Office Manager/Executive Assistant

DEBRA LEISTEN

EXPERIENCE:

FIRST TEAM ADVERTISING, Boca Raton, FL April 2007 – December 2008

Corporate Office Manager / Account Manager

Upon inception of this position it was my responsibility to review and improve on all aspects of the day-to-day administrative procedures for this company. These procedures included accounts payables and receivables, human resources, property management, insurance policies for general liability, workers compensation, and health. I implemented proper business protocol for the efficient execution of these vital business functions.

Among my achievements are:

• Successfully negotiated with landlord a lease renewal that included substantial upgrade to the office without realizing any increase in rent.

• Updated the company handbook to be compliant with current state and federal labor law requirements.

• Revamped the accounts receivables procedures to assure that company client accounts were current and eliminated 98% of overdue balances within 30 days allowing the company to be financially fluid.

• Initiated a credit card payment procedure in order to receive monies owed in a more timely fashion.

• Activated a workers compensation policy and procedure since company was not compliant under state regulation.

In addition to the above, as Account Manager I was instrumental in dealing with clients advertising needs from print to radio and television, website development, as well as direct mail campaigns. Furthermore, on a day-to-day basis, I communicated via phone and email with all clients to assist in the development of their advertising and marketing strategies.

ANTOL RESTORATION, INC., Boca Raton, FL February 2005 – March 2007

Corporate Office Manager

In addition to the general duties of corporate office manager to this multimillion dollar re-construction company, responsibilities were multi-faceted and included the handling all legal issues.

• Acted as legal liaison between owner and clients, able to avoid substantial legal expenses by negotiating settlement agreements directly with clients and/or their attorney.

• When necessary to pursue legal action, acted as liaison between owner and company’s attorneys. Further duties included managing all insurances for the corporation.

• Upon initial review of property and general liability and auto insurance, directly responsible for saving the company substantial premium dollars while improving the overall coverage in all three categories.

• Within the first three months of employment, assisted this company’s move from a 5,000 sf location to a 50,000 sf freestanding facility.

• Directly responsible for interviewing and hiring of all departments administrative staff.

ANTOL RESTORATION - continued

• Helped to create formal corporate policies and procedures as well as enforcement of same. Instrumental in developing marketing and advertising programs as well as coordinating special events i.e. trade shows, corporate parties, client entertainment.

• Assisted in emergency management during 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. Hurricane Katrina required both local and long-distance (Louisiana) crisis management. Boca Raton location is the main command post for this emergency service company.

• Chaired committee to analyze and revamp current emergency procedures formalizing in writing chain of command and proper protocol and requirements for all levels of employees to follow in the future.

ACHIEVE MOBILITY STORES USA, INC., Delray Beach, FL March 1997 to Dec. 2004

Owner

As owner responsibilities included the administration of all aspects of this medical equipment business from its inception in 1997 to its sale December 2004.

• Duties included developing systems and controls for filing medical insurance claims for clients.

• Dealing with private insurance companies as well as government insurance programs such as Medicare and Veterans Administration on behalf of our clients.

• Worked directly with doctors and physical therapists for the purpose of providing prescribed medical equipment for the disabled.

• Responsible for adhering to the business operating regulations of this very complex industry, including licensing requirements by the federal government, State of Florida, County of Palm Beach and City of Delray.

• Implemented the Patient Privacy Act regulations.

• Responsible for the purchase and execution of all company insurance policies, including employee health benefits, property and general liability, and professional liability insurance.

• Responsible for scheduling employees, coordinating service calls for clients, and coordinating the sale of equipment.

• Responsible for satisfying business issues such as customer concerns, and employee relations.

• In charge of advertising and marketing programs, including pursuing advertising dollars from manufacturers to help finance advertising and marketing programs.

• Developed television commercial and coordinated the airing during cable and network television programs.

• Developed print advertising for Yellow Pages, newspapers and magazines promotions.

• 2004 Annual Sales exceeded $4 million dollars.

UNIQUE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS, INC., Boca Raton, FL July 1992 to February 1997

Director of Administration and Special Projects

• Began as administrative assistant to the executive staff and quickly advanced to director of administration for this multi-restaurant company.

• In 1992 this award winning Restaurant Company began an expansion from four restaurants to fourteen restaurants with approximately 1400 employees over a five-year period. Responsibilities included implementing a Workers Compensation Loss Prevention program that resulted in a rebate of $100,000 from the insurance company based on actual injuries.

• Responsible for property, general liability, and health insurances.

UNIQUE RESTAURANT CONCEPTS - continued

• Administrated all phases of insurances from inception of policies to filing health and property claims, as well as, general liability claims from allegedly injured customers.

• Supervised administrative staff of secretaries and receptionist.

• Handled special projects that included obtaining 4COP liquor licenses, planning of on and off property restaurant events, restaurant openings, logo and menu design, overseeing of uniform selection, etc.

• Oversaw certain aspects of new restaurant construction, and renovations of existing restaurants that included lighting, flooring, millwork, as well as, liaison between corporate office and general contractor.

• Involved in day-to-day operations of both corporate office and restaurant staff.

• Responsible for all printed forms required at corporate and restaurant level.

• Coordinated the moving of corporate office twice in five years.

SKILLS:

Strong written and verbal skills. Project research and management. Writing and maintaining budget reports. Licensed Notary Public. Proficient in accounts receivable and accounts payable procedures, as well as payroll. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, Quick Books, Salesforce.com, ConstantContact.com, Word Star, WordPerfect as well as time management computer software. Proficient in internet research. Can operate effectively all types of office equipment. Experienced in training and supervising office staff to ensure that all office procedures are handled properly. Shipping experience with FedEx, UPS, USPS etc. Type 50 wpm.

Purchasing and maintaining office equipment; supplies; general liability, health and workers compensation insurance policies. Execute OSHA policies as it applies to worker’s compensation injuries. Proficient in scheduling of all appointments, as well as travel itineraries including airline reservations, car rentals, hotel and restaurant arrangements both domestic and international.

Executed all aspects of trade shows and special events i.e.: business seminars, luncheons and dinners; as well as holiday office parties. Research and purchasing of marketing items; uniforms and business gift items for clients and employees.

EDUCATION:

Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York (1978 to 1981)

Major: Business Administration

REFERENCES:

Excellent references furnished upon request

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