Daniel Certo Email & Phone Number

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pa

SEED Aquaponics began in December of 2014, so it is still very much in its infancy. My primary role in the company is to oversee construction of aquaponics systems in the Pittsburgh area. I lead the build team for our Healcrest Farms project. I modified the CEO’s initial draft to fit in a small greenhouse space. The end product was a structure with a 350-gallon fish tank to house bluegill, and a nine-foot long grow bed at the top for the cultivation of different herbs and teas. Planned business development, brought in prospective clients for new system construction, and directed sales.- Managed tools and inventory on-site and airded in selection and purchase of other necessary tools, equipment, and materials.- Oversaw a team of three to eight volunteers per build session, many of whom had no prior experience with power tools, light construction, or carpentry.- Made on-the-fly changes and modifications to the original design as circumstances changed- Led sales and marketing to expand SEED's footprint and revenue

Highly active, multi-tasking position where I developed strong customer service skills ranging from welcoming guests to creating an enjoyable atmosphere for diners. Excelled at making guests feel appreciated and convincing them to make return visits. Customer comments ranged from "highly personable" to "very caring." Began job training before the restaurant opened. Was present for both soft opening and grand opening of the restaurant.

Position: Associate for the ReFuel program at non-profit GTECH (Growth through Energy and Community Health) Strategies. Began as an Americorps position - was hired on for an additional six months to wrap up the ReFuel program after its objective was met.- Effectively managed time and worked independently to accomplish diverse tasks such as oilcollections, sales calls, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.- Increased vegetable oil sourcing nearly 50% by spearheading and reinvigorating campaign tocollect from Greek Food Festivals, Lenten Fish Fries, and other festivals. Broke all records for oil collection in ReFuel’s five year history through cold calling and relationship management.- Took over social media and doubled followers to increase brand recognition and communityengagement. “Give us your oil and we’ll give you some publicity!”- Created new partnerships with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, PennsylvaniaResources Council, and more.- Created and conducted educational and awareness-raising activities related to biofuels.Consistently showed a near 100% positive change in knowledge amongst participants.- Taught science of biofuel classes and connected students to opportunities for employment in thegreen economy through community programs such as Operation Better Block; spoke at special events and manned tables to educate and raise awareness of the benefits of vegetable oilrecycling.

Received award of distinction for customer service and office teamwork. Handled customer interaction including management of between $5,000 to $15,000 in cash at a time. Excelled at customer relations. Additional duties included lobby management, soft sales, and identifying customers who qualified for an upgrade to their account.

Responsible for over eighty campers’ well-being and camp experience satisfaction over the course of three summers. As the chief camp resource for assigned camper groups, I conducted orientations, provided camper training, led group activities, and provided team guidance and individual mentoring. Excelled at leading groups in activities such as hiking, boating, and swimming as well as teaching environmental science and personal responsibility. Learned valuable skills in communication and time management as well as the ability to be aware of my surroundings at all times.

Environmental Studies, Education

Activities and Societies: Allegheny Peace Corps, Students for Environmental Action, Queers and AlliesEnvironmental Studies - focus.

Education record

Activities and Societies: President of Gay/Straight AlliancePresident, Gay/Straight Alliance. Promoted several small rock concerts, one.