Objective

While my primary objective is to obtain freelance writing opportunities, I am always open to unique situations that will challenge me to utilize my diverse skills.

Employment

American City Business JournalsBuffalo,NY November 2008 - Present

Staff Reporter, Buffalo Law Journal and Buffalo Business First~

Responsibilities include covering the legal beat for both newspapers, writing a weekly business feature called Rising Stars and handling other assignments as directed by the editors.

Business First Newspaper Buffalo, NY November 2007 - September 2008

Freelance Correspondent ~

Responsibilities include generating story ideas as well as researching leads from the managing editor and working, often on a short deadline, to complete business articles usually requiring at least three sources, including one national or "expert" source per article.

The Sun Newspaper Hamburg, NY March 2007 - Present

Reporter ~

Responsibilities include the weekly 'Scene' story, a full length feature, and various other news stories as assigned by the editor, taking and processing photographs, some layout, processing obituaries, writing an editorial column every other week, and writing a weekly movie review.

The Bee Group Newspapers Williamsville, NY March 2007 - June 2007

Reporter ~

I was hired for a full-time temporary position covering a 12 week maternity leave for a suburban newspaper company that produces nine weekly papers. My responsibilities included producing full length lifestyles feature articles (1000-1500 words) for four different papers weekly. I was also responsible for writing a weekly column, covering other news stories as assigned by the editors, covering local politics for the town of Lancaster, and occasionally shooting photos.

Anderson Merchandisers Amarillo, TX February 1998 - July 2005

~ District Sales Manager
~ District Sales Associate
~ Sales Merchandiser
~ Classroom Teacher

During my 7+ years with Anderson Merchandisers I wore several hats, but most significantly I spent the last 3 years as a District Sales Manager. I was responsible for a territory consisting of 47 stores throughout Western NY and Pennsylvania with total gross annual sales in excess of 70 million dollars. I was responsible for the hiring, training, and day to day managing of up to 16 employees who reported directly to me. Additionally, meeting with customers, conducting quality control visits to the stores, meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals, and running the daily operations in the Buffalo market while working closely with our home office in Amarillo, Texas. There was an emphasis on continually finding new ways to control costs, improve employee productivity, and increase sales. During my time with the company I received several promotions, as well as awards recognizing outstanding sales success. Upon leaving Anderson Merchandisers, I was given a letter of recommendation from the president of the company citing my many accomplishments which is available upon request.

Various Regional Newspapers New Hampshire June 1995 - October 2002

Correspondent ~

I worked as a freelance correspondent for a number of newspapers in my native New Hampshire. During this time, I had over 200 articles published in 7 different publications, covering local politics, sports, and features, as well as writing theater reviews and editorial columns.

Great Bay Gallery & Function Center New Hampshire June 1995 - October 2002

Chef ~

I have a 17 year working relationship with Great Bay Gallery that continues to this day. From 1990 through 1998, I worked either on a full-time basis or seasonally, depending on the need. After leaving in 1998 to accept the position with Anderson Merchandisers, I continued to work weekend functions as a wedding chef, often responsible for the off-site execution of large weddings of 150-300 people. Though I now live in NY, I return to New Hampshire a few times a year to visit, and still work as a Chef on call during those trips. This position demanded strong organizational skill, excellent communication, strong customer service, punctuality, dependability, and willingness to work long hours.

Education

Niagara County Community College Sanborn, NY January 2007 - Present

Secondary Education (English) Current GPA 4.0

I am currently enrolled in the Liberal Arts program with dual admission to Buffalo State to earn my B.A. in Secondary Education as well as my NY State Teaching Certificate for grades 7-12. I am also active in the school newspaper, "The Spirit," as a contributing writer.

Hesser College Manchester, NH 1993 - 1995

Graduated with honors 3.96 GPA
Transferred Degree to NCCC

Dover High School Dover, NH September 1986 - June 1990

Culinary Arts Certificate

In addition to graduating with a general diploma, I participated in an extensive 2 year culinary arts vocational program. I won numerous awards during that time including a first place finish in the NH statewide V.I.C.A. Skills Competition earning me a trip to Tulsa, OK where I competed in the National Competition.

Skills

• 400+ articles published
• excellent phone skills in relation to customer service
• Wilton trained cake decorator
• highly organized
• excellent management skills
• work very well with other employees in a team or group setting
• work well with little or no direct supervision
• accustomed to working in high pressure, deadline orientated environments

References

Bram Hepburn (Owner, Great Bay Gallery)   603.742.6822
Dave Sherman (Bee Group Newspapers)   716.204.4905
Tim O'Shei (Buffalo Business First)   716.541.1615
Dan Meyer (The Hamburg Sun)   716.649.4040
Marc Croteau (Owner Thirsty Fish Graphic Design)   607.329.8260
Dave Fogelsanger (personal)   607.368.4585