Russell Klassen

Experience

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  Loveland Fire Rescue Authority

  Mar 2001 - May 2013

  Firefighter

  A Firefighter, Fire Engineer and Fire Company officer. I was the first mid-level firefighter assigned as a program manager for the department. Assigned as the Program Manager for the breathing life safety equipment, I recognized a significant unfunded budget requirement three years prior to potential budget impact authoritatively. I evaded budget shortfall via advising leadership on a purchase strategy. I negotiated purchase along with receiving, inventorying, and deploying new equipment in adherence to local and federal tracking requirements adeptly. I superintended daily leadership activities and risk management for assigned firefighting crews on all hazard's incidents constructively.• Served as program manager for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) life safety equipment to ensure maintenance of service and certification according to National safety requirements and standards.• Authored successful FEMA grant application and awarded $1 million for SCBA program equipment replacement credibly.• Negotiated purchase and planned replacement of SCBA grant purchased equipment according to FEMA requirements to avoid severe budget impact.• Evaluated SCBA program and identified a significant budget shortfall due to equipment end of life cycle three years prior to impact efficiently.• Functioned as fire company leader on all hazard emergency incidents to ensure safety and mitigation of incidents.• Awarded with a Unit Merit Citation by Fire Chief for grant project work resulting in the complete upgrade of the entire breathing air program.• Accumulated over 200 hours of classroom leadership development and training to optimize overall performance.• Practiced preeminent leadership skills while performing the duties of fire company officer actively. Show less

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  Riverfront Farm Inc.

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2015

  President

  Produce and broker grass and alfalfa hay in small and large bales.Developed new business in 10 state region. Successfully landed new sales and contracts for individual use and commercial dairy operations worth over $250,000 in sales within first year in business

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  Wilbur-Ellis

  May 2013 - Jun 2014

  Sales And Marketing Specialist

  Devised and implemented new contract protein feed sales for dairy customers to generate revenue. Conducted market research to determine a target audience needs and enhance profitability. Compiled informed reports to guide all marketing-related efforts and built profitable ties with customers.● Built new business worth over $6 million per year via implementing effective strategies. ● Established contract commodity sales worth an estimated $4 million per annum expertly. ● Assured timely pickup and delivery to various regional dairy customers via handling shipment of brewery byproduct feeds on a 24-hour production schedule with 20+ loads per day. Show less

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  Jax Mercantile Co.

  Mar 2016 - Jun 2017

  Assistant Manager

  I supervised the operation of the store in absence of a Store Manager to continuously improve workflow. I recruited and mentored employees, reviewed performance along with establishing work schedules, salary ranges, recognition, discipline as well as termination to optimize productivity and profitability. I served as a certified facility forklift trainer and contributed in improving overall business performance.• Facilitated in administering remodel of a 100,000 square foot retail store via executing best practices.• Generated sales growth to over $1 million per month within the first year of operation successfully.• Demonstrated leadership via promoting a team building and positive atmosphere to increase work efficiency.• Interviewed, handled, and assessed staff of 80+ full as well as part-time employees via developing effective administrative strategies. Show less

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  City of Fort Worth

  Jun 2017 - Apr 2021

  Fleet Coordinator/Program Manager

  I made purchase recommendations, conducted inventory control, inspect, test and repair firefighting equipment, maintain certification records and regulatory compliance of firefighting equipment for the 13th largest city in the United States. I execute tasks based on best practices in accordance with national and local protocols and codes. I evaluate and recommend annual equipment purchases within budget while evaluating operational needs, fire service trends, and regulatory compliance to accomplish set objectives. I determine budget usage plans, negotiate with vendors, and monitor spending, purchase orders as well as inventory levels to achieve desired outcomes. I plan logistics and perform annual evaluation as well as certification of fire support equipment for the entire department to meet set goals. I review program status, compile data, and deliver reports on project performance to managers as well as department leaders proficiently.• Analyzed processes and initiated redeployment of test cycles to minimize lost time up to 50% during annual required testing for all fire companies.• Evaluated program performance, reported to executive leadership and enhanced small engine budget efficiency by 60% via utilizing internal maintenance versus external contractors aptly.• Formulated and proactively employed use of electronic maintenance and inspection tracking for fire support equipment via utilizing advanced Microsoft Office skills effectively.• As the Subject Matter Expert, oversaw an inter-departmental team who created an electronic fire truck inspection form and maintenance notification system, improving overall maintenance performance.• Designed and deployed fire equipment inventory and budget tracking via utilizing Microsoft Excel.• Orchestrated annual equipment purchase and maintenance for multiple programs.• Created custom test apparatus to increase capabilities and reduce cycle times by 75% via utilizing surplus equipment and materials productively. Show less

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  Crossover Farm LLC.

  May 2021 - May 2023

  Small Business Owner
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  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  Apr 2023 - now

  Fire Protection/Emergency Management Specialist