ZAI GUERRO
Livonia,MI
Summary
Results-oriented leader with extensive experience driving transformative change across operations, accounting, and project management. Proven track record of directing large-scale operations and consistently achieving success through strategic planning and execution. Expertise in implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness, alongside a strong commitment to fostering teamwork and adaptability in response to evolving business needs. Actively pursuing new opportunities to leverage skills and contribute to organizational success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Finish Trades
Morrey's Contracting LLC
Detroit, MI
09.2025 - Current
- Lead the Finish Trades division with responsibility for drywall, painting, carpentry, and concrete finishing operations.
- Create and structure high-performing teams of project managers and engineers while implementing processes and reporting systems directly aligned with trade management.
- Oversee warehouse operations and equipment rental programs to maximize efficiency and resource utilization.
- Developing standalone P&L for the division to drive clarity in financial performance and long-term growth strategy and reporting.
- Recognized for building scalable systems, strengthening team capabilities, and aligning operations with enterprise objectives.
Executive Director of Operations
Morrey's Contracting LLC
Detroit, MI
05.2023 - 09.2025
- Spearheaded self-perform operations across carpentry, painting, drywall, and concrete finishing divisions, directing a diverse field workforce and management team.
- Drove operational excellence by optimizing processes, managing manpower, and ensuring consistent project execution and profitability.
- Oversaw hiring, training, and performance management of 30+ carpenters and apprentices executing rough carpentry, finish carpentry and millwork installations.
- Managed and developed project managers and engineers to improve project delivery, cost controls, and client satisfaction.
- Contributed to the success in Increasing company revenue by 76% over three years.
- Created and implemented standardized operational processes and reporting systems to enhance efficiency, accountability, and financial visibility.
- Directed the build-out of warehouse operations and launched an internal equipment rental program to reduce costs and recover overhead.
- Championed workforce development by designing and securing approval for a U.S. Department of Labor-recognized Carpentry Apprenticeship Program.
Project Manager
Morrey's Contracting LLC
Detroit, MI
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Established Painting Division and cultivated strong relationships with subcontractors to facilitate timely delivery of materials and services.
- Increased overall revenue by 1M spearheading painting division and adding 2M+ in backlog.
- Managed capital improvement, commercial and retail finish projects.
- Led project planning and execution, ensuring alignment with client specifications and deadlines.
- Mentored junior project managers, fostering a collaborative environment for professional development.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Attended weekly L10 meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
President
J & B Painting, Inc
Livonia, MI, United States
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Member of Board of Directors
- Directing and overseeing the organization’s budgetary and financial activities
- Managing operations team that included accounting, sales, marketing, and project management
- Achieved under-budget and on-time project management to adhere to project goals.
- Analyzing performance indicators, financial statements, and sales reports
- Negotiating and approving agreements and contracts
- Diminished regulatory risks by overseeing adherence to insurance and safety regulations across all projects
- Identifying areas to cut costs while improving programs, performance, and policies
- Oversaw marketing efforts across various platforms
- Communicated with builders and contractors on residential and commercial projects to deliver project updates to customers
- Utilized cost estimation systems to document project information, create estimates, and revise project costs to reflect current data
- Calculated correct costs for project-specific goods and services by gathering information from team members, sub-contractors, and vendors
- Managing projects with crews of up to 30 painters
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations
- Determined project objectives, budgets, and schedules by coordinating with clients and teammates and optimized plans to meet changing conditions
- Compiled data and conducted research to draft legal documents for attorneys
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in the company's best interest
- Attended hearings as representative of the corporation
- Organized key evidence exhibits to prepare for litigation
- Collaborated with human resources and outside counsel to protect the company from legal claims
General Manager of Operations
J & B Painting, Inc
Livonia, MI
02.2012 - 08.2019
- Assumed responsibility for all aspects of accounting month-end/year-end closing transactions, general ledger, bank reconciliations, invoicing, accounts payable/accounts receivable/collections, AIA Invoicing.
- Manage corporate credit cards, payment of bills and related reconciliation, managing owners' personal finances, and ensuring timely payables
- Established 401K plan and medical benefits for the company, yearly enrollment management.
- Management of vendor COI and executor of insurance yearly audits.
- Sales and Estimating cost analyst, directing Sales efforts with respect to estimating exterior and interior painting and carpentry projects.
- Integrated new server and software for the company, IT support, and management with a third-party company.
- Creating marketing materials for all areas of the company for trade shows, social media platforms
- Project management of condominium exterior painting and carpentry projects from estimating to completion.
- Strategic planning of project logistics for material and labor procurement to achieve planned schedules
- Built loyal account base and long-term business relationships with Property Management accounts
Education
Persuasive Leadership Development - Business Management
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA01-2024
OSHA 30 - Occupational Health And Safety
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL10.2021
License - Residential Builders License
State of Michigan
Livonia, MI05-2016
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
St. Claire College
Windsor, ON2001
Skills
- Quickly adjusting to change
- Fluent in Spanish and English
- Responsible professional
- Strong work ethic
- Organizational strategy development
- Resource allocation oversight
- Team leadership
- Contract negotiation and vendor oversight
Certification
- Residential Builders License - 2016-2028
- Notary Public
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Finish Trades
Morrey's Contracting LLC
09.2025 - Current
Executive Director of Operations
Morrey's Contracting LLC
05.2023 - 09.2025
Project Manager
Morrey's Contracting LLC
01.2022 - 05.2023
President
J & B Painting, Inc
08.2019 - 10.2021
General Manager of Operations
J & B Painting, Inc
02.2012 - 08.2019
Persuasive Leadership Development - Business Management
University of Pennsylvania
OSHA 30 - Occupational Health And Safety
University of South Florida
License - Residential Builders License
State of Michigan
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
St. Claire College