R. Mark Graves
Stratford, ON N5A 7C6- linkedin.com/in/rmarkgraves
Trainer / Training & Development Manager
Empower People to Enhance Processes
Evaluate training needs and craft customized learning plans from conceptualization through completion. Assess business objectives and translate needs into solutions. Skilled at discovering root causes of underperformance and charting actionable plans to resolve issues. Proven track record of delivering operational efficiencies and enhancing sales performance. Proficient at all levels of training from one-on-one to large groups with experience in multiple delivery methods. Utilize observation and research skills to evaluate and improve current training methods and technical and operational processes.
Collaborative team leader and project manager. Adaptable and thrive in challenging and dynamic environments that call for initiative and astute critical thinking. Known for interpersonal and leadership prowess. Perceptive social skills and strong work ethic.
Expertise In:
Train the Trainer Model | Learning Management Systems | Training Needs Analysis
Negotiations and Presentations | Curriculum Writing and Development
E-Learning Tools | Workflow Prioritization | End-User Training and Support
Performance Evaluations | Staff Recruitment, Selection, and Training
Professional Experience
Trainer & Documentation Specialist, CashierPro, Stratford, ON July 2018 – Present
In this comprehensive role hired to join a technical support department that includes support and training of new clients. Tasked with the creation of a training manual to support the software roll-outs.
Analysis of the current software documentation, and recommendations and creation of future state new manual.
Training and relationship management of new clients from inception to implementation of POS software
Training & Development Manager, Installation Group, Sudbury, ON Mar 2018 – July 2018
Hired to transform an underperforming training department. Performed a comprehensive strength and weakness of the current training reality, then recommending and implementing necessary changes.
Managed the training department, creating and enhancing training content and enhancing the creation of new training materials
Adesa Inc. / KAR Auction Services, Canada and US2001 – 2017
KAR IT Regional Client Services Manager, ADESA Corporate, Indianapolis2016 – 2017
Directed international geographical region of field administrators, including talent acquisition, daily management, and training. Rolled out new technologies and projects to field and led training and communication initiatives. Maintained relationship between business and information technology (IT) objectives.
Managed multisite remote team with diverse skills, providing effective and timely solutions to field locations.
Owned full cycle of hiring and mentoring of new staff, delivering adaptive and effective training to employees with wide variety of skill levels.
R. Mark-Two
Exceptional liaison between corporate IT and field IT to identify the needs of both groups, translating requirements into effective and manageable solutions.
Oversaw mobility assets for Canada in various roles over span of 8 years, including negotiating contracts and managing mobile device management providers, growing mobility fleet from 200 to 1400+ devices and ensuring 35% cost cuts in 2016 – 2017.
Led transition from analog-based CCTV to global digital arbitration and IP-based solutions and managed training and documentation (audio and video challenges), ensuring relevance and adaptability and saving $2M.
ADESA Canada Corporate National IT Project Manager2013 – 2016
Managed implementation and communication of IT to business units within Canada. Supervised field employees indirectly, including hiring and training. Designed solutions and led projects for sites during construction and corporate growth. Oversaw implementation projects.
Directed corporate mandated IT projects across Canada, assuming ownership of projects, including scope definition, resource allocation, timeline development, stakeholder expectations management, vendor relations, and go-live support and training.
Delivered on-site end-user training utilizing strong presentation and facilitation skills, engaging audiences, optimizing learning retention, and ensuring success of implementations.
Enlisted as team member and project lead for desktop refresh implementations at multiple sites, documenting and overseeing training for new IT processes related to Windows 7 and Office 2007 rollouts across corporation and managing bilingual instruction and directions for French Canadian sites.
E-Business Operations Manager, ADESA Corporate, Indianapolis2010 – 2012
Led corporate-wide implementation of new processes and sales. Managed staffing and training schema of project and assumed management of 27-site region upon completion. Affected e-business and ancillary services sales of $2M+ in first year of post implementation.
Aided integration of OPENLANE software with existing platforms following acquisition
Augmented presentations through development of web-based practice workshops, enabling managers to apply newly acquired knowledge in hands-on setting.
Delivered impactful presentations to champion business reasons behind change, gaining end-user acceptance of new platform and leading to 8 – 10% increase in online dealer sales.
Dove into comprehensive SWOT analysis of processes across US, identifying fragmentation in business model, charting action plan, and developing implementation framework to bring about positive change.
Assumed responsibility for compliance of operations, devising standardized processes and monitoring effectiveness through post go-live support.
Education / Professional Development
Adult Learning Certificate (In process), One course completed ‘Adult Learning’ 08/18 – 94%
Master of Science in Journalism (MJ), Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
Master of Divinity (MDiv), Ontario Theological Seminary, Toronto, ON
Bachelor of Arts (BA), English and History, Brock University, St. Catharine’s, ON
Working Professional MBA Diploma, Personal Performance Centre, Toronto, ON
Professional Management Certificate, Management Performance Centre, Toronto, ON
Train the Trainer Certification Friesen, Kaye and Associates, Toronto, ON
Certifications / Licenses
MCSE and MCT (Windows NT), Mobility WOD Certified Mobility Coach, Ordained Minister
