Looking for a job

Kelli Whalen

@kelliwhalen

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I build smooth customer operations for seasonal businesses, teams, rentals, and family programs.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to bring my hands-on operations, customer experience, scheduling, and team leadership background to a role where I can solve problems, improve workflows, and create reliable experiences for customers and teams.

I grew Bigfork Outdoor Rentals from $50,000 in first-year summer sales to more than $622,000 in annual gross sales, co-founding and operating the business for nine years.

I led daily operations for a 30+ asset rental fleet and a seasonal team of 4–6 employees, coordinating schedules, deliveries, pickups, reservations, payments, and changing customer needs.

I’m hands-on in customer experience, resolving complaints, emergencies, equipment breakdowns, and complex service issues while maintaining clear communication and ownership through resolution. I also moved reservations from primarily phone-based bookings to online software and managed the company website and listings.

Today, I run Up Top Art Studio, creating and delivering small-group children’s art camps while managing programming, registration, marketing, supplies, and family communication. My background as an elementary teacher and art camp instructor helps me create organized, positive experiences for customers, families, and teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Owner & Art Camp Director

Current

Up Top Art Studio

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 8 months)

Founded and operate a children's art camp business, developing programming, managing registration and scheduling, and delivering art sessions for small groups.

Canva Jotform Program Development Customer Relationship Management Scheduling

Art Camp Instructor

Stumptown Art Studio

Jun 2023 - Aug 2024 (1 year 2 months)

Developed art lessons, taught, and supervised children's art camps in a structured, creative environment.

Lesson Planning Classroom Management

Co-Founder & Operations Manager

Bigfork Outdoor Rentals

Jan 2013 - Dec 2022 (9 years 11 months)

Co-founded and operated a seasonal outdoor recreation rental company, growing annual gross sales from $50,000 to over $622,000. Directed daily operations, managed a seasonal team, and served as primary customer contact.

Operations Management Team Leadership Customer Service Scheduling Logistics Reservations Quickbooks Website Management

Elementary Teacher

Old Harbor, Alaska; Bozeman & Bigfork, Montana

Jan 2005 - Dec 2015 (10 years 11 months)

Managed classrooms, schedules, communications, and documentation in high-responsibility environments, building strong relationships with students and families.

Classroom Management Documentation Relationship Building