Stephen J.

Kettlestrings
(630) 506-7813 Aurora, IL, 60503
www.linkedin.com/in/stephenkettlestrings

skettlestrings@gmail.com

Professional with 6 years of extensive proposal experience specializing in organizing and managing all aspects of estimating costs for private, Federal and local government solicitations, team and process oriented while maintaining accountability for deadlines. Core Competencies
Knowledge of complete estimating process from solicitations to contracts Detail oriented with strong analytical abilities and computer skills Track record of meeting deadlines with complete and accurate work Able to facilitate interactions between stakeholders Works towards stakeholders expected margins, especially with market segmentation Reviews/revises/creates processes, including SOPs, which help reduce costs and increase productivity Accomplished in written and oral communications, works well in collaborative setting or independently

Regulatory compliance, ethical, technical, professional

Effective in generating innovative approaches to problem solving and in generating alterative solutions

CERTIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) course work completed National Career Readiness Certificate GOLD Plus Microsoft Office Specialist currently in progress Experienced with Excel, Word, Project, Power
Point, Outlook, Access, Visio along with multiple bidding software programs and plan rooms

PMP Certification course work completed Six Sigma Green Belt Certification course work completed PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES Increased revenue from $1.2MM to $4.3MM while achieving profit margins of 25-32% Evaluates requests, elicits and analyzes information, reviews project documents including proposals and blue prints to prepare cost estimates for bidding construction projects, applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and processes Managed and developed detailed project plans including consulting in traffic control & protection design for major Special Events such as the Chicago Half Marathon and Chicagos Bike the Drive closing 15 miles of Lake Shore Drive for 20,000 participants Computed cost estimates for materials, purchased and/or leased equipment, subcontracted work, production activities and labor while assessing impacts and profitability to projects Inside sales agent for 3 years: quoting initial call to production or manufacture coordination including arrangements for shipping/delivery Streamlined estimating program by adding automated features and updates which improved efficiency of quote generation and assured accurate job costs while decreasing office expenses by 30% Improved department productivity 20% by clearly establishing internal requirements

Created 5 key forms to facilitate clear communications for both internal and external use Prepared bid proposals submitted directly to IDOT, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, FAA agencies and local municipalities including coordination of contract execution and bonding Developed and maintained computerized tracking systems after validating stakeholder requirements, maintained Bid Log and provided quarterly win/loss updates Redesigned quote sheet layout for integration with State and contractors requirements Performed inspections of traffic control set-ups Summarized all inspections by writing detailed reports Edited marketing & research literature and newsletters reviewing health, safety and environmental claims for accuracy

WORK EXPERIENCE RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc., Romeoville, IL, Estimator. (2004-2011) Estimator (2005-2011) Teamster (2004-2005) St. Michaels Catholic School, Wheaton, IL, 7th & 8th grade Science Teacher. (2003-2004) PeterPan Early Learning Center, Naperville, IL, Kindergarten Teacher. (2002-2003) Savo Carpets, Wheaton, IL, Installation Specialist (1999-2002) Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc., Chicago, IL, Regulatory Affairs Specialist (1998-1999) Nalco Chemical Company, Naperville, IL, Product Safety Coordinator (1989-1998) McLean Co. & DuPage Co. Health Departments, Normal, IL, & Wheaton IL, Health Inspector/Registered Environmental Health Practitioner (1987-1989) EDUCATION National-Louis University, Wheaton, IL, Master of Science: Management National-Louis University, Wheaton, IL, M.A.T. program: Teaching Certificate Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Bachelor of Science: Environmental Health College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL, Associates of Science INTERESTS & HOBBIES Fitness, running, nature hikes, biking, gardening, and cooking COMMUNITY SERVICE Developed and implemented the City of Wheaton Adopt-A-Highway program Appointed to the City of Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission: Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, used tire drop-off, DuPage River Sweep, Pesticide Committee Served as board member on several recycling centers Volunteer Interpreter at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, DuPage County Forest Preserve, leading tours, raptor handling program, gave demonstrations, and taught nature classes