Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Previous Experience
Affiliations
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Wendy J Riling

Melbourne

Summary

With a broad range of experience, I bring to the State of Florida DEP a deep understanding of stewardship in the natural environment. Self-motivated and hardworking, I possess valuable resource management experience as well as a can do attitude.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Client Relationship Manager

Cox Automotive
03.2013 - Current


  • Connect with clients on a regular basis to assist with issue resolution, initiative execution and to deliver product enhancements to align with clients’ business needs and goals, while building and maintaining a positive and productive relationship between clients and Cox
  • Understand expectations of and experience with the company’s products
  • Address and resolve issues
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for additional sales / revenue generation
  • Ensure clients receive timely, necessary, and contracted after-sales service
  • Serve as a key point-of contact for clients, ensuring communication and coordination with appropriate internal stakeholders
  • Partner with customer support, product, and development teams to help clients navigate service and other engagements
  • Work with customers on implementation reviews and to ensure the prompt and proper resolution of technical or procedural challenges
  • Maintain Salesforce and other client repositories to ensure all client information is up-to-date and available for use by internal sales, product, operations, or other stakeholders
  • Maintained detailed records of all client interactions, ensuring accuracy in account management and reporting activities.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients through consistent follow-up and attention to detail.
  • Strengthened client relationships by maintaining regular communication and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Collaborated with internal teams to resolve client issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Served as primary point-of-contact for questions or concerns from clients during ongoing projects.

Tour Guide

Explorer Tours
08.2016 - 10.2017
  • Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
  • Facilitated memorable experiences for diverse groups by tailoring presentations to cater to different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through attentive listening and personalized tour adjustments based on group interests.
  • Received numerous positive reviews from clients, reflecting strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of tour subjects.
  • Improved group safety by vigilantly monitoring tour participants and implementing strict adherence to safety guidelines.
  • Fostered culture of learning and curiosity among tour guides and guests alike, contributing to memorable and educational experience.
  • Ensured safety and comfort for all participants, promptly addressing any concerns or emergencies that arose.

Photographer

Self Employed
11.2006 - 07.2016
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through clear communication and professionalism.
  • Captured stunning images by utilizing various lighting techniques and creative compositions.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Optimized workflow efficiency by implementing photo editing software tools like Lightroom and Photoshop.
  • Served a diverse range of industries, including weddings, corporate events, fashion shoots, and family portraits.
  • Maintained photography equipment, ensuring gear was in optimal condition for all shoots.

Kayak Tour Guide

Collinsville Canoe and Kayak
03.1997 - 10.2006


  • Provided strong leadership to create memorable kayaking experiences for customers.
  • Gained an understanding of each participants skill level and ability, in order to ensure a safe and cohesive group experience.
  • Provided in depth and intimate knowledge of waterways and surrounding wetlands and geography in order to elevate customer experience and education.
  • Worked collaboratively with staff to improve overall tour quality and visitor satisfaction.
  • Ensured timely departures and arrivals by strictly adhering to schedules while remaining flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or special requests from guests.
  • Maintained all equipment including kayaks, gear, trailers.
  • Promoted a Safety First ethos through example.

Staff Photographer

The Bristol Press
01.1991 - 11.1997
  • Captured high-quality images by utilizing advanced photography techniques and equipment.
  • Delivered consistent results under tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks effectively.
  • Successfully navigated challenging environments, such as conflict zones or disaster areas, while maintaining personal safety and capturing powerful images that informed readership.
  • Received industry recognition through various photography awards, highlighting commitment to excellence in photojournalism.
  • Captured compelling images by covering various events, including natural disasters, political rallies, and community gatherings.
  • Managed photography equipment inventory effectively, maintaining gear in excellent condition while minimizing expenses related to repairs or replacements.

Education

Certificate of Internet Site Development and Website Design -

Naugatuck Valley Community and Technical College
Waterbury, CT

Associate of Applied Science - Commercial Photography

Northwest College
Powell, WY

Certificate - Florida Master Naturalist Program

UF/IFAS
Florida
02-2025

Skills

  • Self motivated
  • Team player
  • Relationship building and management
  • Customer engagement
  • Client needs assessment
  • Interpersonal and client communications
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Mac OS, Windows OS
  • Proficient with a hammer and other building tools

Previous Experience

  • Marketing Manager, Lake Nissan, 1998 - 2013
  • Advertising Specialist, AutoTrader.com, 1998 - 2013
  • Internet Sales Representative, Blasius Chevrolet, 1998 - 2013
  • Automotive Online Product Specialist, Cars.com, 1998 - 2013

Affiliations

  • Farmington River Watershed Asscociation

Certification

  • Florida Master Naturalist

Interests

  • Kayaking
  • Volunteering
  • Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
  • Backpacking and Hiking
  • Offering time and support to shelters for the homeless, women, and animals
  • Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
  • Outdoor Recreation

Timeline

Tour Guide

Explorer Tours
08.2016 - 10.2017

Client Relationship Manager

Cox Automotive
03.2013 - Current

Photographer

Self Employed
11.2006 - 07.2016

Kayak Tour Guide

Collinsville Canoe and Kayak
03.1997 - 10.2006

Staff Photographer

The Bristol Press
01.1991 - 11.1997

Certificate of Internet Site Development and Website Design -

Naugatuck Valley Community and Technical College

Associate of Applied Science - Commercial Photography

Northwest College

Certificate - Florida Master Naturalist Program

UF/IFAS
Wendy J Riling