C. Michele Crane

Synergetic Vibes is an HR consulting firm specializing in recruitment strategies, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. As the founder, I oversee all aspects of the business, providing tailored solutions to clients across diverse industries to meet their hiring and workforce development needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designed and implemented end-to-end recruitment strategies, reducing time-to-hire by 30% for clients.
• Sourced, screened, and placed over 460 high-performing candidates in just 1.5 years, achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Partnered with leadership teams to assess hiring needs, develop job descriptions, and streamline interview processes.
• Conducted hundreds of structured interviews to evaluate candidates’ technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.
• Designed and delivered onboarding and training programs to enhance employee retention and engagement.
• Maintained detailed tracking of candidate pipelines using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and provided actionable insights through data analysis.

Key Achievements:

• Improved client hiring processes, resulting in a 25% increase in offer acceptance rates.
• Created customized training programs that boosted employee engagement scores by 15% for client organizations.
• Partnered with remote-first companies, helping them build cohesive, high-performing virtual teams.
• Established Synergetic Vibes as a trusted HR consultancy through exceptional client relationships and measurable results.

Core Skills:

• Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Strategy
• Candidate Screening & Evaluation
• Employee Engagement & Retention
• Workforce Planning & Development
• HR Process Optimization
• Client Relationship Management

Managed all recruiting and staffing for an $8.5M company, ensuring alignment of all HR activities and programs with the organization's culture, mission, vision, and values. Provided exceptional service to employees, managers, leaders, and vendors while overseeing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to training and performance management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directed all recruiting efforts, including coaching managers on effective interviewing techniques and facilitating the interview and selection process.
• Conducted onboarding, orientation, and training programs to ensure compliance and provide new hires with a seamless transition.
• Developed, recommended, and implemented personnel policies and procedures, maintaining the corporate policy handbook and ensuring acknowledgment by all employees and independent contractors.
• Designed and maintained the company’s performance review process, implementing a behavioral-based performance management system to define expectations and key performance areas.
• Structured compensation and benefits packages based on market conditions and budgetary constraints.
• Ensured company compliance with local, state, and federal laws while upholding organizational standards.
• Assisted in the development of business strategies related to personnel management and operational execution for optimal target utilization.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully managed and assessed 100 independent contractors, ensuring replacements and training opportunities were identified as needed.
• Cultivated a strong corporate image and clear branding through innovative leadership strategies.
• Developed succession plans and promotion paths, enhancing employee retention and engagement.
• Collaborated across business divisions to improve communication, build teams, and drive motivation among staff.
• Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and proactively initiating recruitment processes.
• Created programs to assess effectiveness and implemented proactive changes to meet evolving organizational needs.

Core Skills:

• Full-Cycle Recruitment & Staffing
• Employee Onboarding & Training
• Performance Management & Policy Development
• Strategic Workforce Planning
• Succession Planning & Team Building
• Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Laws

Developed and executed recruitment programs to meet the growing demands of a provider base, ensuring alignment with sales growth goals. Managed end-to-end contractor recruitment, onboarding, and relationship development processes, while overseeing administrative and operational requirements for 75 contractors across 300 facilities in St. Louis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designed and implemented recruitment strategies, including regular job postings, email campaigns, and social media marketing, to attract prospective contractors.
• Scheduled, executed, and managed informational meetings to engage and inform potential contractors.
• Maintained contractor relationships through proactive follow-ups and relationship-building efforts.
• Conducted business analysis to assess and manage contractor positions, account allocations, and territory distribution.
• Managed the contractor database using CRM tools, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Oversaw contractor onboarding and served as a liaison during the first six months of service, providing guidance and support.
• Administered contractor policies, including background checks, insurance requirements, and discrepancy resolution in coordination with the Operations Analyst.

Key Achievements:

• Streamlined recruiting processes for 75 contractors and 300 facilities, improving efficiency and reducing time-to-fill.
• Developed and enforced internal policies to maintain responsiveness and operational efficiency.
• Coordinated onboarding and training programs, ensuring seamless integration of new contractors into the organization.
• Streamlined complaint response management by guiding policy adherence and ensuring accurate investigations.
• Identified and resolved complex contractor-related issues, supporting effective management decisions and business continuity.

Core Skills:

• Independent Contractor Recruitment & Onboarding
• Relationship Development & Management
• CRM Database Management
• Policy Development & Enforcement
• Strategic Business Analysis
• Process Improvement & Efficiencies

Oversaw monthly receivables ranging from $500,000 to $1.2 million, consistently exceeding collections quotas by 25%. Managed client relationships and streamlined collections processes, ensuring timely payments and accurate financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintained strong client relationships through proactive communication via calls, emails, and texts to address delinquencies and payment plans.
• Developed and implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for collections processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Performed rebilling and resolved accounting errors, ensuring accurate invoicing and recordkeeping.
• Conducted skip tracing to locate missing information on owners and accounts, enhancing recovery efforts.
• Managed social media platforms to support organizational communication and engagement.
• Prepared and delivered monthly financial reports to owners and board members, providing insights into cash flow and receivables performance.

Key Achievements:

• Managed cash flow reporting, posted cash receipts, and analyzed chargebacks, resolving discrepancies independently to maintain financial accuracy.
• Reduced aged accounts over 90 days through targeted collections strategies, improving overall portfolio performance.
• Identified and resolved billing variances, ensuring system accuracy and reducing errors.
• Compiled and analyzed delinquency data, presenting actionable insights to senior management for decision-making.

Core Skills:

• Accounts Receivable & Collections
• Client Relationship Management
• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Process Development (SOP Creation)
• Problem-Solving & Skip Tracing
• Cash Flow Management & Chargeback Resolution

Oversaw operations across nine territories, including Omaha, Wichita, Quad Cities, Peoria, Rockford, Fayetteville, Tulsa, Springfield, and Cedar Rapids, managing teams and ensuring efficient execution of business strategies. Directed recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management for a large network of independent contractors and employees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed yearly projections and schedules for new city expansions through detailed data analysis.
• Designed and executed recruitment plans to hire remote Artists, Assistants, and Inventory personnel for each city, including interviewing, hiring, training, and onboarding management teams.
• Managed all HR functions, including counseling, contract terminations, and maintaining up-to-date contractor records.
• Coordinated monthly schedules for 80–100 independent contractors and personnel across 13 cities, ensuring optimal coverage for approximately 160 monthly events.
• Supervised three sales representatives, providing direction to achieve event and revenue goals.
• Maintained accurate timekeeping and processed payments for all contractors.
• Traveled extensively to monitor events, open new cities, and conduct in-person interviews.
• Created training materials and management documents for remote management teams.
• Monitored inventory management and control, placing bi-weekly supply orders for all locations.
• Collaborated with the director and owner to identify growth opportunities, improve management strategies, and drive revenue.

Key Achievements:

• Implemented policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
• Streamlined operations by controlling budgets, reconciling expense reports, managing scheduling, and maintaining customer accounts.
• Increased productivity KPIs by developing and leading training programs on procedures and safety practices.
• Enhanced operational metrics through effective resource forecasting and workforce management.
• Protected company assets by setting and enforcing security policies to mitigate losses from theft or damage.
• Resolved performance issues and managed complaints across all territories to maintain operational standards and client satisfaction.

Core Skills:

• Regional Operations & Territory Management
• Recruitment & Onboarding Strategies
• Workforce Scheduling & Timekeeping
• Inventory Management & Control
• Policy Development & Implementation
• Performance Management & Contractor Oversight
• Training & Development for Remote Teams
• Budget Oversight & Expense Management

Oversaw all branch operations for one of the largest mid-size collection agencies in the U.S., ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while managing recruitment, training, and performance optimization for branch collectors and sales representatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed and implemented recruitment plans to attract and hire branch collectors and sales representatives.
• Conducted interviews, hiring, training, and onboarding for all new personnel, ensuring readiness to meet operational demands.
• Managed payroll and timekeeping processes, submitting payroll accurately and on time.
• Delivered comprehensive collections training, including FDCPA compliance, talk-off strategies, payment transaction processes, and skip-tracing techniques.
• Conducted U.S. and state compliance audits to ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements.
• Prepared and managed staff budgets while fostering team-building initiatives to enhance collaboration and productivity.
• Oversaw inbound and outbound call operations, ensuring effective communication and resolution of client and customer needs.
• Acted as the first point of contact for all client communications, maintaining strong professional relationships.
• Designed and implemented training programs for new employees and ongoing performance-enhancing sessions for current staff.
• Directed day-to-day operations with a focus on achieving key business metrics and driving continuous improvement.

Key Achievements:

• Strengthened performance metrics tracking and analysis to support tactical and strategic business decisions.
• Implemented internal policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operational efficiency and responsiveness.
• Enhanced branch performance through targeted collections on accounts aged over 60 days.
• Successfully managed branch operations, including collections and team oversight, for a high-performing branch within a leading agency.

Core Skills:

• Branch Operations Management
• Recruitment, Training & Onboarding
• Collections & Compliance Auditing
• Performance Metrics & Analysis
• Budget Management & Team Building
• Client Relations & Call Management
• Policy Development & Process Improvement

Co-owned and managed daily operations for a recruitment-focused business, overseeing a high volume of job openings and driving strategic initiatives to attract top-tier talent. Developed key partnerships and implemented processes to ensure operational efficiency, high-quality standards, and alignment with industry trends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversaw 25+ active job openings daily, ensuring timely progress and fulfillment of recruitment goals.
• Built strong relationships with college campus representatives to connect with graduating seniors for targeted recruitment efforts.
• Established, optimized, and enforced business policies to maintain consistency and deliver high-quality services.
• Analyzed performance data to evaluate and improve operational workflows, align with current business conditions, and forecast future needs.
• Generated qualified candidate pools by strategically placing advertisements, assessing applicant credentials, and conducting initial interviews and pre-screening assessments.
• Collaborated with recruiting teams and HR representatives to achieve hiring objectives efficiently.
• Managed recruitment teams, mentoring and educating new advisors to align with organizational goals and values.
• Directed day-to-day operations across accounting, finance, HR, marketing, and public relations functions.
• Negotiated tailored compensation packages to attract and secure top candidates for key roles.
• Maintained an in-depth understanding of Oil & Gas industry trends, ensuring recruitment efforts met evolving market needs.
• Led discussions on contracts, benefits packages, and executive compensation with new hires.
• Tracked candidates throughout the hiring process and gathered feedback on disqualifications, time-to-fill metrics, and other variables to optimize recruitment strategies.

Key Achievements:

• Strengthened recruitment pipelines by fostering meaningful relationships with educational institutions and industry leaders.
• Enhanced operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making and process optimization.
• Successfully closed high-level candidates by offering innovative and competitive compensation packages.
• Streamlined recruitment workflows to ensure timely hiring for high-demand roles in a competitive industry.

Core Skills:

• Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Strategy
• Business Operations & Policy Development
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Industry Trend Analysis (Oil & Gas)
• Compensation Negotiation & Benefits Design
• Data-Driven Operational Optimization
• Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management