Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

John Cole

Nashville,Tennessee

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Creekside Bonsai, excelling in operations management and customer relations. Leveraged expertise in marketing and relationship building to significantly enhance client satisfaction and business growth. Skilled in both strategic project management and fostering team collaboration, consistently achieving and surpassing business objectives.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner

Creekside Bonsai
09.2018 - Current
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
  • Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
  • Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
  • Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
  • Advertised products and services online, social media and through traditional campaigns to target ideal consumers.
  • Created financial plans and budgets to optimize resources, track expenses, and ensure profitability.
  • Participated actively in local community events or organizations as a way to give back while expanding brand visibility and credibility.
  • Evaluated sales reports and financial statements to manage cash flow and develop techniques to improve business.

Nursery Practitioner

The Garden Stop
09.2018 - Current
  • Demonstrated adaptability while working across diverse roles, including propagation, maintenance, retail support, and customer service functions as needed within the nursery setting.
  • Maximized plant growth and vitality by carefully pruning, trimming, and shaping various species as needed.
  • Facilitated efficient restocking processes by diligently unloading deliveries of new plants and supplies upon arrival.
  • Reduced plant loss by promptly identifying pests or diseases and applying appropriate treatments.
  • Ensured the healthiest possible plants were available for sale by routinely inspecting specimens for quality control purposes.
  • Educated customers on proper plant care techniques, increasing their chances of success with purchased items at home.
  • Assisted customers in selecting plants, providing personalized recommendations based on individual needs and preferences.
  • Operated tractors and used wheelbarrows to move containerized shrubs, plants and trees from one destination to another.
  • Felt plants' leaves and noted coloring to detect presence of insects or disease.
  • Assisted in the development of marketing materials, utilizing plant knowledge to create engaging content for potential customers.
  • Promoted a positive team atmosphere among coworkers through active collaboration during daily tasks and special projects.
  • Increased plant health and growth by consistently monitoring and adjusting irrigation systems.
  • Inspected plants to identify for signs of disease or infestation and address problems early.
  • Answered questions and provided information regarding plants and care to help customers make informed decisions.
  • Assisted with operating tractors and forklifts to transport plants and soil and perform grading.
  • Mixed and sprayed fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides onto shrubs, trees, and grass.
  • Educated employees and members of public on plant biology and health.
  • Assisted customers with finding requested plants and flowers.
  • Managed wide variety of plants, from seedlings to mature specimens, keeping soils and planting beds healthy and conducive for growth.
  • Regulated watering and fertilizing to avoid waste while nurturing plants.
  • Purchased supplies such as seed, pesticides, and fertilizer.
  • Identified plant diseases and researched methods for mitigation.

Manager

Pro Tax Services
09.2001 - 09.2018
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
  • Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.

Manager

World Cash Services
09.2001 - 09.2018
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.

Manager/Shop Owner

Commercial Lawn Equipment
03.1998 - 09.2001
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.

Education

No Degree - Marketing

Belmont College
Nashville, TN

Skills

  • Bonsai care and styling
  • Small business operations
  • Client service
  • Project management
  • Staff management
  • Team oversight
  • Garden maintenance
  • Plant identification
  • Plant nutrition
  • Watering techniques
  • Heavy lifting
  • Variety selection
  • Seed germination
  • Disease diagnosis
  • Organic gardening
  • Soil preparation
  • Propagation
  • Horticulture
  • Propagation techniques
  • Pest control
  • Horticultural equipment
  • Grafting methods
  • Irrigation systems
  • Soil fertilization
  • Customer assistance
  • Plant care and maintenance
  • Customer relations

Certification

Completed 3 years intensive program at Eisei-en Bonsai Nursery

Timeline

Owner

Creekside Bonsai
09.2018 - Current

Nursery Practitioner

The Garden Stop
09.2018 - Current

Manager

Pro Tax Services
09.2001 - 09.2018

Manager

World Cash Services
09.2001 - 09.2018

Manager/Shop Owner

Commercial Lawn Equipment
03.1998 - 09.2001

No Degree - Marketing

Belmont College
John Cole