George Upper

George Upper Email and Phone Number

Customer Service Representative and Inside Sales @ Tarheel Paper & Supply Company
North Carolina, United States
George Upper's Location
Greensboro--Winston-Salem--High Point Area, United States, United States
George Upper's Contact Details
About George Upper

I specialize in pain points, people and processes -- minimizing the first, maximizing the second, and making the third juuuuust right. I'm looking for a new opportunity to bring my leadership, communication, strategic and analytical skills into play with an organization that's looking for someone especially skilled at solving problems, improving processes and developing people. I'm passionate about identifying pain points, analyzing their root causes, developing effective fixes, and then tweaking the new procedure to maximum efficiency. All of that requires top-notch change management skills and communication, communication, communication. Think of me as a turnaround guy, but with manners.Originally from Foxborough, Massachusetts, I am a three-time graduate of UNC-Greensboro, with a BA and MA in English as well as an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems. You might infer from my English degrees that I'm an avid reader; you'd be correct. I also enjoy walking, cooking with my wife and the few hours a week I get to do pastor stuff for Awestruck Church in Greensboro.I'm a fan of Bruce Campbell, Nick Cage, Lawrence Block, John D. McDonald, the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs, and dad jokes -- not necessarily in that order.You can also connect with me on Twitter @georgeupper.IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9939273/Specialties: Written and Oral Communication, Teaching and Training, Research, Turnaround Strategy and Change Management, Leadership Development and Coaching... and did I mention Dad Jokes?I am also a LinkedIn open networker and happy to connect with any other active LinkedIn users. I have 23k connections at this point. (You'd be surprised how many of them work at Tommy Bahama. Or maybe you wouldn't.)

George Upper's Current Company Details
Tarheel Paper & Supply Company

Tarheel Paper & Supply Company

View
Customer Service Representative and Inside Sales
North Carolina, United States
George Upper Work Experience Details
  • Tarheel Paper & Supply Company
    Customer Service Representative And Inside Sales
    Tarheel Paper & Supply Company
    North Carolina, United States
  • Tarheel Paper & Supply Company
    Customer Service Representative / Inside Sales
    Tarheel Paper & Supply Company Nov 2024 - Present
    Winston-Salem, Nc, Us
    Ensures exceptional client experiences and smooth operational workflows by responding promptly and professionally to customer inquiries via phone, email, and in person, as well as managing order processes end-to-end by writing, entering, and tracking orders to ensure timely deliveries. Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, purchasing, and shipping, to maintain seamless communication and execution. Proactively engages with clients to address questions, concerns, and complaints while offering tailored solutions aligned with company policies. Supports in-house sales efforts by cultivating relationships with walk-in clients and promoting product knowledge and assists in warehouse operations by conducting cycle counts to maintain inventory accuracy.
  • Awestruck Church
    Associate Pastor (Part-Time)
    Awestruck Church Jun 2023 - Present
    Preach sermons on Sunday mornings when the senior pastor is unavailable; coordinate with staff on church activities, both for Sunday services and throughout the week; lead the counting team to ensure accountability and proper handling of offerings; design, write and publish weekly church newsletter; counsel individual church members as needed.
  • Liftable Media Inc
    Freelance Writer To Editor-In-Chief
    Liftable Media Inc Apr 2014 - Jun 2024
    Phoenix, Arizona, Us
    Advanced from a part-time freelance writer to editor-in-chief, exercising ultimate authority for all material published by Liftable Media Inc; set tone, direction and policies for every section of multiple publications; hired, evaluated and coached staff and leadership in accordance with the company’s core values, mission, and vision; set and managed strategy and budgets; led the transition of popular news and commentary blogs into a large and influential online publisher, including taking the flagship publication from a "red x" rating from NewsGuard to a "green check" in 12 months and then to a perfect score of 100 the following year; addressed reader feedback.
  • The Upper Cut (Formerly Gumshoe Media)
    Writer, Editor, Consultant
    The Upper Cut (Formerly Gumshoe Media) Aug 1999 - Feb 2017
    Part-time side hustle / profitable hobby for years until my full-time hiring by one of my freelance clients in 2017.Co-founded new online publication and oversaw all areas of production including web design and content; analyzed and researched novels and wrote critical synopses for publication; made significant academic discoveries through online and library research; wrote and published original articles, historical research, and poetry; presented original seminars on writing and teaching writing at ACSI convention (Greensboro, 2005); served as editor and beta reader for multiple works of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry prior to publication
  • Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corporation
    Director - Customer Solutions
    Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corporation Sep 2012 - Oct 2013
    Winston-Salem, Nc, Us
    Developed and published new efficiency and customer satisfaction metrics to drive ownership of the customer and consumer experience throughout the organization; Wrote internal "press releases" to market department successes; Wrote and edited departmental and company-wide policies and procedures, including portions of the Employee Handbook (such as the office dress code); Analyzed workflows and processes in order to create, improve, and maintain SOP's and other technical documentation; Drafted and edited print and online marketing copy; Restructured diverse 23-person department away from task-focus toward value-stream and customer-perceived value propositions; Implemented robust succession planning and coaching to speed internal transitions; Managed the accurate and timely entry of 4,700+ purchase orders and handling of 5,000+ customer and consumer contacts monthly in a combined B2B and B2C data and contact center; Provided key leadership on 12-month Leadership Initiative Project aimed at developing and then improving metrics for employee engagement; Piloted internal cross-functional internship program to foster personnel development; Provided key customer service and sales support functions for $200M hardware business across various channels and product categories
  • Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corporation
    Director Of Ebusiness And Direct Sales
    Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corporation Oct 2011 - Jan 2013
    Winston-Salem, Nc, Us
    Transformed underperforming channel into the company's fastest-growing sales division with year-over-year growth of over 90% by managing and directing the sales efforts for all eCommerce and B2C accounts in the U.S. and Canada; directly and indirectly managed cross-functional team of sales, marketing, finance, distribution, and customer service professionals; dis-intermediated supply chains to improve both consumer pricing and company profitability; penetrated dozens of profitable B2B accounts including customers in previously untouched channels (including mid-range department store, office supply, and RMO retailers) and geographies (Canada); championed creative marketing initiatives in partnership with major accounts in the Internet and eCommerce space; prospected top Internet retailers to form lasting and mutually-beneficial B2B relationships
  • Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corporation
    Director - Customer Solutions
    Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corporation Aug 2006 - Oct 2011
    Winston-Salem, Nc, Us
    Reduced data entry payroll by 20% through zero-cost outsourcing initiative; re-designed manual order entry processes to increase efficiency by 80% and reduce overtime by 75%; initiated data entry audit process that decreased order error rate by 67%; served as team lead to implement major software upgrade for greatly enhanced data integrity; reduced workload and order processing time by 15% for $115 million dollar account by redesigning EDI processes; automated special order process for second-largest customer; improved demand forecast accuracy by speeding systemic visibility of program orders; enhanced service levels by driving departmental culture change from exceptions management paradigm to process-driven model; drove bottom-line profitability and ROI increases through re-designed liquidation / overstock sales order processing; reduced risk through close coordination with Internal Audit department to ensure full compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and other measures of business ethics; designed and delivered original training programs addressing system upgrades, process improvements, and other cross-functional processes.As Functional Information Systems Manager and Business Process Improvement Champion, evaluated business needs to identify potential process improvement projects assuring alignment with Liberty’s business strategy. Identified and tracked company-wide Continuous Improvement projects; assisted functional areas in identifying key metrics and tracking savings throughout the process cycle, developed and led training classes in new processes and CI concepts, managed Product Data Management team, managed/tracked 10 projects to completion for a total annualized savings of almost $1.4 million while monitoring an additional 19 projects, planned and coordinated company-wide CIrcus celebration event, assisted with enterprise software implementation projects
  • Berkshire Christian School
    High School Director
    Berkshire Christian School 2005 - 2006
    Conceptualized the overall goals of private high school; ensured compatibility of high school program with legal, financial, and organizational structure of entire school; provided instructional, developmental, curriculum, and technology leadership to faculty and staff; defined responsibilities and accountability of staff members; developed and implemented plans for interpreting school program to community; implemented procedures and schedules relative to total school program; managed, directed, and maintained records on materials and equipment necessary to carry out daily school routine, involving staff in determining supply priorities; developed and delivered original curriculum in Rhetoric, Literature, Philosophy, Composition, History, Hermeneutics, etc.Simultaneously developed and delivered "Christian Classics and Composition" course at Berkshire Christian College (www.berkshire.edu).
  • Caldwell Academy
    Lead Teacher
    Caldwell Academy Aug 2003 - Jun 2005
    Established and communicated clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects in English, Bible, History, Rhetoric, and electives for grades 6-12; developed and enhanced curricula for several new and established honors and advanced placement level courses; oversaw committee for development of literature lists; researched and developed “Philosophy of Literature” for the school; maintained accurate and complete student records as required by law, policy, or parental request; conferred with families regarding progress toward educational objectives
  • Oakwood Homes Corporation
    Consumer Relations Manager
    Oakwood Homes Corporation Apr 1994 - Aug 1999
    Negotiated, wrote, reviewed, and revised contracts and other settlement documents with customers and their representatives; coordinated with internal and external legal counsel regarding compliance, documentation, policies, procedures, risk assessment, and claims; represented company in dispute resolution at the lowest level practicable; worked with individuals and multidisciplinary groups to develop new proposals; assisted with budget development and formatting of proposals to meet company requirements and guidelines; responded to BBB and governmental complaints and inquiries; assisted in litigation to settle disputes by supporting pleadings with all necessary information; analyzed claims for evidence of weakness in company policy or procedure; developed and implemented new processes for essential functions; established and managed all functions of national customer service call center; developed and implemented training for consumer relations specialists; founded executive-level Business Practices Oversight Team in coordination with sales, human resources, internal audit, and other interested departments
  • Hungate'S Arts, Crafts, And Hobbies
    General Manager
    Hungate'S Arts, Crafts, And Hobbies 1992 - 1994
    Managed all operational aspects of a mall store location, including internal communication, bookkeeping, human resources, and payroll; significantly improved return on investment by reducing stocking levels and negotiating returns with vendors such that the store returned the highest sales per square foot in the 11-store chain; made most of the buying decisions for a million-dollar sales location; responded to all customer inquiries and complaints, including special orders; developed and delivered original training program for new associates; interviewed, hired, trained, and coached highly diverse staff of 10 to 12 associates.
  • Us Army
    Psychological Operations Specialist
    Us Army Aug 1986 - Aug 1989
    Arlington, Virginia, Us
    Honorably Discharged at rank of CorporalArmy Commendation Medal, 1989NCOIC, 8th POB(A) DPC8th POB(A), 4th POG(A), 1st Special Operations CommandResponsible for the analysis, development and distribution of intelligence used for information and psychological effect. Researched and analyzed methods of influencing populations of various cultures (primarily Russian, Afghani, and Pakistani) from a variety of information sources; wrote, analyzed, and tested a wide variety of propaganda types; operated and maintained equipment such as ground tactical vehicles and shelter systems, loudspeaker systems, computers, analog and digital recording and playback devices, and communication systems; received and maintained "Expert" qualification with rifle, grenade, and bayonet; received Army Commendation Medal and lateral promotion to Corporal for re-structuring and managing the battalion's classified document processing center; represented unit on battalion cross country team.

George Upper Skills

Cross Functional Team Leadership Editing Team Building Research Coaching Writing Public Speaking Strategic Thinking Social Networking New Business Development Change Management Teaching Business Analysis Leading Change Poetry Problem Solving Contract Negotiation Turn Around Management Retail Customer Support Thought Leadership Knowledge Management Social Media Fact Checking Humor Wordpress Academia Marketing Strategy Formulation Social Media Marketing Blogging Twitter Non Profit Board Management Analytical Reasoning Strategy Customer Service Metrics Analysis Training Press Releases Proposal Writing Trello Constant Contact Firearms Handling Facebook Krav Maga Survival Skills Self Defense Linkedin

George Upper Education Details

  • University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    It Concentration
  • University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    English
  • University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    English (Psychology Minor)
  • University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
    Program For Management Development

Frequently Asked Questions about George Upper

What company does George Upper work for?

George Upper works for Tarheel Paper & Supply Company

What is George Upper's role at the current company?

George Upper's current role is Customer Service Representative and Inside Sales.

What is George Upper's email address?

George Upper's email address is gu****@****are.com

What is George Upper's direct phone number?

George Upper's direct phone number is +133660*****

What schools did George Upper attend?

George Upper attended University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro.

What are some of George Upper's interests?

George Upper has interest in Practical Shooting, Cooking, Military History And Strategy, Nutrition, Detective Fiction, Free Weights, The Beach, Reading, Poetry, Fitness.

What skills is George Upper known for?

George Upper has skills like Cross Functional Team Leadership, Editing, Team Building, Research, Coaching, Writing, Public Speaking, Strategic Thinking, Social Networking, New Business Development, Change Management, Teaching.

Free Chrome Extension

Find emails, phones & company data instantly

Find verified emails from LinkedIn profiles
Get direct phone numbers & mobile contacts
Access company data & employee information
Works directly on LinkedIn - no copy/paste needed
Get Chrome Extension - Free

Aero Online

Your AI prospecting assistant

Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers

Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.