Taylor Collins

Experience

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  The Big Fresno Fair

  Jun 2017 - Oct 2022

  Auction Specialist

  I ran a team for hybrid online and in person livestock auctions. This included four auctions, a great team of auctioneers, and an incredible tech team. I also run livestock shows, print invoices, balance accounts, take payments, and weigh and check-in animals. This year our auction surpassed $1.2 million in sales.

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  ShoWorks Auction

  Jan 2021 - May 2021

  Auction Specialist Intern

  This internship is gave me the opportunity to work with engineering databases, livestock record keeping, and online database and live stream implementation. I have also been able to utilize the degree I’m pursuing by assisting in the production of The County Fair Podcast.

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  ABS Global

  May 2021 - Sept 2022

  Podcast Host & Beef InFocus Intern

  Raising the Steaks Podcast Host & CreatorStudy of Genetics and International Beef ProductionApple, Spotify, Amazon MusicThis internship showcases the best aspects of quality assurance in the beef and dairy cattle industries. The Beef InFocus team is the leading supplier of beef on dairy genetics. Their drive, quest for quality, and reliance on data driven statistics all provide me with an amazing way to learn more about the industry and ABS production values as a whole.6/22 - Within this internship so far I’ve had the opportunity to create a podcast from end to end, meet and interact with California dairymen, see how Beef InFocus has partnered with Overland Stockyards, write lead articles, and interact in different segments of the beef industry. This first half has been with Sam Kulp and Sammie Wilson. 7/21 This month I was able to go to Loveland, Colorado for the Superior Livestock Auction - Week in the Rockies - where Beef InFocus calves were the highest sellers of the day competing against beef on beef calves. We toured the Kunar Five Rivers Cattle Feeding Company, then went to Longs Peak Dairy with Tom Scheller to see a fully retained ownership operation. It’s clear that value added programs on cattle make a difference in the marketplace. This trip was done with Jared Wareham. We were able to spend time with Sydney Buckley in Colorado at the auction on the last day. Tons of networking.8/1 Last week I was able to travel to Elgin Breeding Service in Elgin, Tx. This was a great opportunity to see a bull/stud operation. Hillary, Brad, and the team were great to work with. Then we flew to and got to tour Blue Nose Cattle in Hart, Tx and then Deer Creek Feeding in Dalhart, Tx. We then drove to Montezuma, KS to visit Hy-Plains Feedyard and check out some awesome fed out Beef InFocus calves. The ABS sales team in Texas was great to meet and work with. These visits were done with Brandon Sowder and Danielle Heiman. Show less

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  Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center

  Jun 2021 - Jun 2021

  Auction Specialist

  Auction Weekend - Setup a hybrid virtual and live livestock auction using the ShoWorks Cloud online auction software. Took bids in person and online. Worked with auctioneers, my Superintendent and CEO, and great clerks to get the hybrid auction done during the pandemic. Included a livestream video of auction.

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  Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center

  Jun 2022 - Jul 2022

  Assistant Superintendent

  Assisted in the weigh-in, class break, auction setup, clerking, and organizing of the 2022 Alameda County Fair Livestock Show. Lived in Alameda for the duration of contract.

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  Cattlemen’s Congress

  Jan 2023 - Jan 2023

  Cattlemen’s Congress Intern
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  Merced County Fair

  May 2023 - Jun 2023

  Auction Specialist

  This fast paced livestock show and auction surpassed $1.4 million in sales. With over 800 head of livestock, various shows within each species, and 3 different auctions - our team was able to account thoroughly and run an efficient show and auction.

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  The Big Fresno Fair

  Jun 2023 - now

  Special Events and Facility Rentals at the 21st District Agricultural Association165 Acre Facility. Rentals for large scale events - including solicitation, opportunity management, insurance, Fire Marshall permits, Health Department permits, ticketing, parking, deposits, contracts, payments, settlements, hiring teams, work orders, building showings, overseeing museum tours/rentals, rv parking, lot rentals, grandstand rentals, theatre rentals, and many large building rentals. Food truck and concessions contracting. Working closely with maintenance and on-site event supervisor to ensure a seamless customer based experience. Show less Managed various responsibilities, including supervising the Livin' Local Marketplace, involving tasks such as drafting contracts for vendors, overseeing payouts and commissions, handling HR issues and disputes, collaborating with the building Superintendent to maintain a positive environment, managing equipment rentals, conducting mandatory vendor meetings, reconciling nightly cash, processing employee payments, conducting orientations, overseeing loadin and load-outs, ensuring a successful health inspection, and managing refrigeration. Coordinated and executed the 2023 Beer and Wine Fest at The Big Fresno Fair, a special event featuring live horse racing, over thirty breweries, four wineries, and five food trucks. Responsibilities included organizing logistics such as tent setup, table arrangements, linens, stage setup, fire extinguisher placement, pop-ups for sponsors, ice and water distribution, and coordinating various aspects from initial planning to execution, including securing licenses, volunteer coordination, vendor contracts, ticket sales, and security. Played a crucial role by coordinating Fair Education Days, overseeing the participation of over 20,000 attendees at the Fairgrounds to learn about the rich history of agriculture. This also included overseeing over 200 volunteers. Facilitated the Backside BBQ for Race Horse Owners, Jockeys, and Racing Staff, sponsored by Harris Ranch. Led the coordination of the 2023 Big Band Review Competition and the 2023 Job Fair, managing all aspects of planning and execution. Served as the Buyer Payments Lead for Livestock Auction Phase II, utilizing my ShoWorks training to process a $1.3 million auction. Conducted impromptu live television interviews, provided updates during board meetings, and handled hotel reservations and contracting. Worked closely with Friends of the Fair for scholarships, deck table VIP sponsorships, and various other supportive programs. Show less

  • Special Events Coordinator

    Jan 2024 - now

  • Project & Event Specialist

    Jun 2023 - Jan 2024