Human Resources Manager

BRADLEY E. KOHANKE

*** *** ***** **.

Cibolo, TX 78108

Home: 210-***-**** email: abia4f@r.postjobfree.com Cell: 210-***-****

HUMAN RESOURCE EXECUTIVE

An innovative Human Resources Executive with a track record of delivering creative solutions to address

organizational development, complex recruiting, turnover, employee relations, and benefits administration.

A strong team builder with sound business knowledge and a bias for action. A proven relationship builder,

dealing effectively with staff at all levels of the organization. A person of high integrity who earns the trust

of managers, peers, and subordinates. Areas of expertise include:

• • •

Organizational Compliance Performance

Development Management

• • •

Recruiting Training Management

Development

• • •

Retention Benefits & Employee Relations

Compensation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BALANCED HR SOLUTIONS JANUARY 2009 - PRESENT

Owner/Consultant - Self-employed as a Human Resources Consultant providing guidance on regulatory

compliance, recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and organizational development.

THE GAMBRINUS COMPANY August 1999 – December 2008

Human Resources Manager – Responsible for establishing the Human Resource function for this privately-

owned group of Companies generating approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Developed policy

and directed and coordinated Human Resources activities such as recruiting, employee relations, benefits,

training, compensation, and performance management.

The Gambrinus Company was the 6th largest adult beverage company in the US and was best known as

the importer of Corona beer for the eastern United States. At its peak, Gambrinus employed roughly 400

employees and is the parent Company for the following subsidiaries:

• Spoetzl Brewery, Inc. – a brewery operating in Shiner, Texas producing Shiner Bock beer and related

products and distributing in over 40 states.

• BridgePort Brewing Company – a brewery and 2 restaurants operating in Portland, Oregon and

distributing in over 20 states.

• Pete’s Brewing Company – makers of Pete’s Wicked Ale and related products.

• Trumer Braurei – a brewery operating in Berkeley, California and producing Trumer Pils for 7 states,

Australia and New Zealand.

• Old Bridge Cellars – an importing company operating in Napa, California and importing a variety of

wines from Australia into the US.

• Over the Line Corporation – a transportation brokerage company supplying all of the shipping needs of

Gambrinus et al.

• The Arsenal – a firm responsible for identifying and fostering new business opportunities for

Gambrinus.

BRADLEY E. KOHANKE PAGE TWO

Major Accomplishments:

• Designed, implemented, coordinated, and directed every aspect of the Human Resource function

within Gambrinus and all of its subsidiaries. This included the authoring of policy manuals and

Employee Handbooks for each Company, designing a benefits plan and establishing procedures for its

administration and communication, developing policies and ensured compliance for FMLA, ADA, EEO,

harassment, performance management, manager training and development, and recruitment, and the

formation and participation in a 401k investment review committee.

• Instituted changes to recruitment and relocation procedures including the addition of a Company web

site job board, internet job postings, internal referral bonus program, renegotiation of relocation

contracts and recruiter placement fees, and the use of local relocation specialists for less expensive

temporary housing. The total amount of savings realized over the first 12 months was approximately

$150,000.00.

• Reduced voluntary turnover from 26.4% to 5.14% in the first 3 years. This equates to over 70 new

employees that did not have to be recruited, hired, or trained. Estimated savings in recruitment and

relocation costs of over $500,000.00, but this does not take into account the opportunity cost

associated with lost productivity during training. This reduction was the result of a number of initiatives

including validity testing of the pre-employment testing procedures, a review of current benefits

offerings and the addition of items such as FSA, vision insurance, short and long term disability

insurance, etc., a formal exit interview process, employee opinion surveys, total compensation

statements, salary surveys, formal new hire orientation classes, and much more.

• Negotiated insurance renewals annually with brokers and insurance companies. With the use of

competitive bidding, an in-depth review of claims history, a redesign of benefit offerings, and a change

of carriers when necessary, we were able to consistently and substantially reduce original bids. For

example, in negotiating the health and dental insurance renewals for Gambrinus this year, we went

from a 13.4% increase over the previous year down to a 7.6% decrease. A savings of roughly

$270,000.00 for 2009.

• Reviewed, selected, implemented, and maintained a Human Resources Information System that

met/exceeded management information needs.

MILLER CURTAIN COMPANY, INC. January 1992 – August 1999

Director of Human Resources – promoted December 1993

Personnel Quality Assurance Manager – promoted August 1993

Department Manager – hired January 1992

Planned and directed all phases and operations of the Human Resources, Employment, Health, Safety &

Security, and Production Records departments for this home fashions manufacturer employing roughly

1500 employees in 3 factories. Directed activities of 32 Human Resource employees including 3 senior

managers, 4 supervisors, 3 nurses, and 3 armed security guards.

• Designed and implemented procedures for recruitment and selection, new hire orientation, accident

investigation, wellness programs, security, regulatory compliance, benefits administration, employee

records, employee relations, and production tabulation.

• Authored new policy manual and provided training to employees and management staff.

• Investigated policy violations and grievances and determined appropriate actions to enforce and

correct. Acted as Company representative in unemployment hearings, workers’ compensation

hearings, EEOC investigations and hearings, and court appearances if necessary.

• Monitored industry trends in issues such as absenteeism, turnover, benefits, and salary structure and

ensured continued improvement and competitiveness.

BRADLEY E. KOHANKE PAGE THREE

• Developed and conducted training to instruct managers and employees in human relations skills such

as supervisory skills, conflict resolution skills, interpersonal communication skills, and effective group

interaction skills.

• Continuously evaluated provider services, coverages, and options available to determine programs

best meeting the needs of the Company and the employees.

• Monitored and facilitated employee Improvement Teams to improve safety, develop managers and

employees, improve morale, and implement employee recognition programs.

SELF-EMPLOYED AS A WRITER January 1991 – January 1992

In 1991 I had made enough money to take a year off of work to move to Maui and write a novel.

ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY April 1986 – December 1990

Senior Claims Representative

• Investigated all injury-related insurance claims and evaluated dollar value based on medical review,

claimant history, and investigation results.

• Negotiated financial settlements with individuals and attorneys, denied fraudulent claims, and prepared

materials for presentation at trial when necessary.

• Prepared detailed daily and monthly reports on severity ratios, closure percentages, and financial

expenditures.

• Trained new employees in investigation, evaluation, and negotiation techniques.

EDUCATION

BBA, Management, Texas A&M University, College Station

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

SHRM – Society of Human Resource Management

SAHRMA – San Antonio Human Resource Management Association

North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

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