Karl Ray
Chicago
Summary
Compassionate, client-focused professional with 15+ years of dedicated experience in one-on-one mentorship, advocacy, and enabling personal growth. Proven ability to design and implement skill-building programs, coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams, and empower individuals to achieve greater independence. Seeking to leverage strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to support the mission of a non-profit mentoring organization. Photographer with several years of industry experience and exceptional talents in film development and image manipulation. Artistic and creative professional with strong technical knowledge of equipment operations and photography principles.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Photographer Videographer
Karl Ray Photography
Chicago
02.2005 - Current
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Developed creative concepts for promotional materials and campaigns.
- Collaborate with art directors, stylists, makeup artists as part of a team effort.
- Train assistants on proper use of photography equipment and techniques used in the industry.
Primary Caregiver / Mentor for Adult with Cerebral Palsy
Private Residence
Chicago
10.1993 - 09.2024
- Provided comprehensive daily living assistance, medication management, and mobility support.
- Developed and facilitated individualized mentoring plans and weekly skill-building activities that fostered independence and social engagement.
- Coordinated with physicians, therapists, and community agencies; maintained detailed health and progress logs.
- Advocated for client in multidisciplinary meetings (IEP, medical, benefits); coached and mentored client in self-advocacy and personal goal-setting.
Customer Account Representative
Aarons Sales & Lease
Chicago
02.2004 - 12.2008
- Delivered exceptional face-to-face and phone customer support, evaluated account data, and processed contracts.
- Assisted in merchandising, showroom upkeep, and same-day product delivery.
- Ranked in the top 10% of the region for account retention.
Assistant Store Manager
Blockbuster Video
Chicago
01.1998 - 11.2004
- Directed daily operations for a $1.8M annual revenue store.
- Supervised, trained, and mentored a team of 15 sales associates, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
- Increased customer loyalty by 18% through staff coaching and strategic inventory alignment.
- Conducted new-hire orientation, created weekly schedules, and prepared payroll.
Customer Business Representative
Xerox Corporation
Park Ridge
09.1994 - 08.1999
- Resolved high-volume inbound inquiries, troubleshot equipment issues, and escalated complex technical cases.
- Maintained 98% accuracy in account updates while adhering to strict HIPAA and confidentiality protocols.
Business Representative
Carl Fisher Music
Chicago
01.1989 - 01.1995
- Advised retail and B2B clients on instrument purchases, leases, and repairs.
- Investigated and resolved warranty claims, conducting follow-up to ensure client satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Kennedy-King College
ChicagoDiploma -
Chicago Vocational High School
ChicagoSkills
- One-on-One Mentoring
- Client Advocacy & Case Management
- Program Development
- Interdisciplinary Coordination
- Life Skills Coaching
- Communication & Problem Resolution
- Windows
- MacOS
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Premiere
- Desktop Publishing
- T-Shirt Design
- Printing
Additional Technical Proficiencies
- Windows
- MacOS
- Adobe Photoshop & Premiere
- Desktop Publishing
- T-Shirt Design & Printing
Timeline
Photographer Videographer
Karl Ray Photography
02.2005 - Current
Customer Account Representative
Aarons Sales & Lease
02.2004 - 12.2008
Assistant Store Manager
Blockbuster Video
01.1998 - 11.2004
Customer Business Representative
Xerox Corporation
09.1994 - 08.1999
Primary Caregiver / Mentor for Adult with Cerebral Palsy
Private Residence
10.1993 - 09.2024
Business Representative
Carl Fisher Music
01.1989 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Arts -
Kennedy-King College
Diploma -
Chicago Vocational High School