Karen Carpenter
Christchurch,CAN
Summary
Dynamic professional with a flair for project management and a knack for effective communication—essential skills when you're juggling multiple tasks, like making sure your camping gear is packed while keeping track of finances! From my time as an Accounts Officer at Shands Outdoor Power to running the show at Stevensons Canvas Solutions, I’ve mastered the art of turning chaos into order. I’ve got a passion for the outdoors that rivals my love for stylish gear; who says you can’t look fabulous while conquering a mountain trail? With stellar skills in garment construction and a talent for problem-solving, I’ve celebrated some major project victories (and probably a few campfire s’mores along the way!). My attention to detail is so sharp it could cut through a thick forest, and my creative thinking ensures that innovation doesn’t take a back seat, even when we’re out in nature. Let’s face it: whether it’s about looking good or getting the job done, I believe in making every task a little more fun!
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounts Officer
Shands Outdoor Power
Islington, Christchurch
06.2011 - Current
- Manage accounts payable and receivable, including invoicing and payment processing.
- Reconciled accounts and resolved discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Prepared monthly financial reports for the management team.
- Respond promptly to customer queries related to their accounts.
Retail Sales and Service Advisor
Shands Outdoor Power
Islington, Christchurch
02.2021 - 12.2023
- Assisted with scheduling appointments for service work to be performed on equipment.
- Provided product information and answered customer questions.
- Effectively utilized point-of-sale systems to ensure accurate pricing, and manage inventory efficiently.
- Provided excellent customer service, resolving issues and answering queries promptly.
- Performed cashier duties such as ringing up sales, processing payments, and issuing receipts.
- Tracked customer requests, comments, problems, issues and resolutions within designated systems.
Business Owner
Stevensons Canvas Solutions
Rangiora, North Canterbury
11.1996 - 11.2011
- Operated and ran the Canvas manufacturing business for over 15 years.
- Custom-manufactured products ranging from small pouches and bags to horse covers, caravan awnings, boat covers, and shade sails.
- Designed and fabricated diverse products across multiple scales.
- Products were constructed and styled both by hand and using machines.
- Operated industrial sewing machines to construct products using canvas, leather, pvc and other materials.
- Use and knowledge of a diverse range of materials, including buckles, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, domes, clips, and various notions.
- Inspected and tested fabrics, materials, and finished garments for quality control purposes.
- Utilized various measuring tools achieving accurate fabric cuts.
- Recorded and maintained precise project completion data.
- Prepared thorough estimates detailing required labor and materials.
- Consulted with clients regarding their design preferences; offered suggestions based on personal experience.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
- Collaborated closely with team member to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
- Addressed customer inquiries, provided information, and resolved issues, fostering strong relationships.
- Reconciled daily sales, prepared bank deposits and assessed financial transaction reports.
- Participated in trade shows, conventions, and other events related to industry promotion.
- Client base ranged from NZ police, AOS squad, DOC fire department, schools and preschools, medical departments commercial business and the general public.
Sewing Machinist and Garment Control
Apparel Assembly & Retail Group Ltd
Rangiora, North Canterbury
01.1993 - 09.1996
- Tested completed garments for defects before packaging them for delivery.
- Inspected finished products for quality assurance purposes.
- Utilized advanced stitching techniques to enhance material aesthetics and durability.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Provided guidance on selecting suitable fabrics for projects.
- Demonstrated sewing techniques on garments.
- Established and communicated clear objectives for projects.
- Trained machinists in garment construction
Education
School Certificate -
Rangiora High School
Rangiora, NZ01-1992
Skills
- Project management
- Effective communication
- Superb eye for detail
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Custom Upholstery Craftsmanship
- Skilled in Alteration Techniques
- Apparel Construction
- Advanced Sewing Techniques
- Flexible schedule
Affiliations
Passionate Mother of two boys.
Find adrenaline intake via MTB.
Love a hike in the hills with my border collie.
Dates on the tandem cruiser with my hubby.
Would love painted nails, but the outdoors is more my gig.
Fashion is my other love, costumes or clothes, anything to be creative.
Sewing, design from scratch to create bespoke pieces.
Playing touch, football and the odd adventure race is often on the cards.
Traveling NZ with my family exploring bike trails and beaches and camping
Community
- Prebbleton School PTA 2020- Current
Head Organiser of multiple events
Volunteer manager
Social media
- Prebbleton Rugby Club team Manager 2017-2020
- Prebbleton Touch team Coach/Manager 2018- Current
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Retail Sales and Service Advisor
Shands Outdoor Power
02.2021 - 12.2023
Accounts Officer
Shands Outdoor Power
06.2011 - Current
Business Owner
Stevensons Canvas Solutions
11.1996 - 11.2011
Sewing Machinist and Garment Control
Apparel Assembly & Retail Group Ltd
01.1993 - 09.1996
School Certificate -
Rangiora High School
Similar Profiles
James BakerJames Baker
Class A CDL Delivery Driver at Western Maryland Outdoor PowerClass A CDL Delivery Driver at Western Maryland Outdoor Power
Blaine KohlBlaine Kohl
Service Writer at Woodys Outdoor PowerService Writer at Woodys Outdoor Power
Anthony NiechAnthony Niech
Head of Marketing at Fords Outdoor Power EquipmentHead of Marketing at Fords Outdoor Power Equipment