BRETT LARSON
Grand Rapids
Summary
Experienced in multiple fields who is safety focused with an emphasis on doing things the correct way without cutting any corners that may sacrifice safety. A former first responder who is used to performing under pressure in a safe, efficient manner. Skilled in multiple computer systems with the technical acumen to pick up software systems quickly. Skilled at communicating and working together with other team members on accomplishing goals in a timely, efficient, accurate, and safe manner.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contractor Sales /Project Estimator
Latvala Lumber Company
Grand Rapids, MN
03.2025 - Current
- Developed accurate estimates for building materials and labor costs to ensure project profitability.
- Collaborated with sales and project management teams to align estimates with client specifications.
- Analyzed blueprints and project documents to identify scope changes and potential cost impacts.
- Led bid preparation processes, ensuring timely submission of competitive proposals to clients.
- Increased bid success rate by developing a thorough understanding of client needs during pre-bid meetings.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, resulting in better pricing on materials without compromising quality.
- Utilized advanced estimation software to increase efficiency and precision in the estimation process.
- Continued to lead the safety initiatives as I did while in the Operations Manager position because of level of experience and familiarity with site conditions, processes, procedures, and initiatives.
- Leads Monthly safety meetings with the safety team to identify areas of/for improvement and conduct regular business to ensure a safe facility for both employees and customers.
Operations Manager
Latvala Lumber Company
Grand Rapids, MN
11.2022 - 03.2025
- Streamlined inventory management processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented safety protocols, reducing workplace incidents significantly.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for operational workflows.
- Optimized supply chain logistics, improving material delivery timelines.
- Analyzed production data to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Obtained and still currently maintain a Class B Driver's License with which I was the backup delivery driver operating piggyback forklift trucks, boom/crane trucks, and a variety of other trucks.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times - making repairs as/when needed either personally or through delegation including but not limited to; vehicle repairs, hydraulic line fitting repairs, general equipment repairs, and identifying when a 3rd party equipment repair professional was needed.
- In March of 2017 I was asked about the possibility of moving over to Contractor Sales/Estimator as they were having great difficulty in finding anyone with experience and I had experience from my prior work history. In order to help out the company I made this move.
Sales Support
Scherer Brothers Lumber Company
Arden Hills, MN
09.2018 - 11.2022
- Estimating materials needed for construction projects based upon plans provided by customers in a timely manner.
- Clearly communicating with customers in regards to project changes, scheduling, material deliveries, and timeline changes based upon job site and/or material supply circumstances.
- Coordinate material deliveries with the respective dispatch to ensure timely and accurate deliveries to the customer’s satisfaction.
- Dedication to maintain a positive and productive atmosphere in the office.
- Supporting my assigned senior sales associate with excellence.
- Maintaining customer files, spreadsheets, and orders in a both timely and well structured manner.
- Occasional travel to job sites to measure for required totals and/or sizes of materials needed.
Sales Center Associate
Scherer Brothers Lumber Company
Hopkins, MN
05.2017 - 08.2018
- Assisting walk-in and phone customers with questions, quotes, and purchases to fulfill their project needs.
- Assist customers with showroom selections for their future project needs.
- Quoting various projects such as decks, windows, and interior door/millwork replacement.
- Answer customer questions and assist in addressing customer concerns.
- Coordinate material deliveries with the respective dispatch to ensure timely and accurate deliveries to the customer’s satisfaction.
- Dedication to maintain a positive and productive atmosphere in the office.
Volunteer Firefighter
Solway Volunteer Fire Department
Solway, MN
09.2012 - 04.2017
- Responded to emergency calls, executing fire suppression and rescue operations effectively.
- Conducted routine equipment checks, ensuring readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters during training exercises, enhancing operational efficiency and teamwork.
- Provided assistance in community outreach programs, promoting fire safety awareness among residents.
- Certification in Cold Water Rescue Operations.
- Healthcare Provider Certification.
- Worked closely with fellow firefighters to ensure smooth communication and coordination during emergencies.
Warehouseman/Delivery Driver
Westwood Building Center
Bagley, MN
05.2014 - 04.2017
- Assisted customers with loading their purchases.
- Stocked lumber and other building materials in the appropriate locations in a neat, orderly, and timely fashion.
- Safely delivered, and unloaded, building materials to job sites in a timely manner appropriate to the customer’s schedule.
- Operated various saws in a safe, timely, and accurate manner for precise cuts to the customer’s satisfaction.
- Operated power tools as necessary for repairs on structures, equipment, and building projects in a safe manner.
- Assisted in sales inside the office when/as necessary.
- Constructed different building projects to be sold such as storage sheds, dog houses, fish houses, play sets, feed bunks, and various other projects for the company to use in order to accomplish work in a safe and more adequate fashion.
- Performed general building and property maintenance in order to keep a neat and professional atmosphere.
Teller
First National Bank
Bagley, MN
03.2013 - 05.2014
- Assisted customers with their monetary transactions.
- Performed supervisor-assigned daily tasks in a timely, efficient, and orderly manner.
- Operating computers with various programs at a highly efficient pace for keeping up with business transactions as necessary.
- Answering phone calls and directing them to the appropriate department when needed.
- Attending to every aspect of assigned tasks with integrity and proficiency, in a friendly and welcoming fashion.
Education
Associate of Arts - Biblical Studies
Oak Hills Christian College
Bemidji, MN05-2011
Skills
- Safety Focused at all times
- Skills in working with power tools and hand tools
- Basic mechanical repair skills
- Technical Acumen
- An astute willingness to learn
- Computer Skills in a variety of programs
- Class B Driver's License (No restrictions)
- Current DOT Health Card
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong work ethic
- Excels at following superiors’ directives
- Team player
- Timely project completion
- Solid independent worker
- Strong desire to help others succeed
- Experience in training others in computer programs, in current and previous positions
- Experience in estimating and contractor sales
- Problem solving skills
- Very personable demeanor
- Always looking for ways to optimize day-to-day business
- Always looking for the best in people
Accomplishments
- Account/Project Management – Successfully managed and supplied estimates and materials for customers and their projects in a timely fashion based upon project schedule by clear communication with project managers and respective dispatchers.
- Communication – Maintaining clear communication with customers and co-workers to plan ahead for projects and keep said projects on schedule.
- Advancement – Advanced in current company to current position through hard work, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile for customers and co-workers.
Certification
- Class B Driver's License (No Restrictions)
- Previously certified Healthcare Provider (one step above First Aid/CPR)
- Previous Cold Water Rescue Certification
- DER training certification as the safety representative for current employer
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Spending time with my wife and daughter
- Hunting (Deer & Birds)
- Fishing
- Camping
- Anything in the outdoors
- Sports (Softball, Basketball, Football, Baseball, Volleyball, Disc Golf)
- Fixing things around the house or for neighbors/people that I know
- History
Timeline
Contractor Sales /Project Estimator
Latvala Lumber Company
03.2025 - Current
Operations Manager
Latvala Lumber Company
11.2022 - 03.2025
Sales Support
Scherer Brothers Lumber Company
09.2018 - 11.2022
Sales Center Associate
Scherer Brothers Lumber Company
05.2017 - 08.2018
Warehouseman/Delivery Driver
Westwood Building Center
05.2014 - 04.2017
Teller
First National Bank
03.2013 - 05.2014
Volunteer Firefighter
Solway Volunteer Fire Department
09.2012 - 04.2017
Associate of Arts - Biblical Studies
Oak Hills Christian College