Resumes:
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Focus on Project Management - Training & Development
PROJECT MANAGEMENT / TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL 
A proven performer with a solid background and consistently strong results in general management, training and development, project management, and marketing, in the technology, manufacturing and construction industries. Work with companies (especially start-ups) on programs and systems that improve efficiency, increase productivity, enhance quality, and strengthen financial results. A creative and strategic planner with solid implementation skills. Leader and consensus-builder energized by a collaborative teamwork environment. Strong general management skills, with a seasoned ability to meet business goals, effectively, communicating with all levels of the organization, to build both internal and external relationships. Core competencies include:
Technical Training ~ Strategic Planning ~Presentations & Public Speaking ~ Operations ~ Organizational Development Customer Service ~ DISC ~ Oral & Written Communications ~ Branding ~ Program & Curriculum Design ~ Web Presence ~ Event Management ~ Training Evaluation ~ Soft-Skills Training ~ Customer Consultations ~ Finance & Budgets
Leadership Initiatives:
- Adapt well to unique industries, challenges and new situations
- Managed award-winning projects
- Developed and delivered easy to understand and use curriculum, on various technical topics
- Utilized as a trouble-shooter for various projects, going in implementing profitable "fixes"
EDUCATION
BA, Business, MALONE UNIVERSITY, Canton, OH
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SPEAK2YOU, INC., Massillon, OH, 1999 Present
Company supplies Project Management and Training services to small organizations as well as Brand Voice and Marketing Management, specifically on the web
PROJECT MANAGER / TRAINER
Manage complex projects from training and organizational development to software development to marketing and branding. Consult with clients to assess their specific needs; design develop and implement programs (including organizational development), including training aids and materials.
- Builds strong relationships with clients, providing more deliverables than required, solving any challenges quickly and efficiently, and providing them with results that far outweigh their expectations
- Designed and developed three exclusive software packages that focused on unique client needs;
- A website 'plug-in' project - 12 tools a client could plug into their website to make it work better, be more interactive and pull in more traffic
- A communication tool designed to revolutionize how newsletters and client/customer communications interacted on the web. This tool allowed total security and tracking for messages
- A tracking system for startup companies that allows clients to track stock, board members, fund-raising, etc
OHIO GRATINGS, INC., Canton, OH, 2000 2002
A $30+ million industrial manufacturer of grating and other custom metal products, supplying an international market
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Coordinated software development project, oversaw the training of company employees as new internal technology systems were implemented for accounting, ERP and other business functions. Designed company web presence; developed training curriculum and materials; assessed training needs, measured results, and developed follow-up training programs.
- Spearheaded the development of Progress-based (Vantage) enterprise software program that was being customized in-house. Created specifications, and requirements documents, and formulated and implemented schedules for software upgrades. The modified ERP system significantly improved the software interface, better served the needs of the company and provided enhanced software integration with actual sales needs. This reduced sales time on the phone, and led to more accurate quoting.
- Interviewed, negotiated, hired and supervised software developers, ensuring high-quality programming done once, saving thousands of dollars and keeping projects on time and budget.
- Worked directly for company President as a 'change-agent', assisting in moving the company forward in utilizing new technologies and embracing change.
SMYTH SYSTEMS, INC, North Canton, OH, 1996 1999
This national company provided POS systems (mainly NCR) to retail, grocery and food service
EAST COAST DEALER MANAGER
Working in the support and installation department, was recognized as an expert on a specific NCR system. When Smyth became a national distributor for that system, was promoted to overseeing and managing all east coast dealer sales and support. Oversaw training for all dealers nationwide. Developed and delivered Train-the-Trainer programs and materials; formulated installation specifications with salespeople; and trained staff.
- Saved the company thousands of dollars by installing POS systems and training clients on its use
- Made dealers more effective in selling and installing systems, also saving them dollars and increasing their sales
- Efforts were so successful, that after Smyth Systems closed, received an offer from NCR to train all dealers nationwide utilizing extensive knowledge of that POS system
OCS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, Canton, OH, 1986 1996
Company performed high-end construction and remodeling for local residential and commercial clients
OWNER / GENERAL MANAGER
Founded company as a landscape design and construction firm that installed residential decks and handled some landscape projects. Estimated projects, created production schedules, worked as liaison between crews, suppliers, inspectors and homeowners to ensure timely completion. Recruited and managed skilled work crews and sub-contractors from excavators, plumbers, electricians, painters, masons and roofers.
- Received seven Contractor of the Year awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for designed and managed projects
- Grew company into a full-service design/build remodeling company, expanding projects to include commercial remodeling and residential additions, including high-end kitchen and bath remodeling
- Earned Certified Remodeler status from NARI
Previous experience: GENERAL MANAGER of PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE, various locations
- Started there as a dishwasher and worked way up to general manager. Worked in 17 different stores and was in charge of opening three new design stores.
AFFILIATIONS
Member CANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Board Member / Chair / Co-Chair NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY (NARI)
Volunteer HAMMER & NAILS a non-profit organization
Marketing - Event Managment
MARKETING / EVENT PLANNING PROFESSIONAL
A proven performer with a solid background and consistently strong results in general management, marketing, event-planning, training and development, and project management, in various industries. Work with companies (especially start-ups) on programs and systems that improve efficiency, increase productivity, enhance quality, and strengthen financial results. A creative and strategic problem-solver, using creative, original solutions and solid implementation skills. Effective leader and consensus-builder energized by a collaborative teamwork environment. Strong general management skills, working with teams as large as 70, with a seasoned ability to meet business goals, effectively, communicating with all levels of the organization, to build both internal and external relationships. Core competencies include:
Strategic ~ Strategic Planning ~Presentations & Public Speaking ~ Operations ~ Customer Relationship Management Customer Service ~ DISC ~ Oral & Written Communications ~ Branding ~ Program & Curriculum Design ~ Web Presence Event & Seminar Planning & Delivery ~ Soft-Skills Training & Evaluation ~ Customer Consultations ~ Finance & Budgets
Leadership Initiatives:
- Manage complex projects in diverse industries
- Capability for quickly learning project and criteria
- Recognized for considering organizations mission and goals then effectively presenting unique marketing approaches so that "the right message" is relayed
- Planned and executed significant events, coordinating all the details from securing the venue, to contracting for the food and entertainment, to implementing all the marketing
- Utilized as a trouble-shooter for various projects, going in implementing profitable "fixes"
EDUCATION
BA, Business, MALONE UNIVERSITY, Canton, OH
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SPEAK2YOU, INC., Massillon, OH, 1999 Present
Company provides small organizations with brand voice and marketing, specifically on the web; & provides technical training.
PROJECT MANAGER / TRAINER
Consult with clients to assess their specific needs for effective web presence and ecommerce solutions; design develop and implement training programs (including organizational development), including training aids and materials.
- Plan memorable events, seminars and workshops assessing the client's needs and managing all details to ensure flawless delivery off any/all details, exceeding client expectations
- Builds strong relationships with clients, providing more deliverables than required, solving any challenges quickly and efficiently, and providing them with results that far outweigh their expectations
- Designed and developed three exclusive software packages that focused on unique client needs
- Design and assemble newsletters for both print and electronic media
- Developed strategies for a client to implement marketing strategies while merging two businesses into one, guiding them on the best approach to use in the marketplace
- Creates and designs over 25 "brands" for various clients, including all content and handling their implementation, resulting in each client having a strong marketing and web presence and in most cases, greatly improving market recognition and site traffic
OHIO GRATINGS, INC., Canton, OH, 2000 2002
A $30+ million industrial manufacturer of grating and other custom metal products, supplying an international market
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Coordinated software development project, oversaw the training of company employees as new internal technology systems were implemented for accounting, ERP and other business functions. Planned and scheduled all training events. Designed company web presence; developed training curriculum and materials; assessed training needs, measured results, and developed follow-up training programs.
- Scheduled all classes, assuring appropriate meeting room setups and equipment requirements
- o Spearheaded the development of Progress-based (Vantage) enterprise software program that was being customized in-house. Created specifications, and requirements documents, and formulated and implemented schedules for software upgrades. The modified ERP system significantly improved the software interface, better served the needs of the company and provided enhanced software integration with actual sales needs. This reduced sales time on the phone, and led to more accurate quoting.
- o Interviewed, negotiated, hired and supervised software developers, ensuring high-quality programming done once, saving thousands of dollars and keeping projects on time and budget.
- Worked directly for company President as a 'change-agent', assisting in moving the company forward in utilizing new technologies and embracing change.
SMYTH SYSTEMS, INC, North Canton, OH, 1996 1999
This national company provided POS systems (mainly NCR) to retail, grocery and food service
EAST COAST DEALER MANAGER
Working in the support and installation department, was recognized as an expert on a specific NCR system. When Smyth became a national distributor for that system, was promoted to overseeing and managing all east coast dealer sales and support. Oversaw training for all dealers nationwide. Developed and delivered Train-the-Trainer programs and materials; formulated installation specifications with salespeople; and trained staff.
- Planned all national account training, securing sites, planning all deliverables, worked with event staff(s) so classes were professional, appropriately supplied with equipment, collateral supplies, food, etc resulting in highly effective events, highly rated by dealers nation-wide
- Made dealers more effective in selling and installing systems, also saving them dollars and increasing their sales
- Efforts were so successful, that after Smyth Systems closed, received an offer from NCR to train all dealers nationwide utilizing extensive knowledge of that POS system
OCS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, Canton, OH, 1986 1996
Company performed high-end construction and remodeling for local residential and commercial clients
OWNER / GENERAL MANAGER
Founded company as a landscape design and construction firm that installed residential decks and handled some landscape projects. Estimated projects, created production schedules, worked as liaison between crews, suppliers, inspectors and homeowners to ensure timely completion. Recruited and managed skilled work crews and sub-contractors from excavators, plumbers, electricians, painters, masons and roofers.
- Received seven Contractor of the Year awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for designed and managed projects
- Grew company into a full-service design/build remodeling company, expanding projects to include commercial remodeling and residential additions, including high-end kitchen and bath remodeling
- Earned Certified Remodeler status from NARI
Previous experience: GENERAL MANAGER of PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE, various locations
- Started there as a dishwasher and worked way up to general manager. Worked in 17 different stores and was in charge of opening three new design stores.
AFFILIATIONS
Member CANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Board Member / Chair / Co-Chair NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY (NARI)
Volunteer HAMMER & NAILS a non-profit organization
If you are seeking an energetic professional who can make an immediate and positive impact upon your operations, revenue stream and profit margins, call Grant at 330-478-1065 (Ohio, East Coast time).
Testimonials
"Very intelligent, dedicated to his work, highly skilled and motivated with his career. He is willing to help others- shows care and concern for ones well-being. Grant is a class act and true professional!"
Debbie McLanza, OH
Professional Realtor