Michele A. Collins
Strafford, NH ***** 603-***-**** (H)
*********@*********.***
Operations and Event Management
Program Management Financial Stewardship Multi-Site Operations Project Controllership Dynamic, entrepreneurial, goal-oriented executive leader with expertise in all facets of management, including Business Finance, Purchasing, Inventory Management, Project Management, Administration. Exceptional interpersonal and business management talents; skilled in collaborating with all members of the organization to achieve business and financial objectives. Able to build and maintain strong relationships with executive management, customers, peers, and subordinates. Instrumental in streamlining and improving processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing technology solutions.
Project Management
Event & Tradeshow Management
Strategic Planning & Analysis
Vendor Relations
Employee & Management Relations
Market Analysis
International Trade Regulations
Writer
SAP
Leadership & Team Building
Accounting & Reporting
Competitive Analysis
Staff Training & Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Wilcox Industries Corp., Newington, NH 1/2016 – 12/2018 Dealer Relations/Account Manager
Managed day to day operations of Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, and Dealer Relations. Negotiated domestic and global distribution contracts, worked with US Government and International MOD contracting, proficient in ITAR and Commerce trade regulations and licensing, budget reporting/analysis, supervising and quality. Directed all activities associated with 40 domestic and international industry tradeshows per year including registration, hotels, all booth accessories, licensing for international shows, gear list, shipping, flights, booth design, booth floorplan, attendee lists, customer/dealer invitations, and vendor negotiations.
Provided support to External Business Development Team - International team of business development working with potential and current customers within law enforcement, US and international military, as well as identifying potential dealers. Provided the team with equipment documentation, equipment shipments, processing of contracts/agreements, expense reporting and general administrative assistance.
Negotiated air travel, ground transport and hotel contracts resulting in a 12% annual savings in corporate travel.
Directed all activities associated with planning and hosting a Range Day event in Nevada. Sponsorship sales increased by 50% over 3 years and attendance by 22%.
Developed annual operating budget including marketing, tradeshows, advertising, equipment requirements, travel and operational needs. Generated quarterly budget reports tracking performance to date resulting in improved accuracy of end of year reports and cutting budget preparation time by 30%.
Reviewed, processed and maintained corporate legal documents. Reviewed and evaluated all non-company issued legal documents prior to signing.
Internal auditor and marketing representative on ISO-9001 certification team.
Authored articles for industry magazines/periodicals, text for annual product catalog, marketing materials, correspondence and presentations for all levels of management. New Hampshire Campground Owners Association, Epsom, NH 7/2011 – 7/2014 Executive Administrator
Multi-functional manager overseeing all aspects of daily operations, marketing campaigns, social media marketing, advertising sales, trade show operations and annual events, financial accounting, and campground owner liaison. Trade Show Manager for 3-Day New Hampshire Camping and RV Show including budget development, booth sales, advertising, location negotiations and ticket sales. Delivered show within budget each year with revenue increases of over 22% year to year.
Drove all Sales, Marketing, Social Media, and Advertising for the Association including ROI analysis. Membership increased 15% over 3 years
Authored 2012 -2014 State of New Hampshire Joint Promotional Program (JPP) Grant applications resulting in an increase of granted funds of 45%.
Michele A. Collins
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Reduced operating expenses by 13% via management of association accounting functions including budgeting, A/R, A/P, vendor negotiations, invoicing, and sales.
Composed and distributed a weekly newsletter to members and business affiliates via Constant Contact.
Managed the delivery of the 2012-2014 New Hampshire Camping Guide including design and layout, text, proofing and advertisement sales.
COLLINS HOLDINGS, Strafford, NH 5/2003 - Present
Owner / Operator
Acquired and operated three gas station and convenience stores, two high volume convenience and food centers, and small footprint grocery store. Provide executive leadership for all aspects of business, including Operations, Human Resources, Management, Sales, Marketing, Organizational Policies and Procedures, and Construction. Direct six store managers and 75 full / part-time employees for company with combined store revenue of $26 million. Perform industry competitive analysis regarding finance, operations, and advertising, utilizing benchmarks and best practice metrics.
Through targeted operational initiatives, drove a 3% reduction in COGS, shrinkage reduction of 50%, and employee turnover reduction of 30% by introduction of employee incentive programs.
Completely renovated facilities in three stores, increasing site revenue production by 6% ($1.2 million), and planned, developed, and operate a 24-seat restaurant addition in one location and full service kitchen in another.
Implemented cash management systems, reducing shortages by 75%.
Introduced location specific management handbooks covering safety, employee relations, operations, security, and financial standards.
Created marketing and advertising campaigns, established ROI analysis for these campaigns, and implemented and analyzed annual customer satisfaction polling and data.
Analyzed food service sales and executed menu changes resulting in a 20% increase in sales. OPTIONS CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT, Lafayette, CA 2/2001 – 7/2003 President/Founder
Co-founder of event planning and conference Management Company with annual sales of $800K.
Full on-site management of trade shows, corporate meetings, conferences and special events.
Development and design of theme parties, including decor and entertainment, for events including holiday parties, sales meetings, and off-site events.
Negotiation of hotel, food/ beverage, transportation and activity contracts resulting in an average savings of 10-20%.
Program budget management resulting in 100% of programs being completed within budget.
Developed and executed marketing plan to increase company exposure to market place.
On-going sales activities that assisted in a 33% corporate growth in Q1-Q3 of 2002.
Keynote speaker and corporate member of the California Division of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Author of “How to Keep Your Five-Star Event from Becoming a Three-Ring Circus –the Ins and Outs of Corporate Event Planning” training guide for Association Members. Prior experience as Quality and Training Manager, Mattson Technology, Fremont, CA (1995-2001), Quality and Training Manager, Varian Semiconductor Equipment, Palo Alto, CA (1986-1995) EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) – 2003
Member of the Board of Examiners for the California Governors Golden State Quality Award – 1994-1996
Author – ISO 9001 Quality Manual for Varian Semiconductor Equipment and Strategy Manufacturing
Author – Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award application for Varian, Inc. SALEM STATE COLLEGE - Salem, Massachusetts - 1989 to 1991 – Business Finance and Law UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS - Amherst, Massachusetts - 1981 to 1983 - Computer Science