Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kathy Stephens

Auckland,AUK

Summary

Highly motivated professional with several years of entrepreneurial and management experience. Skillfully creates and maintains professional and loyal relationships with co-workers, staff and clients while managing administrative and sales employees. Comfortable working independently as manager and leader and as collaborative team member. Applies business acumen and experience and exercises decisive judgment to meet and exceed organizational goals.

Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner/Director

Vanilla coco Limited
Auckland Central, Auckland
11.2015 - Current
  • Assisted customers in selecting appropriate cake designs for their events.
  • Created custom cakes for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
  • Kept up with industry trends regarding new flavor combinations and design ideas.
  • Conducted quality control checks on finished products.
  • Sculpted 3D figurines out of fondant for use on specialty cakes.
  • Troubleshot any issues that arose during the cake decorating process.
  • Decorated cakes with a variety of edible decorations including sugar flowers, chocolate figures, and marzipan fruits.
  • Formulated designs based on customer specifications.
  • Boxed, weighed and wrapped cakes and other bakery products to prepare for pickup.
  • Assisted customers with planning cake vision, including color, theme and size.
  • Applied creative techniques to design beautiful, memorable wedding cakes.
  • Answered phone calls, put in orders and handled customer disputes or complaints.
  • Handled cash, credit card and check transactions.
  • Assembled, prepared, decorated, and frosted cakes for purchase.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and concerns with patience and expertise.
  • Exhibited thorough knowledge of foods, beverages, supervisory duties, service techniques, and guest interactions.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
  • Created new recipes using available ingredients and for special occasions.
  • Incorporated creative elements into cake designs as requested by clients.
  • Cleaned work area after completing each project for sanitation purposes.
  • Organized supplies to ensure efficient workflow during cake decorating process.
  • Mixed colors and flavors of frosting to create desired aesthetic effects on cakes.
  • Coordinated supplies, placed orders and managed stock on hand for bakery.
  • Created a website and social media presence to promote the startup.
  • Managed daily operations of the company including staff recruitment and training.
  • Developed strategies for marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness.
  • Contributed ideas for improving operational efficiency and increasing profitability.
  • Developed business plan to launch startup venture.
  • Established relationships with key stakeholders such as customers, partners, investors.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for resources needed for the startup.
  • Raised capital through private equity, debt financing, and other sources.
  • Analyzed industry trends to assess current competitive landscape and identify new opportunities.
  • Oversaw financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and accounting.
  • Organized events to engage prospective customers and build relationships within the community.
  • Participated in networking events to build relationships with potential partners or customers.
  • Provided oversight on product development initiatives from concept to completion.
  • Implemented scalable processes and systems to support business operations and facilitate efficient growth.
  • Negotiated and closed deals with suppliers, clients, and other key stakeholders to optimize operational efficiency.
  • Designed and launched innovative products and services, ensuring they meet market needs and customer satisfaction.
  • Led marketing efforts, including brand development, digital marketing strategies, and public relations campaigns.
  • Oversaw the development and maintenance of the company website and e-commerce platforms.
  • Optimized supply chain to reduce materials costs and improve distribution.
  • Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
  • Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
  • Drove revenue by cultivating successful client relations.
  • Implemented systems for tracking project milestones against deadlines.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients by providing excellent customer service throughout each project's duration.
  • Managed budgeting and resource allocation for design projects.
  • Directed the development of all visual assets, such as logos, website designs, multimedia projects, and print materials.
  • Determined appropriate staffing levels based on project scope while ensuring efficiency within budget constraints.
  • Analyzed competitor activity in order to create unique solutions that stand out in the market.
  • Increased social media reach by creating Facebook pages and implementing new marketing strategies targeting niche audience.
  • Tracked and analyzed social media and online marketing initiatives.
  • Developed budget and negotiated contracts and quotes to ensure projects were completed within financial constraints.

Licensed Private Investigator

CRS Solutions
, Auckland
03.2018 - 08.2025
  • Prepared affidavits for use in court proceedings related to investigations.
  • Analyzed data from interviews, court documents, police reports and other sources.
  • Developed strategies for obtaining evidence and information to support investigations.
  • Conducted undercover assignments as needed for client cases.
  • Developed relationships with informants who provided valuable leads or tips about cases being investigated.
  • Attended meetings with attorneys regarding cases under investigation.
  • Conducted surveillance operations to track the activities of suspected individuals.
  • Compiled detailed investigative reports with findings, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Obtained confidential information through discreet questioning techniques.
  • Maintained records of all investigative activities including notes, photographs, audio recordings, video recordings and other documents.
  • Provided expert testimony in legal proceedings when necessary.
  • Identified new methods of investigation using a variety of resources including public records databases.
  • Assisted clients in locating missing persons or recovering stolen property.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on large-scale projects that required multiple investigators working together simultaneously.
  • Performed background checks on potential employees or customers as requested by clients.
  • Investigated background of claimants and witnesses to uncover past criminal activity.
  • Went undercover in disguises to gather additional evidence.
  • Videotaped suspect's daily activities.
  • Produced timely and accurate reports about findings.
  • Reviewed gathered information to assess or detect issues.
  • Researched public records.
  • Conducted research for insurance claims to expose stolen funds and fraudulent claims.
  • Researched computer databases, public records and legal filings to compile accurate information for investigations.
  • Performed assignments within investigative scope of competency to meet client needs.
  • Gathered proof of activities through video recordings, photographs, and statements.
  • Identified suspects' locations and hideouts and informed appropriate personnel.
  • Obtained evidence for divorce, child custody, or missing person cases by conducting interviews.
  • Compiled detailed written reports of investigation findings for clients.
  • Utilized specialized computer software programs to track leads and analyze data collected during investigations.
  • Conducted surveillance on individuals suspected of criminal activity.
  • Managed confidential information obtained during investigations.
  • Investigated cases involving missing persons, fraud, infidelity and other crimes.
  • Assessed risk factors associated with potential threats.
  • Gathered evidence through interviews, research and observation.
  • Surveilled suspects to obtain video or photographic evidence.
  • Analyzed data to identify patterns and trends related to investigations.
  • Traveled extensively both domestically and internationally when necessary.
  • Developed investigative strategies based on case information.
  • Monitored GPS tracking devices used in investigations.
  • Collected intelligence from public records and sources in the field.
  • Assisted lawyers with trial preparation by providing expert testimony in court proceedings.

Property Manager

K and L Stephens Limited
Royal Oak, Auckland
03.2008 - 08.2017
  • Resolved tenant complaints quickly and effectively while ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Organized regular meetings between owners and tenants to discuss any issues or concerns they may have.
  • Managed all maintenance requests from tenants in a timely manner.
  • Ensured that all rent payments were collected on time by following up with delinquent tenants.
  • Maintained accurate records of financial transactions including rent collections, security deposits, and other income sources.
  • Developed marketing plans to promote vacant units through various channels such as online listings or print media ads.
  • Developed and implemented effective leasing strategies to maximize occupancy rates.
  • Processed evictions when necessary in accordance with state laws and procedures.
  • Analyzed market conditions regularly to identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency.
  • Assessed rental applications, conducted background checks, and approved or denied prospective tenants based on established criteria.
  • Conducted periodic inspections of properties to ensure compliance with safety regulations and tenant requirements.
  • Negotiated leases, rental agreements, and other contractual documents related to property management activities.
  • Monitored market trends to ensure competitive pricing structures for units under management.
  • Responded to tenant maintenance requests according to agreed conditions for building functionality.
  • Facilitated tenant paperwork processing and verification.
  • Handled resident complaints and expedited maintenance requests.
  • Coordinated with maintenance and contractors to promote timely turnovers after move-outs.
  • Drafted and monitored budgets for overall maintenance and operations.
  • Met with prospective tenants to show property and assess applications or sign leases.
  • Collected rent from tenants to pay maintenance and repair costs and other expenses.

General Manager, Hospitaliy

The Met and Code
Auckland CBD, Auckland
02.2004 - 10.2005
  • Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
  • Performed routine audits of internal controls in order to maintain accuracy of financial records.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates for open positions.
  • Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
  • Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
  • Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
  • Identified areas of improvement in current business practices and collaborated with other departments to develop action plans for implementation.
  • Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
  • Guided management and supervisory staff to promote smooth operations.
  • Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
  • Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
  • Created schedules and monitored payroll to remain within budget.
  • Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
  • Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.

Skills

  • Marketing tactics
  • Social media control
  • Digital transformation
  • Consulting
  • Project management
  • Contract management
  • Business administration
  • Business launch
  • Project estimating
  • Relationship building
  • Staff hiring
  • Crisis management
  • Negotiation
  • Service quality assurance
  • Client engagement optimization
  • Product branding
  • Small business operations
  • Staff management
  • Design coordination
  • Cash flow optimization
  • Market trend awareness
  • Business marketing
  • Customer relations
  • Business development

Languages

English
Professional
Chinese (Mandarin)
Professional

Timeline

Licensed Private Investigator

CRS Solutions
03.2018 - 08.2025

Owner/Director

Vanilla coco Limited
11.2015 - Current

Property Manager

K and L Stephens Limited
03.2008 - 08.2017

General Manager, Hospitaliy

The Met and Code
02.2004 - 10.2005

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Kathy Stephens