Derek Donahue
Worcester,ME
Summary
Versatile and strategic project manager with exceptional bandwidth managing 70+ complex projects annually while overseeing nearly $7M in direct and indirect revenue. Architect of companywide work order and proposal process, driving operational excellence and reducing errors across departments. Proven ability to lead multi-level teams, streamline workflows, and deliver high-impact solutions under pressure. Recognized for innovation, tactical execution, and elevating both profitability and client satisfaction in fast-paced event marketing environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Estimator/Project Manager
BlueHive Exhibits
10.2022 - Current
- Lead the estimating and project management initiatives for nearly 7M in revenue annually (comprised of +$3M in new build, rental and graphics production, $2.5M in service related, and manage pricing for +$1.5M in additional fabrication and rental business for other project managers that don't handle pricing.
- Client facing; linchpin to the success with RFPs and onboarding higher profile clients having grown programs and am the main point of contact for all things operations.
- The common denominator in (3) industry awards and the passion behind standout displays, innovation behind the lighting techniques and use of materials product knowledge expert infusing strategic input from high-end builds all the way down to portables
- Well-rounded skillsets with engineering allow me to provide an edge with 3D white models that help clients with spatial planning to help facilitate the sale, and then reveal efficiencies as things segue into production where I can save weeks of lag by producing things like graphic templates and control drawings for engineers that streamlines the whole process
Millwork Project Manager
Mystic Scenic Studios
04.2021 - Current
- Estimate & manage architectural woodworking projects including restaurants, corporate interiors, and retail buildouts. (Values ranging from 100k - 500k)
- Established estimate template and utilize it to generate proposals for projects with scopes including custom woodwork, metal fabrication, signage, and installation
- Maintain bid log with all RFQs from contractors, evaluate project scopes, and discern what projects to bid
Estimator
Sacks Exhibits
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Generated detailed cost proposals for custom exhibits with well-rounded knowledge of fabrication techniques, modular systems, exhibit materials, rental inventory and vendor capabilities
- Identified challenges and issues within rendered concepts in terms of structural integrity and/or budget limitations, and guided material specification to align costs with method of fabrication to closely emulate designs
- Devised alternative solutions with tiered pricing structures and utilized 3D modeling program to illustrate value added propositions
- Broadened production capacity while helping to facilitate across departments by preemptively obtaining/confirming project details, procuring materials, coordinating with partners, and addressing any questions or concerns from the project management team regarding new build construction, lead times, use of materials etc.
Project Manager
InterEx - International Exhibits
05.2016 - 10.2017
- Interfaced with architect and general contractor while managing custom lobby bar renovation project for Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA (65k specialty millwork project)
- Managed and supervised fabrication & installation of hotel renovation project comprised of custom millwork, solid surfaces, and metal fabrication (120k)
- Worked with founders of Sleepbox to produce their prototype unit while sourcing comparable US-electronic amenities and hardware and established bill of materials with detailed descriptions and part numbers with embedded hyperlinks for standardized large quantity production runs
- Generated material takeoffs and managed subcontractor scope of work and costing for projects ranging from 15k - 200k
Senior Personal Banker
Citizens Bank
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Exceeded sales goals through an aggressive outbound calling initiative and building rapport with regular members of the branch
- Recognized by Regional Sales Manager at company event with plaque for finishing #4 in MA among bankers surpassing performance quotas
- Was responsible for weekly ATM audits and cash shipment
- Reliable & Versatile - Team Player: Trained on both teller and platform side and have traveled to provide coverage in (13) different branches
Skills
- Cost estimation and proposal development
- Director Level Project Management
- Conceptual Project Estimating (Ballpark)
- Cross-Functional Management
- White Modeling Rendering & Control Drawings
- Value Engineering
- Vendor Management & Product Knowledge
- Program Management
- Pipeline Management & Forecasting
- Strong Business Acumen
- Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
- Winning Sales & Operational Support
Software Competencies
- SketchUp Pro
- Bluebeam
- Excel & MS Office Suite
- QuickBooks
Timeline
Estimator/Project Manager
BlueHive Exhibits
10.2022 - Current
Millwork Project Manager
Mystic Scenic Studios
04.2021 - Current
Estimator
Sacks Exhibits
01.2018 - 06.2020
Project Manager
InterEx - International Exhibits
05.2016 - 10.2017
Senior Personal Banker
Citizens Bank
01.2012 - 01.2015
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