Keith Merel
Palatine
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in logistics and business development. Skilled in effective communication and customer relationship management, fostering long-term partnerships while identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities to improve profitability. Dynamic professional skilled in business development and logistics management. Adept at identifying opportunities and implementing strategies that drive client acquisition and revenue growth. Committed to fostering strong client relationships and enhancing operational efficiency.
Due to medical reasons, I have been out of the industry since April 2023. I am ready to utilize my two decades of Logistics knowledge and experience for my next endeavor.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager
New Age Logistics
Palatine
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance service offerings and market reach.
- Identified potential clients, built relationships, and negotiated contracts.
- Determined business development opportunities and implemented effective strategy for client acquisition.
- Generated leads and capitalized on valuable business opportunities to bring in new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
General Manager of Brokerage Operations
GTS Transportation
Burr Ridge
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Established Company Credit with Carriers and Factoring Companies
- Managed daily operations of transportation services and logistics management.
- Coordinated schedules and routes for efficient delivery and service.
- Oversaw staff performance and provided necessary training and support.
- Developed relationships with clients to understand their transportation needs.
- Analyzed operational processes to identify areas for improvement and efficiency.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
Customer Sales Representative
Delta Group Logistics
Elk Grove Village
03.2019 - 01.2021
- Top #3 in Revenue, Profit Margin, throughout tenure
- Provided exceptional customer service through effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Assisted customers with product selection and order placement, ensuring satisfaction.
- Managed customer inquiries via phone and email, addressing concerns promptly.
- Collaborated with logistics teams to facilitate timely deliveries and updates.
- Maintained accurate records of customer interactions in the CRM system.
- Gave customers quotes based on potential sales.
- Delivered fast, friendly, and knowledgeable service for routine questions and service complaints.
- Negotiated prices and sales contracts.
Brokerage Manager
AmeriFreight Systems
Bensenville
02.2018 - 03.2019
- Managed daily brokerage operations to ensure seamless transaction processes.
- Developed training materials for new team members on brokerage procedures and tools.
- Analyzed market trends to provide insights for strategic decision-making to clients.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to support business development initiatives.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in brokerage management and client relations.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
Brokerage Startup
XPO Solutions Transportation
Lemont
05.2017 - 12.2017
- Successfully built industry credit with Carriers and Factoring companies.
- Maintained records for carriers and factoring company payments.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Managing Partner
Honor Bound Logistics
Northbrook
04.2014 - 01.2016
- Built New MC# from scratch. Built Company Credit
- Led logistics operations to ensure timely delivery of goods.
- Managed client relationships to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Oversaw team performance and provided mentorship to staff members.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
- Coordinated with suppliers to streamline inventory management processes.
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and trends.
- Facilitated training sessions to improve employee skills and knowledge base.
- Managed daily operations including staff management and client relations.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, vendors, and clients.
- Reviewed daily and overall financials to ensure profitability.
- Reviewed monthly financial statements and generated reports accordingly.
- Created and managed budgets for the firm's operations.
- Ensured compliance with legal regulations and corporate policies.
- Established best practices for customer service initiatives.
- Maintained positive relationships with external stakeholders such as investors and regulators.
Freight Broker
On A Roll Trucking
Buffalo Grove
11.2009 - 09.2012
- Cradle to Grave Freight Broker
- Coordinated shipments between carriers and clients to ensure timely deliveries.
- Negotiated freight rates with transportation providers to optimize costs.
- Managed documentation for compliance and tracking of shipments.
- Utilized logistics software to monitor shipment status in real-time.
- Developed relationships with clients to understand their shipping needs.
- Resolved issues related to freight delays and customer inquiries effectively.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for service improvements.
- Monitored shipments for on-time delivery and communicated status updates to customers.
Carrier Sales
Trek Freight Services
Niles
04.2006 - 10.2008
- Communicated effectively with dispatch regarding route changes and delays.
- Cold-called lists of active MCs throughout the country, building relationships.
Education
High School Diploma -
Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire, IL05-2002
Skills
- Strategic partnerships
- Client acquisition
- Contract negotiation
- Problem solving
- Mentorship and training
- Effective communication
- Customer relationship management
- Account management
- Business development
- Logistics management
- Logistics coordination
- Freight brokerage
- Operations management
- Freight negotiation
- Process improvement
Timeline
Business Development Manager
New Age Logistics
08.2022 - 04.2023
General Manager of Brokerage Operations
GTS Transportation
02.2021 - 02.2022
Customer Sales Representative
Delta Group Logistics
03.2019 - 01.2021
Brokerage Manager
AmeriFreight Systems
02.2018 - 03.2019
Brokerage Startup
XPO Solutions Transportation
05.2017 - 12.2017
Managing Partner
Honor Bound Logistics
04.2014 - 01.2016
Freight Broker
On A Roll Trucking
11.2009 - 09.2012
Carrier Sales
Trek Freight Services
04.2006 - 10.2008
High School Diploma -
Stevenson High School