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Joseph M. Balog

jmb001@aquinas.edu

231-313-7225

Education in Sustainability
 

Permaculture Design Certificate
The Ecovillage Training Center, The Farm in Summertown, TN

March - May 2015

 

  • Holistic and philosophical investigation into universal problems facing human communities

  • Hands-on training in landscape design, food systems, organic gardening and natural building

  • Researching, designing and presenting permaculture plans to local clients

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business
Aquinas College, Grand Rapids MI
Magna Cum Laude

 

  • Systems thinking applied to human and environmental issues

  • Design and apply triple bottom-line (social, environmental, fiscal) processes for companies and organizations

  • Capstone on relationship between Catholic Social Teaching and Sustainability

Sustainability Intern
Clean Water Environmental

January - May 2011

  • Extensively altered the start-up business plan for sustainability

  • Assisted in single product development and project management 

  • Created and/or edited 3 technical manuals, 5 marketing materials and social media presence

  • Performed book keeping duties using Apple “MoneyWorks”

Languages

Spanish (Mexico)

 

 

Skills

Fundraising

Public Speaking

Event Coordinating

Market Strategy Development

Videography (iPad & iMovie)

Youth Coaching

Volunteer Programming

IT / Computer Troubleshooting

Social Media Marketing

Sustainable Design

Office Management

Cultural Sensitivity

Basic Carpentry

Basic Landscaping

 

2010 - present

Youth and Young Adult
 

Crew Leader
SEEDS: Youth Conservation Corps
Baldwin, Michigan

June - August 2015

  • Co-led a a crew of 12 local "opportunity youth" in U.S. National Forest Service projects

  • Engaged youth in job-readiness, team-building and professional development activities

  • Ensured timely execution of projects under a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant

 
Youth Counselor Coordinator
Christian Appalachian Project: Camp Andrew Jackson
Mckee, Kentucky

May - August 2014

  • Co-conducted orientation and leadership training for 25-30 youth counselors

  • Led 2 daily meetings, supervised staff and reported to Camp Coordinator

  • Responsible for handling all medical and other emergencies for 450+ total campers

 
Substitute Teacher and Special Projects Videographer
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Pre-K - 8 School
Port Charlotte, FL

October 2013 - May 2014

 

 

Volunteer Community Youth Advocate
Congregation of St. John: Becados Omega
Saltillo, Mexico

August 2011 – May 2012

  • Created and delivered English-as-a-Second-Language workshops to adults and students grade k-12

  • Designed and taught character development workshops for 20-25 local youth

  • Worked with key stakeholders (parents, psychologists, etc.) to support youth and programming

  • Gained intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking of Spanish

 
Volunteer Youth Service Team Leader
St. Joseph's parish, Project People Retreat
Oxford Township, MI

July 2010

  • Recruited by Event Coordinator to assist in leading a week-long service-retreat for 30+ local high school students focused on personal growth and home repair

 
Volunteer Summer Camp Youth Counselor
Christian Appalachian Project, Camp Andrew Jackson
Mckee, Kentucky

June - August 2008 & 2009

  • Team led 300-400 youth ages 6-15 in camp programs and character development for 8 weeks

2010 - present

Community Development

Recycling and Compost Operations Assistant
Bay Area Recycling for Charities
Traverse City, Michigan

August 2015 - Present

  • Social Media Manager for Focus Green 2020 crowdfunding campaign

  • Process valuable materials through a bailing machine

  • Assist at special events by collecting and disposing of recyclables and compost materials

  • Perform routine recycling and compost pick-up and disposals for customers

 
Volunteer Campaign Visual and Technical Lead
Creating Master Teachers: Maasai Pilot Study
Rift Valley, Kenya

August - December 2014

  • Videographer and photographer of a 6 week literacy pilot program in the Rift Valley of Kenya

  • Created a fundraising campaign video

  • Developed IndieGoGo campaign draft and executed marketing strategies

  • Produced 6 additional videos for further program promotion

  • Provided IT support and social media presence for Creating Master Teachers

 
Social Action Committee Coordinator
Aquinas College: Campus Ministry
Grand Rapids, MI

​August 2009 - May 2010

 

  • Created, marketed and administered 17 various programs and events

  • Managed a team of 5 - 10 student volunteers

  • Successfully lobbied for campus policies that supported human rights

  • Maintained accurate and balanced books for < $1000 budget 

 
Volunteer Service-Learning Participant
Christian Appalachian Project
Johnson County, Kentucky

Academic Spring Break 2008

  • Engaged in home repair projects and cultural learning with 100+ college students and locals

 
Volunteer Service-Learning Participant
Re-Member
Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota

Academic Fall Break 2007

  • Constructed bunk-beds for Lakota tribe families

  • Engaged in various cultural learning activities with 25 other college students

 

Volunteer Service-Learning Participant
IsleGO Missions, Inc
Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica

August 2006 & 2007

  • Supported construction projects including a community center and homes with 20 other students

  • Engaged in cultural learning activities within Jamaican community

food waste, compost, joe balog, bay area recycling for charities

Other Employment

Line Cook
Little Bohemia
Traverse City, MI

August 2015 - Present

 

  • Prepare and cook menu items in a clean, quick and precise manner

  • Clean workspace and communicate needs with co-workers

 
Adventure Outfitter
Gasparilla Inn Adventures
Boca Grande, FL

​October 2013 - March 2015

 

  • Part of the team which has increased sales by 38% from last season totaling $32,000

  • Booked over 200 unique outdoor equipment (golf carts, paddle boards,etc.) reservations

  • Provided customer service for high-profile clientele receiving 5 rare positive reviews

  • Became a leader for special events, particularly for youth

  • Created 3 accounting and sales analysis tables using Microsoft Excel

 
Personal Care Assistant
Belden Brick & Supply
Grand Rapids, MI

​January 2008 - May 2011

 

  • Performed wide variety of duties for business owner with muscular dystrophy

  • Interviewed and trained 4 additional care assistants

 
Golf Course Concierge
Gasparilla Inn Golf Club
Boca Grande, FL

October ​2013 - May 2014

 

  • Various customer services for high net worth clientele including CEO's and former US President

  • Operated and conscientiously maintained various golf equipment

 
Landscaping Laborer
Visions of Nature, Inc
Traverse City, MI

​Academic Summer 2007

High school summer position:

  • Performed routine landscaping duties for 12-20 clients

  • Independently responsible for timely service, equipment maintenance, and project management

 

Architect Apprentice
Evolute, Ltd
Traverse City, MI

​Academic Summer 2006

High school summer position:

  • Assisted with multiple projects including fence building, deck building, dry-walling and painting

  • Flexible and able to lift, carry, carefully place and drag over 50lbs and dig for extended periods

 
Team Member
Little Caesars Pizzeria
Traverse City, MI

​2005 - 2006

  • Performed immediate customer service (face-to-face, phone orders) in a fast-paced environment

  • Carefully prepared food, cleaned station and equipment

2012 Guest Speaker: "Life as a missionary"
Saint Francis High School
 
2011 Retreat Leader and Speaker: "Faith and the Environment"
Aquinas College Biking Retreat
 
2010 Student Speaker: The Sustainable Business Program
Peter M. Wege Pro-Am Fundraiser
 
2010 Guest Speaker: Social Justice Advocacy Group
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Grand Rapids MI

 

2009 Event Speaker: What do scholarships mean to you?
Aquinas College Scholarship Reception Dinner

Speaking Engagements

Certifications 

American Red Cross: Adult and Child CPR; Bloodborne Pathogens Training (1 yr)

2009, 2014, 2015

American Red Cross: Standard First Aid (3 yrs)

2008, 2014, 2015

Audience Alignment 

Social Entrepreneurs                     Social Justice Advocates                       System Thinkers

Sustainability Leaders                    Public Speakers                                     Religious Organizations

Outdoor Recreationalists               Personal Development  Gurus               Local and Organic Foodies

Clean Energy Advocates               Youth Leaders                                        Excercise and Fitness Buffs

Social Networkers                          Philosophers /  Theologians                   Camp Coordinators

Personal Care Attendents              Environmentalists                                   Landscapers / Painters

Volunteers & Managers                  Photographers                                       Fundraisers    

Outdoor Enthusiasts                       Forest Management 

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