Cort Stevens Resume_2021 PDF version CLICK HERE

SUMMARY
Accomplished professional, with a depth of interest and training in customer service, office management, writing, radio, editing, file organization, events and web content.

EXPERIENCE

• WHRU-LP: Volunteer Host (05/2019 – 12/2019)
  * new version of my CD SHOWCASE radio show

• CD Consulting Services: Website-Social Media Manager (12/2018 – 04/2019)
  * Designed davekaptainformayor.com
  * Wrote posts to encourage support
  * Created images-graphics for website and Facebook posts
  * Challenged voters to help Elgin IL beat 3 big cities in terms of voter turnout percentage

• CD Consulting Services: Part-Time Office Manager (12/2015 – 08/2018)
  * [for home appraiser based in northeast IL]
  * Entered, tracked and updated orders
  * Generated files (ACI, ETRAC, ANOW)
  * Gathered data (flood maps, census, zoning, assessor, MRED, MLS)
  * Proofed and added data (floor plan sketches, photos) to appraiser report files
  * Accounting (cleared payments received, generated staff payments)
  * Marketing (developed-strengthened relationships, expanded connections)

• Autosavant: Social Media Manager (02/2013 – 07/2013)
  * Crafted unique content for Facebook page
  * Increased readership, interaction

• Weber-Stephen Products Co/LLC: Web Content Specialist (10/2006 – 02/2012)
  * Gathered information to publish on company systems, intranet.
  * Created and published pages to in-house systems.
  * Reviewed reports and took action with regard to Order status.
  * Tracked and canceled Orders as needed, via Siebel, SAP, AS400.

• WRMN: Brokered show (12/2009, 12/2010, 12/2011)
  * Hosted a Holiday Edition CD SHOWCASE to broadcast part of the Christmas Eve music program, live from the station’s downtown studios.
  * Comment, December 2011 edition, Brian, Atlanta GA: “Cort’s CD Showcase is what radio SHOULD be!”

• Chase Insurance/Protective Life: Call Center CSR (07/2005 – 09/2006)
  * Answered clients’ questions regarding annuities.
  * Assisted agents.
  * Researched and resolved issues by working with other departments.

• Sears: ASN Help Desk Specialist (09/2003 – 04/2005)
  * Managed and educated Vendors in correcting Advance Ship Notices (ASN) sent via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), saving time and money.
  * Corrected invalid ASNs, via Sears ASN correction system, to ensure efficient receipt at facility and stores.
  * Resolved inquiries from Vendors regarding chargebacks and other various issues.

• Sears: Vendor Support Administrator (11/1999 – 08/2003)
  * Handled inquiries from Vendors regarding chargebacks, reversals, etc.
  * Processed and distributed fashion Debit-Credit Memos to hold Vendors accountable for shipment-related issues.

• Sears: International Customer Service Representative (01/1997 – 11/1999)
  * Tracked and processed customer orders, while coordinating various internal and external inquiries.
  * Facilitated presentation of Freight Forwarder to coworkers, to gain a better understanding of the role a Freight Forwarder plays in international shipping.
  * Monitored department shipment reports.
  * Reconciled accounting variance reports.

• The Courier-News: Summer Sports Assistant (06/1995 – 08/1996)
  * Wrote articles spotlighting area summer youth programs.
  * Strengthened interviewing and interpersonal skills.
  * Acquired valuable on-the-job experience in writing on deadline, under changing circumstances, and converting press releases to newspaper copy.
  * “Practicum in Journalism” (January 1995): interviewed Tatiana Gutsu, 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist; covered area high school and college basketball games

EDUCATION

• Sears University (01/1997 – 04/2005) Hoffman Estates IL
  * Diversity.
  * Code of Conduct.
  * On-site store training.
  * On-site distribution facility training.
  * Departmental cross training.
  * Gained proficiency in various computer programs, universal and Sears-specific.
  * Various books and tape training.

• Manchester College (08/1992 – 05/1996) N Manchester IN
  * B.A., Communication Studies (major) and Journalism (minor).
  * Honors Thesis: “The Saga of a Daytime Sizzler: Face in the Crowd”
  * GPA: 3.97/4.0 scale (Honors Program participant).
  * Copy Editor, Distribution Manager, and Staff Writer for Oak Leaves newspaper.
  * WBKE Disc Jockey, “Saturday Evening Mostly Country Music Show” and “CD Showcase”.
  * Cellist in Manchester Symphony Orchestra.

INTERESTS, GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

• Website owner-crafter: www.oldcarsstronghearts.com
• Published writer.
• Former volunteer editor of church newsletter.
• Chaired the Building Committee of a church after a 1998 fire.
• Travel.
• Various automotive organizations.
• Various heart-related groups.
• Computers.
• Baseball.
• Active participant on 2 Holiday Committees while at Sears, handling various aspects with one and spearheading info gathering for an ice breaker for the other.