Chester "Chet" Strzelczyk Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area

Homer Township, Il

As Chairman, I serve as the executive head of the Homer Township Democratic Organization and the Democratic Party in Homer Township (Will County, Illinois) and facilitate meetings of the Township Central Committee and Township Executive Committee and collectively appoint all standing committees, along with recommending qualified Democrats as Precinct Committeepersons to fill vacancies in Homer Township. I also represent Homer Township on the Will County Democratic Central Committee Executive Board.

Evaluate homeowner’s needs regarding basement waterproofing, structural, and window requirements according tomunicipal building codes. Diagnose and recommend solutions to prevent reoccurring water issues. Recommend updates toexisting windows, plumbing, and finishing products.Accomplishments: Certified Foundation Consultant through Perma-Seal and Basement Systems Inc. Certified EPA Lead Renovator

Summit, Il

In this leadership role, I ensured the operational efficiency of the Village by planning, directing, and overseeing Village operations on a daily basis, including union and non-union employees within Police, Fire, Public Works, and Clerical departments. I also assisted Village departments in operating and providing superior services to residents by developing and issuing relevant administrative rules, policies, and guidelines. Another responsibility was to manage an annual budget of more than $10 M while improving solvency and establishing cash reserves. I also advised and directed department heads in the strategic vision and direction of the Village Board. Drafted or oversaw preparation of Village ordinances, resolutions, and policies for Board approval.Accomplishments:: • Promoted effective community relations in response to requests/concerns of citizens.• Initiated savings of more than 33%, or more than $1 M, through implementation of health insurance plan changes within first 2 years.• Secured more than $2M in grants for infrastructure improvements as CDBG Director.• Initiated annual savings through enhanced VOIP phone services and T1 lines.• Represented Village Board in collective bargaining matters, including negotiating agreements that aligned significant savings through concessions and changes in policy. • Successfully applied technology to initiate several operational changes directly impacting police and fire operations, as well as automating payroll and employee time and attendance tracking.• Served as executive staff liaison to several internal and external committees.• Drove specification, scheduling, status, and review processes.• Anticipated and prepared required materials for all Village Board meetings.

As Store Director, I managed the daily operations for new retail concept for Sears Holdings Corporation. I also provided customer–centric solutions by consistently keeping the customer (retail services/end customer) at the center of multi-channel project capabilities and design. I promoted the increase in services offered for new multi-channel business model combining online and physical store structure. Coordinated, prepared, and supported ad hoc analysis as needed and monthly reporting, including weekly sales, conversion projects, corporate overheads, and BU performance. Furthermore, I prepared capital project requests applying cash flow, ROI, and GAAP concepts and managed other revenue businesses for Sears’ retail operations (product flow, WMS analysis), understanding sales/margin, operational activities, planning, and forecasting. In this position, I developed and owned process for all significant project/store expense/capital projects to drive consistency in reporting and develop an approved/tested process to identify additional opportunities. As a leader, I was responsible for managing a high performance team through effective hiring, coaching and development of associates and staffed and scheduled associates to align flow of goods and event timelines while maintaining cost controls. I also handled HR-related issues affecting performance and discipline, including imposing disciplinary actions as needed. Finally, I coordinated the sales team by developing sales tactics and coaching team.Accomplishments::• Managed inventory control processes and procedures to ensure 99.9% accuracy.• Continually identified improvement and innovation opportunities applying a data-driven, test, and learn approach.

As an executive, I led and oversaw the operations of 3 divisions, including personnel in inside sales, customer service, warehousing, delivery, installation, service, and collections for a $50M privately held company, managing a $2M+ annual budget. I effectively managed fleet of 50 plus vehicles, ensuring compliance with all DOT rules and regulations. I also proposed and published metrics and KPIs for the monthly financials and scorecards.Accomplishments:• Reduced delivery operational expenses 15% by implementing process improvements and shared services.• Established a recycling program generating an annual savings of more than $30K.• Implemented changes throughout appliance and service operations utilizing Six Sigma practices to improve the order process while combining all financial, operational, inventory, and vehicle notification, establishing further gains through quicker response, invoicing, and employee tracking.• Developed a training program for all delivery and installation personnel.• Created performance measurement structure for operations segments.• Established long-term, loyal customer relationships by providing prompt and courteous services.

In this elected position, I helped ensure the growth, safety, and health of the community by assisting the 911 and Community Development committees. I also assisted in negotiating the union contract for the Fire Department.Accomplishments:• Served as Chairman of the Finance committee and Fire committee.

As Director, I was responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations, including supervising 14 local drivers and support personnel. I forecasted manpower requirements based on daily workload and company targets and analyzed budgets, financial reports, and projections to ensure accurate reporting of organizational financial status. I also operated forklifts and other heavy machinery as needed.Accomplishments:• Initiated new expansion of warehousing product for clients.• Increased delivery volume 150% in 2001 with addition of Krause’s and Sears Homelife furniture.