Elbert Drake

Management Professional with over 40 years experience in establishing, directing, and growing successful business operations, managing employee relations, providing customer service, and demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial skills  Recognized as a highly organized and focused individual who can manage multiple projects within tight deadlines in highly competitive industries.  Proven abilities include coordinating and supervising large staff of individuals with widely varying backgrounds, education, and skill levels.  Possess successful experience in managing customer accounts, developing marketing plans, and providing sales and services.  Possess superior communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.  Established abilities in evaluating organizational needs and developing operational goals and programs that increase productivity and operational efficiency.  Demonstrated key qualifications:

  • Business Management
  • Team Leadership and Building
  • Staff Training and Development
  • Customer Service and Relations
  • Inventory Management
  • Logistics Control
  • Vendor Relations
  • Business Development
  • Budget Control
  • Strategic Marketing Initiatives
  • Prospecting and Cold Calling
  • Long-range Planning
  • Contract Negotiations
  • Quality Control and Assurance

 

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Business Management                                                                                1994

Alabama A&M University – Normal, Alabama

Associates Degree, Theology                                                                                                       2000

Huntsville Baptist Institute – Huntsville, Alabama

Algaculture management certificates

Penn State

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Waste “B” Gone – Huntsville, Alabama                                                               May 2000 to Present

Owner/Operator

Responsible for establishing and successfully operating and managing a janitorial service; managing all aspects of business to include finance management, employee relations, and business growth; determining and implementing all sales and marketing strategies; and providing excellent customer service.

  • Manage day-to-day aspects of business operations
  • Manage up to 16 janitorial accounts throughout the Huntsville area
  • Negotiate and bid on contracts with customers as well as vendors and suppliers
  • Supervise and coordinate staff of 29 employees and maintain accountability for all aspects of services performed
  • Ensure that staff are performing janitorial services meticulously through onsite work inspections and quality checks
  • Determine budgets and administer all accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
  • Develop marketing strategies to promote and build customer base through various media outlets
  • Manage inventory and ordering of all equipment, supplies, and related materials

Primerica Life Insurance – Huntsville, Alabama                            November 1984 to December 2002

Regional Manager

Responsible for establishing and building a local base for this major insurance provider; recruiting, training, and supervising up to 20 agents; working individually and with agents in providing professional service to clients in the selling and servicing of insurance products, specifically life and health, by developing a thorough knowledge of assigned accounts and meeting the agency’s defined standards for client service, professionalism, and work attitude.

  • Reviewed new and renewal policies, endorsements, audits, and cancellations for accuracy and prepared correspondence to insured
  • Responded to customer inquiries in a timely manner
  • Reviewed applications and policies to identify and target new business lines for existing insured and making recommendations
  • Maintained current knowledge of insurance coverages and exposures, as well as the insurance products and markets available to cover the exposures
  • Assisted clients/policyholders to resolve insurance claim issues

 

Optimum Cleaners – Huntsville, Alabama, Athens, Alabama                    February 1996 to May 1999

Co-Owner

Responsible co-establishing and successfully co-managing two dry cleaning sites in Huntsville and Athens; hiring, training, and supervising up to ten employees; managing inventory control of supplies and equipment; and ensuring quality workmanship and excellent customer service.

  • Formed a partnership to establish and manage two dry cleaning locations
  • Created business plan and marketing strategies to establish reputation and build client base
  • Managed day-to-day operations of both business sites
  • Created and implemented budgets and ensured the financial aspects of the business were viable
  • Assisted customers at front counter, accepting items for cleaning, writing up service slips and entering them on the computer, taking payments, and returning cleaned items
  • Handled customer complaints and determined necessary actions to ensure customer satisfaction

 

 

OTHER EXPERIENCE

OC Drake farm                                                                                                present

Owner and operator

– Huntsville, Alabama                                                                                 April 1973 to retirement

 

Aerospace Quality Assurance (September 2008 to 2014)

Responsible for the oversight and management of the standards related to quality assurance of tools, along with the quality monitoring processes and procedures determining and implementing repairs; certifying tools met accuracy standards and implementing preventative maintenance program to ensure accurate tools specifications; training new employees; and ensuring the accuracy of records and reports required for quality standards.

Aerospace Machine Technician (August 1978 to September 2008)

Responsible for fabricating component parts and operating a variety of production tooling machines for aircraft and aircraft transparencies; interpreting blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications; and fitting and assembling precision machined parts into mechanical equipment and assemblies.

Shipping Clerk (April 1973 to August 1978)

 

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