Robert Chickey

Experience

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  RCP Fine Finish, Inc.

  Jan 1991 - Aug 2014

  Owner

  Robert was responsible for all the day-to-day activities comprising identifying new clients, presenting wood finish samples and presentations to prospect clients, mentoring and training employees, scheduling meetings with builders and their clients to clarify terms on time and budget, inventory management and financial transactions. The highlights of this role include:As a key member grew the company to million-dollar income annually in two years of time while networking with other professionals and lecturing at national trade events to find new clients.Pioneered a new wood finish process, as a result, created unmatched wood finishes with incredible depth.Successfully spearheaded a team with the ability to replicate/reproduce original museum quality wood finishes.Single handily administered the company, recognized for their expertise of shellac and original period finishes.Provided expert consulting, workshops and lectures on historic period wood finishes from the early 18th century to the early 20th century, therefore, applauded by other professionals and developed the company’s reputation.As an expert color stylist, regularly hired by interior designers, builders, and private clients to create a custom color palette for their projects.Built the team to make impressive finishes in some of the most magnificent houses for the individual customers who insisted the best.AREAS OF EXPERTISE: ✪ Exceptional knowledge in wood finishes ✪ New Business Development✪ Leadership, Mentoring & Training✪ Specialist in Shellac and original wood finishes ✪ Expert in creating new color and finishing processes✪ Process Improvement & Personnel Management✪ Entrepreneurial skill✪ Conducted presentations and gave workshops on period wood finishes✪ Vendor Relations and Customer Collaborations✪ Exceptional interpersonal Skills✪ Problem Solving and Decision making✪ Effective Communication and Negotiation skills Show less

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  First Financial Merchant Services

  Nov 2014 - May 2015

  Sales Associate

  With the First Financial Merchant system, Robert was accountable for identifying new customers through networking and WOM marketing. Assisted small business to save money on their business processing costs.

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  Accent Precision Wood Products

  May 2015 - Mar 2016

  Finishing Lead

  At Accent Precision Wood Products, Robert is responsible for designing and executing for custom cabinetry and architectural woodwork projects that require superior wood finishes. He is spearheading a team of 7 finishers; He is also liable for managing materials and equipment and working as a color stylist. Significant contributions include: Taking his sound knowledge of wood finishes techniques to scaling heights by launching new color and finishing concepts and process for new lines. Hence, the company saved money on labor and materials and attained great success.Played a crucial role in mentoring and training finishers to identify and rectify problems.Skillfully created conceptual samples and trained the sales team to evaluate the steps necessary to replicate wood finishes, thereby producing more accurate quotes for the future projects.Remarkably gifted wood finisher, primary liaison for restoring problems occurring with installation.Championed an accurate method to reproduce color/finish while collaborating and coordinating with employees consequently achieved quality work and improved work environment.Dexterously transitioned the procedures through assembling and identifying the various steps and processes necessary to achieve the desired result, therefore, ensured minimal rework. Show less

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  Regal Wood Cabinets

  Apr 2016 - Oct 2016

  Finishing Manager & Color Stylist

  Robert has accepted a new opportunity to work for a growing cabinet company located in the Minneapolis suburbs. After meeting with the owner, Robert was asked to get control of the Finishing Area, create a method to record formulas and processes, and to find inefficiencies and correct them. Robert has accomplished this directive within the first two weeks of employment by implementing new software than not only records color formulas and processes, it also calculates a per square foot cost for any and all finishes. Robert was also tasked with updating the showroom. He accomplished this by creating a multi step proposal that included changing the existing fluorescent lighting to a more dynamic lighting by installing 6500K LED lights. Also part of the proposal included updating the standard colors as well as the introduction of unique custom finishes specifically directed toward Interior Designers, Builders, and walk in Retail Clients. These custom finishes will directly improve the company's reputation and standing within the design community as well as improving the bottom line. Other changes included the additional of some key personnel as well as refining how information travels from the Cabinet Designers, to the Production area, and finally to the Finishing Manager. Allowing Robert to track the progress of any project in real time. These necessary changes will improve the company's reputation, empower the finishing staff to learn new methods and processes, and contribute to the company's overall net profit. Show less

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  Bespoke Finish, LLC

  Aug 2016 - now

  • Founder/President

    Aug 2016 - now

  • Founder/President

    Aug 2016 - now
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  Bespoke Finish

  Oct 2016 - now

  Robert has returned to his true roots as a business owner. His ability to craft a custom wood finish for every project while focusing on revealing the true beauty of the wood is far different from the "standard approach". The standard approach is focused on achieving the right color and providing a protective finish. His vision, love of wood inspires him to educate clients & students that "Brown & Shiny" is not the only way. He learned the standard approach while honing his craft. After establishing his reputation for providing the highest quality finish across the US, he created a different way to finish woodwork that added value and enhanced the nuances that are present in every species of wood.Robert has vast experience in coatings from the traditional coatings manufacturers to obscure products from around the world. Knowing both sides of the industry gives him a unique perspective and abilities.Bespoke-Finish offers consultations for clients and companies in the A&D community. As part of the Consulting Services, he can evaluate existing woodwork as to its viability to be restored or repaired. A treatment recommendation will be created that gives different options on how to proceed and the actual process and materials required to achieve the original goal. Robert's expertise in period finishes allows him to evaluate woodwork from the 18th to the 21st century.Another service as part of Consulting is to work with a client, designer, architect to create a sample/s to achieve exactly what was originally envisioned and then create a process for finishers who are already attached to the project. Initial meetings samples generated and a clearly defined process including all materials necessary will be provided to the existing finishers. Supervision of the process including knowledge on mitigating issues that might happen is another possibility.Finally, Robert is interested in providing custom wood finishing to select high-end projects across the US. Show less

  • Finish Designer

    Aug 2016 - now

  • Wood Finish Consultant

    Oct 2016 - now
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  VeroMetal

  Nov 2019 - now

  I am traveling across North America to introduce VeroMetal to Architects and Designers. VeroMetal has two binder systems, one is waterborne and the other is a solvent borne coating system that can perform in both interior and exterior environments. It allows for complete freedom in design with metal. Sculpture, furniture, exterior cladding, architectural millwork are all possible. I offer customized teaininf opportunities for companies who wish to integrate VeroMetal into their end product or offerings. All individual training opportunities will be offered at our authorized training partner, Creabella in Aubrey, Texas. lf interested in more information please contact me.

  • Authorized Partner of VeroMetal

    Jan 2021 - now

  • Technical Trainer

    Nov 2019 - Aug 2024