Grace Heimsness

Grace Heimsness

Mechanic & Sales Associate

Followers of Grace Heimsness169 followers
location of Grace HeimsnessAustin, Minnesota, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Director of Operations + Insurance Broker at Great Plains Financial Partners

  • Education

    • University of Southern California

      2007 - 2011
      B.A. English (Creative Writing)

      Activities and Societies: Women's Rowing (Division I) Graduated Cum Laude, Completed Thematic Option Honors Program

  • Experience

    • Rydjor Bike Shop

      May 2008 - Sept 2015
      Mechanic & Sales Associate

      Assembled and repaired bicycles of all makes and models on a deadline-driven basis, diagnosed incoming repairs, and provided sales assistance and community to shop guests by maintaining an open and friendly dialogue. In the process of explaining and demonstrating technical concepts, recapping last Tuesday’s shop ride, and rhapsodizing about the new Farley in the front window, I anticipated the needs of each cyclist and tailored my service accordingly.

    • USC Grand Avenue Library & Book Depository

      May 2010 - May 2011
      Student Assistant

      Inventoried assigned sections, reconciling individual volumes with their electronic records. Appointed to conduct special inventory project after third month of employment, independently and without error cataloguing over 15,000 music scores based on call number, title, and composer.

    • Austin High School, Girls Varsity Ice Hockey

      Oct 2011 - Feb 2013
      Assistant Coach

      Began as a volunteer coach and acted as head coach of the junior varsity squad during my first season. Promoted to salaried position in the spring of 2012. Assisted at varsity practices, managed forwards during games, and mentored athletes on and off the ice.

    • Austin Public Schools

      Aug 2012 - Apr 2014
      Teacher

      Substitute for grades K-12, all subjects. Also completed a ten-week assignment in the high school English department and taught two reading intervention classes for the fall 2013 semester. Experience in classroom management, carrying out lesson plans on short notice, writing original lesson plans (especially creative writing), and teaching according to the principles of Gradual Release of Responsibility.

    • Dusty's Bar & Lounge

      May 2013 - now
      Bartender

      Work independently and with colleagues to fill orders while maintaining visibility and availability. Build rapport with patrons via conversation, story, and friendly debate. Offer advice on wide-ranging topics, including but not limited to the bill of fare.

    • Austin ArtWorks Festival

      Apr 2014 - Aug 2014
      Intern

      Managed artist contracts, fostered community engagement via social media and other avenues (e.g. print articles), and facilitated communication between and within eight unique committees. Responsible for writing a significant amount of copy for the Festival's 17-page program, which included artist profiles, event features, and logistical information. Hired for full-time position as education and marketing coordinator with the Festival's parent organization, the Austin Area Commission for the Arts, as a result of performance. Show less

    • Austin Area Commission for the Arts

      Jul 2014 - Apr 2016
      Education & Marketing Coordinator

      Responsible for building and managing the AACA’s arts education program. Oversaw all marketing efforts, including the design and management of a new website in 2014. Wrote original copy for newsletters, articles, and social media posts daily. Supervised classes and events, providing support to teachers, artists, and private renters as needed. Periodically proofread and copyedited grants. Routinely cooperated with staff and committee members to plan and carry out community projects, including the annual Austin ArtWorks Festival. Show less

    • Trek Travel

      Feb 2016 - Apr 2020
      Guide
    • Great Plains Financial Partners

      Oct 2020 - now
      Director of Operations + Insurance Broker

      Local broker licensed in life, accident, & health insurance. I work to help my neighbors navigate the complexities of Medicare, MNsure, and other corners of the insurance world, with the goal of finding the best fit for each individual client.

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Certified Broker

      MNsure
      Jun 2021
    • Insurance Producer: Accident & Health, Life

      Minnesota Department of Commerce
      Jan 2021
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Board of Directors

      Issued by Austin Symphony Orchestra on May 2015
      Austin Symphony OrchestraAssociated with Grace Heimsness