- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays
- Food Tourism
- Historical Exploration
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Wine Tasting
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Volunteer Work
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
Paul Luftenegger, D.Min.
Southampton,Southampton
Summary
28 Years of blended management experience in the performing arts, public speaking, public events/shows, corporate operations and communications, call centres, contact centres, specialty food import/export, bespoke design and manufacturing to market, corporate branding and sales.
Highly experience performer as a vocalist and pianist with stage presentations enhance audience engagement. Track record of delivering memorable and impactful performances across various venues worldwide including some very well known highly respected artists.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
International Award Winning Singer & Songwriter
Self Employed
Worldwide
09.2011 - Current
- Created 9 original professional studio albums with over 100 songs in my catalogue
- 6 of my studio albums are streamed worldwide in over 200 countries on all major streaming platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Amazon)
- Worked closely with my award winning producer: Arun Chaturvedi who is S.A.C.'s (Songwriter Association of Canada) President on 7 of my 9 albums
- Utilized social media platforms to promote performances and connect with fans effectively worldwide.
- Open for and shared stages with many New York Times Best Selling Authors and award winning musicians
- Collaborated with musicians, producers, and sound engineers to create high-quality recordings and performances.
- Developed promotional strategies utilizing social media platforms to increase visibility and audience reach.
- Mentored emerging artists in vocal techniques, stage presence, and performance skills.
- Organized and executed live shows, managing logistics from venue selection to sound checks.
- Established a personal brand through consistent marketing efforts, building a loyal fan base over decades.
- Performed live vocal performances across diverse venues, engaging audiences with dynamic stage presence.
- Composed and arranged original music, showcasing creativity and artistic vision in songwriting.
CEO / President & Director
Luft & Co. Inc.
London, Ontario, Canada / Bermuda
09.2008 - Current
- Manage daily operations of a brand management and import/export distribution company
- Manage portfolio of perishable/non-perishable product: frozen artisan food / bag manufacturing
- Brand ambassador / brand management / sales management
- Manage food taste-testing events at retail locations
- Building solid relationships with clients/customers (vendors/end-users)
- Manage food and merchandise booths at international trade shows
- Manage FCL and LCL container loads/shipments (B13/FDA/CERS Government Forms)
- Working with ocean / land freight logistics / delivery management
- Manage daily office administration operations to maximize efficiencies
- Manage / support all sales initiatives, targets, and goals
- Process international PO's – payment requisitions/reconciliations
- Manage timelines / procurement / allocations
- Coordinate and manage domestic / international travel
- Create minutes – meetings / projects - for stakeholders
- Acquire competitive quotes from vendors and distributors
- Create and provide quotes for clients
- Negotiate on all levels to maximize profits
- Create reports and data compiling for all areas of business analysis
- Create/manage marketing/advertising campaigns
- Create/manage website domain with web developers: www.luftandco.com
- Provide administrative support through external communications with customers and future clients, and key stakeholders for the businesses
- Develop company policies and procedures manual
- Develop special projects ensuring successful execution
- Manage banking - accounts payable & receivables
- Manage sub-contractor relations / negotiations / contracts
- Manage all communications
- Fostered a culture of innovation by implementing new technologies and processes across the organization.
- Established key performance indicators to measure organizational success and inform decision-making.
- Developed and executed comprehensive business strategies aligning with market trends and customer needs.
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Drove profitability with thorough financial analysis and strategic decision-making.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive revenue growth.
Assistant Store Manager
Arnold’s Market Group of Companies
Bermuda
11.2005 - 09.2007
- Successfully managed daily operations of the supermarket(s) assuming complete responsibility in the absence of the Manager.
- Direct and support 10 to 30 staff members at all times
- Manage all POS sales and cash security and control
- Manage all in-store departments (meat, produce, grocery, frozen, dairy, bakery, liquor, front end) to ensure product was well stocked by department managers and support staff to maximize sales at all times
- Manage all in-store returns, voids, credits, and accounts
- Manage volunteer packers/baggers schedule
- Responsible for all in-store security
- Managed inventory control (digitally and manually)
- Monitor and manage all check-out lanes
- Required to run a cash register for overflow of long line ups
- Opening / closing stores on time
- Manage store cleaning as required (including indoor and outdoor grounds)
- Manage, monitor and maintain complex high-tech video surveillance equipment
- Handle manage and resolve all in-store escalations – both customers as well as employees
- Manage progressive discipline – including terminations where required
- Managing and supporting the hiring-process of part-time staff
- Training and coordinating training in all departments including cash and POS systems
- Manage creative displays, price cards, all pricing visuals
- Manage in store warehouse, shipping and receiving
- Manage attendance – all employees punching in and punching out – breaks, lunches, and illnesses
- Led daily operations ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
- Trained and mentored staff on customer service best practices and product knowledge.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, adjust strategies, and improve store performance.
- Developed and executed promotional campaigns to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
- Oversaw scheduling, optimizing workforce efficiency while maintaining service quality.
- Managed cash handling procedures ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and accountability.
- Collaborated with upper management to develop strategic initiatives for long-term growth.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
Call Center Operations Manager – Hewlett Packard
Sykes Assistance Services Corporation (Outsourced)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
07.2004 - 11.2005
- Manage and support daily operations of Hewlett-Packard's Parts and Warranty Call Centre.
- Direct 25 full time staff in busy and complex inbound/outbound contact centre processing orders by telephone, ecommerce, email, fax, or through Global Channel Support Networks
- Responsible for interacting and building strong account relationships with Hewlett Packard's senior management to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity to drive revenue
- Ensure internal/external customer satisfaction
- Project Management - develop and launch new processes to generate revenue for HP Canada and tracking success within a forecasting environment
- Coaching & Development: performance reviews - semi annual / annual
- Responsible for scheduling staff and managing absenteeism
- Manage customer satisfaction - problem resolution and negotiating settlements
- Develop effective training modules to accompany work processes
- Manage call monitoring/ coaching performance to develop skills
- Motivate staff through developing monthly goals via incentive program monies
- Assisted with creating a disaster relief program for the US and Canadian HP offices
- Conduct investigations to resolve service problems on deliverables
- Maintain, balance and report monthly, quarterly/annual budgets
- Manage daily monitoring of the call center's queue ensuring service levels are continuously maintained - 90% of all calls answered within 180 seconds
- Developed call flows for the various lines of business via MS Visio
- Queue Management via Symposium / Nortel environment with Crystal Reporting
- Email / Excel / PowerPoint / Microsoft Office Suite / Windows XP / SAP
- Support & train staff within an online website environment
- Conduct weekly operational meetings with Hewlett-Packard's Senior Management
- Human Resources Management (Benefits, Payroll Administration, Hiring & Training)
- Administrate/ Facilitate Employment Standards (Ontario, Quebec)
- Led team of call center agents to enhance customer satisfaction and service quality.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new hires to improve performance and retention.
- Analyzed call center metrics to identify trends and drive operational improvements.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Managed scheduling and resource allocation to optimize staffing levels during peak hours.
- Collaborated with upper management to design strategic initiatives aimed at reducing costs.
- Mentored junior managers, fostering leadership skills and promoting professional development.
- Oversaw compliance with industry regulations, ensuring adherence to quality standards in operations.
- Monitored call quality and provided individual constructive feedback to enhance performance and address areas in need of improvement.
- Trained team members on performance metrics and consumer behavior identification.
Team Leader Supervisor Roadside Assistance
Sykes Assistance Services Corporation
London, Ontario, Canada
04.2001 - 03.2004
- Provide emergency assistance services for a wide range of clients including auto manufacturers, retail and financial institutions (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Toyota, Daimler Chrysler, TD Bank, Wells Fargo etc.)
- Demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction by assessing and resolving customer concerns
- Complaint management - problem resolution through goodwill settlements
- Direct and support 15-18 Customer Assistance Representatives
- Developed effective training modules
- Monitor and coach performance
- Directly involved with developing a Quality Department to support a $250,000 Audit to become 'COPC' certified - Customer Operations Performance Centre
- Managed a project with the IT rewrite team to develop a new computer program to support changing business needs and to integrate call flow within the mainframe to support customer service - including HTML programming
- Provide feedback to team members in various stages of development to further enhance performance (this includes disciplinary action should it be required)
- Complete interactive performance reviews with team members (3 month probation reviews and semi-annual salary reviews)
- Motivate/recognize Customer Assistance Representatives who exceed company standards / meet personal improvement goals / objectives
- Support efforts of various departments to achieve service levels set by our Corporate Partners (including taking calls during peak seasonal periods/providing timely information to various departments and handling escalated calls)
- Conduct and present monthly 'Team Meetings' within a power point environment
- Conduct investigations to resolve service problems and budgeting monthly incentive monies to motivate staff
- Travel to off-site call centres to assist with development projects and training
- Streamlined operational workflows, improving efficiency in task execution.
- Developed training programs to onboard new employees effectively.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and growth.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
Store Manager
Farmer Jacks Orchards
London, Ontario, Canada
05.1997 - 10.2000
- Directed daily operations of an independent, produce specialty retail outlet with a $5-Million in annual sales, directing 10 full-time, and 10-15 part time staff
- Attained profit margins by utilizing effective merchandising, purchasing and Inventory
- Managed and created advertising ads for all departments
- Managed all merchandising
- Coordinated training and teamwork
- Implemented store policies including, 'all staff providing superior customer service'
- Created and developed projections to ensure successful execution of business plan
- Studied market trends and introduced new products to meet consumer demands
- Responsible for shipping / receiving products, ensuring quality as well as quantity
- Provided security control in opening and closing store as well as theft management
- Directed distribution logistics of products when preparing wholesale accounts
- Managed inventory and all ordering including trade shows
- Managed Accounts Payable and Receivable
- Managed creative displays and visuals
- Created artistic signs to display prices
- Scheduled and led weekly store meetings for all employees to discuss sales promotions and new inventory while providing platform for all to voice concerns
- Managed inventory levels, implementing strategies for efficient stock management and reducing waste.
- Trained and mentored staff, promoting professional development and enhancing team productivity.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, guiding strategic decisions for product placement and promotions.
Education
Doctor of Ministry, D.Min. - Culture & World Religions, Interfaith and Multicultural Ministry
TNS – College / University
USA08-2022
Masters Coaching Degree - International Development
TNS – College / University
USA08-2022
No Degree - Life Coaching: The Power of Thought And Affirmations
Hay House Publishing
USA / Canada 10-2020
No Degree - Health And Wellness
The D'Arcy Lane Institute
London, Ontario, Canada01-1997
Skills
- Create & Direct Public Music, Audio Visual Speaking and Singing Events
- Executive Management: President / CEO / Director
- Build Solid Relationships With Stakeholders / Donors / Vendors
- Broadcasting / Multimedia Management / Content Management
- Production: Producing / Digital Recording / Visual Content Creation
- Industry Experience: Arts / Telecommunications / Import / Export / Manufacturing / Customer Service Management
- Networking - Building Relationships
- Extensive Account Payables / Receivables Experience
- Account Management - Budget / Forecasting
- Client Relations - Account Development / Management
- Project Management, Team Development & Business Analysis
- HR - Benefits, Payroll Administration, Hiring, Motivating and Training Staff
- Highly Developed Quality Control, Problem Solving & Efficiencies
- Establishing & Maintaining Open Communication
- Resourceful, Reliable, Accountable, Accurate, Professional, & Caring
- Solo singing
- Stage presence
- Stage performance
- Breath support
- Microphone technique
- Writing lyrics
- Audience engagement
- Harmony singing
- Operational excellence
- Customer focus
- Strategic visioning
- Effective decision making
- Crisis management
Accomplishments
- Built a new diverse multifaceted company from the ground up focusing on marketing and branding for clients.
- Creating and generating new revenue streams in markets that had gaps in products – maximizing revenue.
- Created very successful in-store retail consumer taste-testing programs for all of our artisan bread products.
- Designed, conducted, hosted and facilitated a well-received personal development 7-day workshop retreat for several "Heal Your Life®" patrons on location in Bermuda.
- Won the “Honorable Mention” award for may song "Diamond Light" from the International Songwriting Competition in 2014.
- Invited to speak and sing opening for New York Best Selling Author, Dr. Gabor Maté – live in Denmark to over 40k people.
- My song "My Heart" was requested to honor an iconic wellness self-help publisher Louise Hay who founded Hay House Publishing which was recently sold to Random House for an undisclosed amount – This event featuring my song raised over $250k for Louise Hay's foundation.
Interests
Timeline
International Award Winning Singer & Songwriter
Self Employed
09.2011 - Current
CEO / President & Director
Luft & Co. Inc.
09.2008 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Arnold’s Market Group of Companies
11.2005 - 09.2007
Call Center Operations Manager – Hewlett Packard
Sykes Assistance Services Corporation (Outsourced)
07.2004 - 11.2005
Team Leader Supervisor Roadside Assistance
Sykes Assistance Services Corporation
04.2001 - 03.2004
Store Manager
Farmer Jacks Orchards
05.1997 - 10.2000
Doctor of Ministry, D.Min. - Culture & World Religions, Interfaith and Multicultural Ministry
TNS – College / University
Masters Coaching Degree - International Development
TNS – College / University
No Degree - Life Coaching: The Power of Thought And Affirmations
Hay House Publishing
No Degree - Health And Wellness
The D'Arcy Lane Institute
My Global Music Contributions
- Sustainably In Circulation All Around The World.
- Creator of nine (9) conscious music albums – distributed in over 200 countries through all major platforms
- Supporting donors – building solid relationships with key investors to maximize financial contributions
- Manage public relations worldwide
- Create public shows delivering high quality performances on sound stages with visuals
- Create host and facilitate (in person) international retreats (Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, United Kingdom)
- Manage and direct talent when sharing the stage with other performers / speakers
- Manage “meet-and-greets” – signing events for authors and musicians with general public
- Manage interviews – create press releases and press kits
- Create storyline/content to increase interest to drive sales
- Manage and create public communications for global distribution
- Manage social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram etc.
- Facilitate and coordinate directors, producers, sound technicians, audio/visual engineers, production staff etc.
- Banking and financial management: projects, budgets, crowd funding campaigns, etc.
- Manage accounts payable/receivable
- Manage international travel and accommodation
- Manage copyright and intellectual property rights
- Manage performance rights / legal needs and requirements
- Working with NGO’s and members of the U.N. (United Nations Headquarters NYC)
- Volunteered to help raise $150K for the Hay Foundation Oct. 2016 for Louise Hay’s 90th Birthday Celebration
- Collaborate with performers and producers to achieve desired concerts/shows for ticket holders
- Consulting with directors and producers for on air radio, television and motion pictures
- Monitor all social media and online platforms – directly communicating with fans worldwide
- Sales: CD’s, Digital Download Cards, Concerts/Events, Contracts, Licences, Retreats, Merchandise etc.
Management Style
- Lead By Example
- Business Belief: The Golden Rule Is Good For Business
- Passion: Being an Ambassador For The Arts