Lori Funston
Guelph Eraamosa,Ontario
Summary
Dynamic business leader with a proven track record at Architect Data Systems, excelling in financial management and customer relations. Adept at enhancing service quality and driving employee development, resulting in improved customer retention and operational efficiency. Committed to strategic planning and fostering a positive work environment for sustained growth.
Business professional prepared for this role, bringing wealth of experience in strategic planning and operational management. Delivered impactful results through effective leadership and resource optimization. Focused on fostering team collaboration and achieving exceptional outcomes with adaptability and reliability. Skilled in financial management, strategic growth, and customer relations.
Professional with deep expertise and readiness for leadership. Proven track record in driving business growth and operational efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering impactful results. Known for reliability, adaptability, strategic vision, and effective problem-solving. Skilled in business management, financial planning, and customer relations.
Experienced with strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership. Utilizes industry knowledge to drive business growth and operational efficiency. Track record of creating and implementing innovative strategies to enhance profitability and productivity.
Talented Owner with excellent marketing, customer service and facility oversight skills and more than Number years of experience. Highly effective and comfortable working with people at all levels in organization.
Self-motivated professional successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs, and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in leading and supervising operational and sales teams.
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Watfun Recycling
Kitchener Ontario
07.2011 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations to optimize recycling processes and enhance workflow efficiency.
- Developed and implemented waste management strategies to improve resource recovery rates.
- Managed inventory control systems for tracking recyclable materials and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Established partnerships with local businesses for sustainable waste disposal solutions.
- Conducted market research to identify trends in recycling practices and customer needs.
- Analyzed operational performance data to drive continuous improvement initiatives in service delivery.
- 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.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- 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.
- Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
- Achieved significant cost savings by implementing energy-efficient solutions across company facilities.
- Expanded business into new markets, cond
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
Customer Service Representative
Sykes
Kitchener Ontario
01.2010 - 07.2012
- Resolved customer inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Utilized CRM software to track customer interactions and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery processes.
- Adapted quickly to changing product information and updates, ensuring customer accuracy.
- Monitored service quality metrics, identifying areas for improvement in customer interactions.
- Developed strategies to improve response times and overall customer satisfaction levels.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Assisted customers in navigating company website and placing online orders, improving overall user experience.
- Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
- Exceeded performance metrics consistently, earning recognition as a top performer within the team.
- Negotiated solutions with dissatisfied customers, turning potential negative reviews into positive testimonials.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by offering personalized solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Analyzed customer service metrics to identify trends and develop strategies for improvement.
- Boosted team morale by consistently recognizing colleagues' contributions and achievements.
- Improved resolution time with effective problem-solving for customer complaints.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, contributing to comprehensive database for future reference.
- Resolved escalated customer issues, restoring confidence in company's commitment to service excellence.
Customer Service Representative
Nordica
Kitchener, ON
07.2014 - 07.2016
- Resolved customer inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Utilized CRM software to track customer interactions and maintain accurate records.
- Adapted quickly to changing product information and updates, ensuring customer accuracy.
- Monitored service quality metrics, identifying areas for improvement in customer interactions.
- Developed strategies to improve response times and overall customer satisfaction levels.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Assisted customers in navigating company website and placing online orders, improving overall user experience.
- Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
- Exceeded performance metrics consistently, earning recognition as a top performer within the team.
- Negotiated solutions with dissatisfied customers, turning potential negative reviews into positive testimonials.
- Customized support strategies for high-priority clients to ensure their specific needs were met.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by offering personalized solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Boosted team morale by consistently recognizing colleagues' contributions and achievements.
CFO
Architect Data Systems
Kitchener Ontario
03.1998 - 06.2008
- Directed financial strategy, aligning resources with organizational goals.
- Oversaw budgeting processes, optimizing resource allocation across departments.
- Implemented risk management practices to safeguard company assets and investments.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to drive strategic growth initiatives.
- Spearheaded cost-reduction strategies, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
- Oversaw budgets, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable.
- Reduced operational costs by identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost-saving measures across various departments.
- Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
- Conducted detailed analysis of company financial information and oversaw preparation of related reports.
- Managed relationships with external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient annual audit process with minimal findings or issues identified.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements by staying current on industry developments and implementing necessary controls within the organization.
- Oversaw the preparation and submission of all tax filings, mitigating potential risks associated with noncompliance.
- Enhanced cash flow management through the development of robust forecasting models, ensuring optimal liquidity for business operations.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
- Presented financial results to board members and investors during quarterly meetings, maintaining transparency in communication regarding company performance.
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
- Optimized working capital levels by closely monitoring accounts receivable/payable balances and taking appropriate actions as needed.
- Refined internal control procedures, strengthening the overall integrity of financial data captured within the system.
- Tracked cash flow and financial planning to analyze company's financial strengths and weaknesses and propose strategic directions.
- Directed budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
- Oversaw accounts payable and receivable to track income and expenditures, drive statutory compliance and provide quantitative financial information.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
Medical Chaperone
Medysis
Kitchener Ontario
06.2008 - 11.2018
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
CAT Certificate - Culinary Arts Training
Lawheed Business College
Kitchener Ontario04-1983
Skills
- excellent customer service skills dealing with customer complaints successfully and retaining customers
- navigating financial record keeping successfully
- learning new skills as needed
- positive
- helping other employees be the best that they can be resulting in a more positive environment for the company
- looking and reporting improvements for a more successful outlook
- excellent logistics skills
- Customer relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Client service
- Project management
- Operations management
- Business management
- Business planning
- Strategic planning
- Marketing
- Financial management
- Business development
- Business administration
- Business launch
- Negotiation
- Employee development
- Administrative oversight
- Contract management
- Financial planning
- Sales management
- Cost reduction
- Budget development
- Regulatory compliance
- Talent development
- Investor relations
- Capital pursuit
- Crisis management
- Service quality assurance
- Accounting expertise
- Social media control
- Profit and loss
- Profit and loss analysis
- Client engagement optimization
- Cash flow optimization
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Decision-making
- Scheduling
- Quality assurance
- Business leadership
- Inventory tracking and management
- Purchasing and planning
- Records organization and management
- Customer retention
- Employee relations
- Budget control
- Performance improvement
- Employee motivation
- Sales strategies
- Operations oversight
Languages
English
Professional Working
Timeline
Customer Service Representative
Nordica
07.2014 - 07.2016
Owner
Watfun Recycling
07.2011 - Current
Customer Service Representative
Sykes
01.2010 - 07.2012
Medical Chaperone
Medysis
06.2008 - 11.2018
CFO
Architect Data Systems
03.1998 - 06.2008
CAT Certificate - Culinary Arts Training
Lawheed Business College