wide range of applications including model portfolios, Ecom, boudoir, fashion week, go see sheets, headshots, editorial, children, family, etc
- Performed studio maintenance, built sets, rebuilt camera and lighting equipment
- Collaborated with photographers on artistic direction for projects, enhancing overall creativity and visual impact of final products.
- Moved and adjusted lighting setups for professional portfolio photo products
- Assisted in photo shoot styling of model, clothing, and backgrounds
- Assisted in photo retouching ensuring a consistent and elite final product.
- Implemented a digital asset management system that streamlined workflow while maintaining security for sensitive content.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Coordinated staff training programs to enhance team skills in areas such as software proficiency, design techniques, or customer service best practices.
Photographer's Assistant
The Photo Studio
11.2017 - 03.2019
- Setup and maintained cameras, lighting equipment, sets, boards, fans, paper rolls, gels, props, etc
- Captured stunning images for variety of projects.
- Reviewed and prepared photo products for customer purchase with a focus on speed and consistency
- Assisted every aspect of photo and video shoots to ensure the photographer could focus on shooting.
- Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops, and lighting.
- Managed and organized photo database using consistent naming conventions and key-wording for search optimization.
- Customized photography strategies based on intended use and client preferences.
Guest Services Supervisor
BridgeClimb Sydney
11.2017 - 03.2019
- Guided climbers up the Sydney harbor bridge and took photos to commemorate the guests journey
- Ensured safety standards were upheld to protect the guests and bridge while providing an exceptional and unique experience
- Reviewed and prepared photo products for customer purchase with a focus on speed and consistency
- Provided excellent customer service to climbers pre and post climb to ensure a positive and smooth trip.
- Monitored team performance to confirm customer service standards were consistently met.
- Hired, trained and managed team of 10 Guest Services Representatives successfully.
Valet Supervisor
VPS
10.2016 - 01.2017
- Directed an eight-man valet team
- Ensured service levels were exceeded in every interaction
- Held the team to exceptional standards in efficiency and safety.
- Handled escalated guest issues effectively, preserving customer loyalty by addressing concerns promptly while adhering to company guidelines for conflict resolution.
- Maintained clean workspaces, contributing to an inviting environment for guests upon entering or exiting their vehicles.
- Scheduled staff shifts, balancing workload distribution while minimizing labor costs.
Valet Supervisor
Hotel 1000
05.2013 - 06.2016
- May 2013 employee of the month nominee
- Directed a ten-person valet team
- Addressed and resolved guest issues with mutual resolution
- Retrieved and parked vehicles efficiently and quickly
- Acted as a bellman to Increase the guest experience and understanding of the property
- Ensured one hundred percent of vehicle accountability through nightly audits.
- Handled escalated guest issues effectively, preserving customer loyalty by addressing concerns promptly while adhering to company guidelines for conflict resolution.
- Maintained clean workspaces, contributing to an inviting environment for guests upon entering or exiting their vehicles.
Military Photojournalist
Washington National Guard
05.2013 - 06.2016
- Traveled the world as a military photojournalist
- Edited photos, wrote stories, and shot and edited video multimedia products for international news distribution
- Designed training templates for future press releases and stories
- Supervised day to day operations in a ten-person team
- Presented training materials to elevate the productivity of operations.
- Provided valuable insights during editorial meetings by presenting ideas for potential stories based on current events and personal contacts within the community.
- Successfully navigated challenging environments, such as conflict zones or disaster areas, while maintaining personal safety and capturing powerful images that informed global audiences.
- Received industry recognition through various photography awards, highlighting commitment to excellence in photojournalism.
Wheeled Vehicle and Stryker Mechanic
United States Army
10.2010 - 05.2013
- Supervised a battle damage recovery team during Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan
- Systemized garrison maintenance operations for 562nd engineer brigade to increased mission capable vehicles and repair operations.
- Tuned automotive systems and components to optimize functionality and prolong life of each piece.
- Maintained accurate records of completed work orders, ensuring transparency for customers and management alike.
- Assisted in maintaining a high-functioning service department by taking on additional responsibilities including inventory management and shop maintenance tasks.
- Repaired engine and transmission components to rebuild engine and enhance vitality.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
Education
Associate's in General Studies -
University of Utah / Salt Lake Community College
Bachelor of Visual Arts in Visual Arts -
University of Sydney
11.2020
General Studies -
Olympus High School
12.2005
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Photoshop
- Photography
- Microsoft Office
- Capture One
- Video Editing
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Screen Printing
- Firearm Safety
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Operation
Certification
Driver's License
Additional Information
Responsible conduct of gambling certificate, Responsible service of alcohol certificate
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Military Service
Army, United States, Specialist, 10/01/09, 06/01/16, Worked as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, Stryker system Mechanic, and a public relations specialist which consisted of photojournalism around the world, Afghan conflict medal of honor, NATO medal of honor, US National Guard medal of honor
Personal Information
- Relocation: Anywhere
- Title: Photographer / Working Artist
Timeline
Hunting Manager
Sportsman's Warehouse
09.2022 - Current
E-Commerce Photographer
Grove Collective
04.2022 - 07.2022
Screen Printer
Eborn Industries
05.2021 - 07.2022
Sales Associate
Utah state Liquor and Wine Store
02.2021 - 05.2021
Photographer's Assistant
The Photo Studio
11.2017 - 03.2019
Guest Services Supervisor
BridgeClimb Sydney
11.2017 - 03.2019
Studio Manager/Photographer
The Photo Studio
10.2017 - 07.2020
Valet Supervisor
VPS
10.2016 - 01.2017
Valet Supervisor
Hotel 1000
05.2013 - 06.2016
Military Photojournalist
Washington National Guard
05.2013 - 06.2016
Wheeled Vehicle and Stryker Mechanic
United States Army
10.2010 - 05.2013
Associate's in General Studies -
University of Utah / Salt Lake Community College
General Studies -
Olympus High School
Bachelor of Visual Arts in Visual Arts -
University of Sydney
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