Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Darren Fox

Cromwell,OTA

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience

Work History

Backpackers Hostel Owner

Self Employed
11.2017 - 02.2024
  • 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.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • 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.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
  • Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
  • Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
  • Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
  • Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
  • Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
  • Used knowledge of market trends to create value-added solutions resulting in significant increase in revenues.
  • Trained and developed team members to build human capital.
  • Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency across industry operations.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
  • Diversified revenue streams by exploring new markets and developing innovative products or services tailored to those markets'' needs.
  • Fostered an environment promoting continuous improvement empowering employees to identify opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Discovered areas of improvement by generating quarterly operational and sales reports.
  • Proactively identified areas of risk within the organization implemented necessary safeguards mitigating any potential negative impact on the business.
  • Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving internal communication channels between team members facilitating greater collaboration across departments.
  • Managed large budgets, collaborating with other departments to eliminate redundancies.
  • Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
  • Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
  • Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Adhered to regulatory and policy changes and made necessary adjustments to maintain overall success.
  • Worked with marketing teams to create print and online advertisements to bring in new customers.
  • Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
  • Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
  • Conducted audit inspections and independent checks to verify parts and materials.
  • Assessed damaged materials and notified maintenance personnel of needed repairs.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.

Stonemason

Wainwright Hickey Stonemasons
07.2021 - 04.2023
  • Achieved aesthetically pleasing designs through precise stone cutting and carving techniques.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality craftsmanship on every project, regardless of size or complexity.
  • Measured, cut and smoothed stone to maximize fit and complete attractive work for customers.
  • Demonstrated strong attention detail when measuring cutting stones exact specifications guaranteeing seamless fit final installation.
  • Operated equipment such as cranes and hoists to lift and guide large stones into place.
  • Supported other tradesmen construction crew members effectively collaborating sharing ideas problem-solving strategies ensure efficient workflow.
  • Reduced project completion times through effective time management and task prioritization during various stages of construction.
  • Mentored apprentice stonemasons offering guidance support promote learning development new skills within field.
  • Developed comprehensive understanding local building codes regulations ensuring compliance all applicable laws rules governing masonry trade.
  • Improved overall job site organization by regularly cleaning up debris from work areas ensuring proper storage material supplies.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to industry safety standards and protocols while working with heavy equipment and materials.
  • Provided excellent customer service addressing concerns promptly professionally throughout entire project timeline.
  • Enhanced structural integrity by carefully selecting and shaping stones for building projects.
  • Cleaned off excess materials and polished surfaces to achieve ideal smoothness and reflectivity.
  • Assisted clients in selecting the best materials for their specific needs, considering factors such as cost, durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements.
  • Increased efficiency in stone placement by utilizing advanced tools and equipment for precision measurements.
  • Ensured long-lasting results by properly sealing stonework against weather elements using appropriate sealants or mortar mixtures.
  • Preserved historical buildings by skillfully restoring and repairing damaged stonework.
  • Organized patterns, plans and supplies to efficiently prepare for each job.
  • Contributed to team success by consistently meeting deadlines, maintaining open communication with coworkers, architects, clients alike throughout each phase of construction process.
  • Constructed durable retaining walls, walkways, and patios by expertly laying natural stone materials.
  • Showcased versatility adaptability working diverse array projects including commercial residential buildings public monuments historic sites.
  • Collaborated with architects and construction teams to successfully complete complex projects on time and within budget.
  • Constructed long-lasting chimneys to meet use and aesthetic requirements.
  • Continuously expanded knowledge current trends techniques attending industry workshops seminars staying informed latest advancements masonry materials tools.
  • Supported industrial customers with lining and relining of equipment such as kilns and furnaces.
  • Maximized project efficiency by building and installing prefabricated masonry units.
  • Operated equipment such as forklifts to move bricks and supplies.
  • Read work orders and design drawings to determine work requirements and sequence of tasks.
  • Used polishing and surfacing machines to polish surfaces.
  • Removed excess mortar and finished joints for uniform surface.
  • Applied sealants or other protective coatings to waterproof or restore concrete surfaces.
  • Followed blueprints or drawings to lay blocks and bricks in correct arrangement.
  • Used rakes and shovels to spread, level and smooth concrete.
  • Prepared surfaces for work by smoothing imperfections on ground or with close structures.
  • Mixed mortar to lay bricks, stones and concrete sidewalks.
  • Applied hardening and sealing compounds to cure surface of concrete and waterproof or restore surfaces.
  • Operated drills, paving breakers, and powered abrasive saws to cut or demolish bricks and concrete.
  • Used straightedges and jointers to mold expansion joints and edges.
  • Molded expansion joints and edges using correct tools.
  • Applied colored marble or stone chips, and powdered steel over surfaces to produce prescribed finishes.
  • Operated power vibrator to compact materials and create level bases.
  • Signaled truck drivers to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete into constrained locations.
  • Installed anchor bolts, steel plates and door sills in freshly poured concrete to provide decorative finish.
  • Shaped, trimmed and cut marble or stone preparatory using power saws and hand tools.
  • Set vertical and horizontal structure alignment using plumb bob, gauge line and level.
  • Laid out wall patterns or foundations using straightedge, rule or staked lines.

Lawn Mowing Contractor

Self Employed Jims Mowing Franchise Owner
03.2006 - 05.2016
  • Delivered high-quality work on time and within budget, earning positive feedback from clients.
  • Delivered outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines and budgets.
  • Coordinated timely delivery of materials and resources to job sites, preventing delays in project timelines.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Established long-term relationships with clients, resulting in increased repeat business.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality lawn care services and addressing client concerns promptly.
  • Established a strong reputation within the community for exceptional lawn care services, leading to increased brand recognition and trust.
  • Developed customized lawn care plans tailored to each client''s specific needs and preferences.
  • Collaborated with clients on design ideas for landscaping projects that enhance curb appeal of their properties.
  • Invested in advanced industry tools and equipment to improve productivity levels among staff members working onsite at various locations.
  • Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.

Fireplace Installer

D And D Landscaping
01.1991 - 04.2006
  • Prevented potential hazards through rigorous inspection of gas lines, electrical connections, venting systems, and other critical components during the installation process.
  • Ensured customer satisfaction by providing exceptional post-installation support and addressing any concerns or issues promptly.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by installing fireplaces efficiently and accurately, adhering to safety standards.
  • Expanded product offerings for clients by staying up-to-date with the latest fireplace technology and trends.
  • Collaborated closely with architects and designers to ensure seamless integration of fireplaces into new construction or remodeling projects while respecting building codes requirements.
  • Achieved high-quality installations by meticulously measuring, cutting, and assembling components according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Improved client relations by conducting thorough consultations to understand their specific needs and preferences in fireplace design.
  • Boosted repeat business through consistent delivery of reliable service, resulting in numerous word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers.

Landscape Gardener

D And D Landscaping
11.1986 - 12.1990
  • Mulched gardens, placed sod, and adjusted soils to provide optimal growth potential.
  • Ensured healthy lawns using proper mowing techniques that promoted turfgrass vigor while minimizing pest issues.
  • Used shears, pruners, and chainsaws to prune and trim hedges and shrubs.
  • Provided expert lawn care, mulching, aerating and trimming around walks, walls, and flower beds.
  • Removed and disposed of plant debris from work sites to keep areas safe and well-organized.
  • Educated clients on proper care practices for their gardens to sustain long-term plant health.
  • Improved plant health and growth with thorough soil preparation, fertilization, and irrigation techniques.
  • Enhanced landscape aesthetics by designing and implementing creative garden layouts.

Education

Level 4 - Stonemasonry

Otago Polytechnic
Cromwell, NZ
11.2023

Skills

  • Customer Relations
  • Small business operations
  • Relationship Building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Client Service
  • Marketing
  • Customer Service
  • Issue Resolution
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Customer Retention
  • Team Collaboration and Leadership

Timeline

Stonemason

Wainwright Hickey Stonemasons
07.2021 - 04.2023

Backpackers Hostel Owner

Self Employed
11.2017 - 02.2024

Lawn Mowing Contractor

Self Employed Jims Mowing Franchise Owner
03.2006 - 05.2016

Fireplace Installer

D And D Landscaping
01.1991 - 04.2006

Landscape Gardener

D And D Landscaping
11.1986 - 12.1990

Level 4 - Stonemasonry

Otago Polytechnic

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Darren Fox