Steve Fontano
Denver
Summary
Transportation and Customer Service Expert experienced in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring safety. Delivered high levels of customer satisfaction by fostering positive environments that accommodate the unique needs of high-profile clients. Navigated sensitive interactions with rockstars and celebrities through exceptional interpersonal skills.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Shuttle Bus Driver
WhistleStop
San Rafael
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Ensured safe and efficient transport of passengers by operating a shuttle bus.
- Maintained strict adherence to traffic regulations and safety protocols during all operations.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections and mechanical checks to ensure vehicle readiness.
- Adjusted routes based on traffic conditions to guarantee timely arrivals at destinations.
- Collaborated with dispatch for schedule adjustments, facilitating seamless transportation.
- Notified dispatch of unexpected delays due to traffic or other factors affecting travel times.
- Provided courteous customer service, addressing passenger inquiries throughout the journey.
- Supported disabled riders using specialized transportation assistance equipment.
Car Salesperson
Hansel BMW, Subaru, Mazda, Lincoln and Ford
Santa Rosa
10.2012 - 12.2015
- Conducted test drives to showcase vehicle features and performance, enhancing customer understanding and engagement.
- Conducted test drives for prospective buyers.
- Demonstrated knowledge of vehicles' features to customers during showroom visits and test drives.
- Assisted customers in selecting vehicles that meet their needs and preferences.
- Assisted customers in making informed decisions about the cars they were interested in purchasing.
- Advised customers on financing options and warranties available for their purchase.
- Collaborated with the finance team to finalize sales agreements and options.
- Ensured that all paperwork was completed accurately before submitting it to the dealership's finance office.
- Presented persuasive arguments to close deals quickly while maintaining high profit margins for the dealership.
- Maintained customer satisfaction by providing prompt, reliable service.
- Maintained customer relationships through follow-up communication and support.
- Followed up with customers to build long-term relationships and successful referrals.
- Developed relationships with potential buyers through phone calls and emails.
- Utilized dealership software for managing leads and tracking sales progress.
- Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
- Explained differences between models to clients, comparing and discussing capabilities and features.
- Negotiated prices with customers who wanted to buy used cars from the dealership's lot.
- Prepared sales contracts, collected payments, and coordinated vehicle delivery, ensuring a seamless purchasing experience for customers.
- Participated in trade shows and other industry events to promote products offered by the dealership.
- Attended weekly staff meetings to discuss new marketing initiatives and customer feedback.
- Generated high referrals and consistent repeat business through exceptional customer service and relationship management.
- Checked purchased vehicles thoroughly to prepare for customer delivery. at delivery time for damage and completed remaining preparations.
- Adhered to standards of quality and service and industry regulations.
- Recommended, selected, and located merchandise based on customer desires.
- Maintained knowledge of sales and promotions, return policies, and security practices.
- Described merchandise and explained use, operation, and care.
- Greeted customers to establish rapport and understand their needs. and provided product information.
- Answered store and merchandise questions and led customers to wanted items.
- Placed special orders or called other stores to find desired items.
- Ticketed, arranged, and displayed merchandise to promote sales.
Student
Santa Rosa Community College
Santa Rosa
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Pursued academic prerequisites for two-year degree while managing family responsibilities. I studied English, Math, History, Computer Software, and a few Music Major courses. Completed General Education requirements, including Algebra, Statistics, US and World History, English, and Critical Thinking, demonstrating commitment to education despite challenges. I went to school from 2010 to 2011 and went back again at a different school from 2018 through 2020. I finished with all of my GE requirements, including Algebra and Statistics, US and World History, English, and Critical Thinking. I need another semester or two to complete my Associate degree.
- Engaged in lectures to enhance understanding of course content. and engaged in discussions on diverse academic topics.
- Collaborated with peers to complete group projects and presentations effectively.
- Conducted research on a range of academic topics using library and online resources. using library resources and online databases.
Assistant Finance Manager
Lithia Chrysler Jeep and Dodge
Santa Rosa
02.2006 - 11.2009
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions, including billing information, invoices, payments received, and made.
- Ensured compliance with applicable federal, state, local laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, and standards related to finance activities.
- Approved and qualified applications for financing, closed sales contracts, and cross-sold insurance products while complying with state laws.
- Negotiated terms with banks and other financial institutions to secure financing and optimize terms.
- Participated in special projects related to finance operations.
- Analyzed competitors and market trends to facilitate business growth.
- Informed customers about finance products to drive interest and sales. to customers and the sales force to increase penetration.
- Finalized paperwork and facilitated sales of extended warranties to customers, maximizing profits.
Car Salesman
Lithia Chrysler Jeep and Dodge
Santa Rosa
06.2003 - 11.2006
- Assisted customers in selecting vehicles based on needs and preferences.
- Met with potential customers to inquire about car preferences, assess financial limitations, and offer information about vehicle choices.
- Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
- Explained differences between models to clients, comparing and discussing capabilities and features.
- Provided detailed product information to enhance customer understanding.
- Conducted vehicle demonstrations to showcase features and benefits.
- Showcased vehicle features and took customers on test drives in the local area.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly while maintaining excellent customer relations.
- Achieved high referrals and repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Managed customer inquiries through phone, email, and in-person communication.
- Maintained accurate records of sales transactions and customer interactions.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay updated on product knowledge.
- Provided detailed information about vehicles, including features, benefits, and warranties.
- Negotiated prices effectively to enhance profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Handled trade-ins by appraising the value of the existing vehicle and negotiating terms of exchange.
- Ensured customer follow-up by scheduling service appointments and providing contact information for further assistance.
- Facilitated efficient communication between sales team members and management personnel.
- Inspected purchased vehicles at delivery for any damage and ensured readiness for customers. at delivery time for damage and completed remaining preparations.
- Adhered to standards of quality and service and industry regulations.
- Attended monthly meetings with managers to discuss upcoming promotions or initiatives.
- Participated in industry events such as auto shows or conventions to expand business network.
- Established a positive first impression for customers visiting the dealership. in a friendly and professional manner.
- Followed up with customers to build long-term relationships and successful referrals.
Audio Engineer and Music producer
Fantasy Studios and Film Production, Shrapnel Reco
San Francisco and Hollywood
11.1975 - 01.2003
- For a complete background check and resume of my music and film post-production credits, you should Google: Steve Fontano.
- I have won two Grammy Awards for my work as Lead Audio Engineer on Santana's "Supernatural" album.
- I have credits as "Foley Mixer" on two Academy Award-winning films: Good Will Hunting and The English Patient
- Engineered recording sessions and produced musical soundtracks for artists within various genres.
- Recorded, mixed, and edited audio tracks in the studio.
- Edited and mixed recordings to create desired sound effects using digital audio workstations.
- Edited and mastered recordings to enhance clarity and impact for final production.
- Conducted quality checks on audio tracks before final delivery.
- Managed multiple audio sessions simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery in fast-paced environments.
- Troubleshot technical issues with hardware or software systems related to audio production tasks.
- Processed audio to meet quality standards and played and mixed music for live events.
- Recorded, edited, and mixed instrumental and vocal tracks and minimized unwanted sounds.
- Utilized post-production techniques such as compression, equalization, noise reduction, and reverberation to enhance the quality of recorded material.
- Set up audio equipment for recording sessions. and maintained studio equipment for optimal performance.
- Prepared for live recording sessions by selecting and setting up microphones and sound equipment.
- Conducted sound checks for live performances, ensuring that the system was properly calibrated.
- Optimized acoustic environments through strategic placement of speakers, amplifiers, and other elements of an audio system.
- Regulated volume levels and sound quality during recording sessions and used professional field mixers.
- Monitored audio levels during recording sessions to maintain optimal signal strength throughout the process.
- Rendered complex mixes into multiple formats for both digital distribution channels and physical media releases.
- Evaluated mixdown results against source material to detect discrepancies or errors in the final product.
- Provided guidance on microphone selection based on individual project requirements.
- Implemented best practices for data storage management to ensure efficient retrieval of large files used in mixing processes.
- Set up for recording sessions by choosing appropriate microphones.
- Used sound editing boards to mix voices and music.
- Managed recording sessions with artists and studio personnel.
- Provided creative direction to enhance the overall sound experience.
- Mentored junior producers in music production techniques and industry practices.
- Composed original music using various instruments and software programs.
- Collaborated with artists to create unique sounds for their projects.
- Coordinated with clients to ensure satisfaction with final mixes.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines.
- Advised musicians and vocalists on technique to improve results.
- Maintained a library of reference material used during production.
- Performed live sound engineering during concerts and festivals.
- Attended industry events such as conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Researched new technologies and techniques applicable in the industry.
- Used computers and synthesizers to compose, orchestrate, and arrange music.
- Prepared invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements, and other documents to maintain an organized filing system.
- Used computers and synthesizers to compose, orchestrate, and arrange music.
- Prepared invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements, and other documents to maintain an organized filing system.
Education
GED -
College of Marin
Greenbrae, CA06-2020
GED -
Santa Rosa Community College
Santa Rosa, CASkills
- Vehicle operation
- Safety protocols
- Pre-trip inspection
- Safe driving practices
- Route planning
- GPS applications
- Customer assistance
- Passenger assistance
- Passenger engagement
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- Conflict resolution
- Patience and empathy
- Passenger communication
Accomplishments
- Grammy Award for Best Rock Album "Santana Supernatural"
- Grammy Award for Album of The Year "Santana Supernatural"
Timeline
Shuttle Bus Driver
WhistleStop
03.2018 - 03.2020
Car Salesperson
Hansel BMW, Subaru, Mazda, Lincoln and Ford
10.2012 - 12.2015
Student
Santa Rosa Community College
08.2010 - 06.2012
Assistant Finance Manager
Lithia Chrysler Jeep and Dodge
02.2006 - 11.2009
Car Salesman
Lithia Chrysler Jeep and Dodge
06.2003 - 11.2006
Audio Engineer and Music producer
Fantasy Studios and Film Production, Shrapnel Reco
11.1975 - 01.2003
GED -
College of Marin
GED -
Santa Rosa Community College