Ralph Yourie

Experience

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  US Navy

  Jan 1977 - Jan 1981

  Machinery Repairman

  I served a four year enlistment in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of E-5: Machinery Repairman Second Class. I was a crew member aboard two naval vessels; the USS Shenandoah and the USS Fulton. In 1981, I was honorably discharged upon completion of my enlistment. In the years that followed I have done charity work for several veteran organizations, including USO and Disabled American Veterans.

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  Writer and Public Speaker

  May 1985 - now

  Freelance Writer and Public Speaker

  Throughout my professional management career, I have pursued various writing and speaking projects. In 2012 I published my first book,"A Sneaker on My Pillow: Lessons for Business. Lessons for Life" through Friesen Press. I have guest lectured at several universities, high schools and non-profit organizations, offering instruction and assistance in job searches, resume writing and interview skills. Many of these presentations focus on displaced or disabled workers.In May 2019, Outskirts Press published my first novel, Dear Caroline... It is the story of a newspaper editor, who passes away suddenly, then reconnects with his grieving daughter. The category is general fiction.In August 2024, again with Outskirts Press, I published my third book and second novel- The Green Belt. The book is a sci-fi techno-thriller that explores issues of climate change, science and religion.Now retired from my management position, I am working on several books, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as an assortment of short stories and essays. Show less

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  Walgreens

  May 1985 - Dec 2021

  Store Manager

  1985-2021, I held a Store Manager's position at various locations throughout Connecticut for Walgreens Drug Stores. In April 2017 I transferred and relocated to Florida. Walgreens is the nation's largest drug store retailer. Primary duties have included all aspects of store operations, including hiring, training, human resources, sales, marketing and operational management. Auxiliary duties include various community outreach programs, working with employees with disabilities and an assortment of job training programs for disadvantaged or disabled individuals. In 2010 I was among the first pilot stores for the Walgreens REDI (Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative) program. In 2016, my staff of 25 employees included ten with disabilities, six of whom were REDI graduates. I am also a freelance writer. 2006-2017, I published a weekly column on employee engagement, called "The Weekly Rant." Readership grew from 25 employees to over 2,500. On several occasions, it was featured company-wide to over 240,000 employees. Additional writing projects have appeared in various company publications. Additionally, while managing Walgreens stores in Daytona Beach, Florida, I became actively involved in several programs specializing in the care and treatment of patients with HIV, including n-PEP. This program provides for the emergency preventative treatment of HIV in instances of potential exposure, most commonly through sexual assault. I was directly involved in the city of Daytona Beach passing an ordinance that severely restricted aggressive panhandling around businesses and public areas. This has led to a significant increase in sales, while greatly reducing shoplifting at several of our stores. For my efforts, with both the REDI Program and improving the business environment in the city of Daytona Beach, I was awarded the 2019 Walgreens Champion of Champions Award for Corporate Social Responsibility. Show less

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  CareerSource Flagler Volusia

  Jan 2023 - now

  Disability Navigator

  CareerSource is a government funded, nonprofit employment resource organization. As a Disability Navigator it is my role to help connect higher functioning individuals with disabilities to career opportunities. I also serve as a link between the disabled community and private industry. CareerSource is a resource center, not an employment agency. We provide tools, training and evaluation processes to our clients. In doing so, our goal is to maximize the hiring potential of each client.