Long Island Rail Road

As a Manager in the Service Planning Department at Long Island Rail Road, I focused on project implementation and operational efficiency within a remote work environment. My responsibilities encompassed managing equipment schedules and spearheading key projects that significantly improved resource utilization.

➡️ Pioneered the remote implementation of the LIRR Centralized Train Scheduling System (Equipment Section), anticipated to enhance operational efficiency by 15+%

➡️ Executed an extensive remote review of equipment reserves, optimizing resources and realizing annual savings of over $500K.

➡️ Orchestrated equipment contingency plans during crises such as Hurricane Sandy and COVID-19, maintaining service reliability at 95% while working remotely.

➡️ Supervised critical equipment operations remotely, contributing to LIRR's most significant service expansion in over a century, accommodating a projected passenger increase of 41%.

➡️ Initiated virtual cross-functional meetings and knowledge exchanges, accelerating project completion by 20% and enhancing response to critical issues through improved inter-departmental communication.

Manager – Equipment Schedules & Strategies / Lead Projects Implementation – Service Planning 

As an experienced Long Island Rail Road Service Planning Department manager, I effectively led remote teams to manage equipment operations and minimize service disruptions while focusing on project implementation and efficiency.

➡️ Championed remote management of equipment operations, enhancing services for a daily passenger base 301k.

➡️ Orchestrated strategic equipment adjustments during track outages, minimizing service impact and exemplifying effective project implementation.

➡️ Directed a team of Supervisors/Equipment Schedulers remotely, fostering efficiency improvements through continuous improvement initiatives with integrated Lean practices.

➡️ Utilized forecasting techniques to anticipate passenger volume fluctuations and environmental factors, collaborating seamlessly with cross-departmental stakeholders to resolve critical equipment issues.

Manager – Equipment Schedules – Service Planning 

As a Senior Yardmaster/Equipment Coordinator at Long Island Rail Road, I led daily operations and project implementation for a large fleet while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

➡️ Led operations for 864/866 MU and 111/119 C-3 cars, optimizing schedules to ensure maximum efficiency.

➡️ Implemented continuous improvement strategies to enhance resource allocation and rail service reliability, utilizing data analysis and forecasting.

➡️ Supervised approximately 35 remote team members across various shifts, fostering leadership in Yardmasters and supporting key personnel.

➡️ Devised alternative solutions during high-impact issues using WMDS software, demonstrating problem-solving skills in a remote setting.

➡️ Achieved $40K monthly cost reductions by streamlining resource allocation and crew scheduling during the Hurricane Sandy crisis.

Senior Yardmaster – Transportation Services

As a Yardmaster, I led daily operations, data management, and inter-agency coordination at Long Island Rail Road, focusing on efficiency and customer support in a remote setting.

➡️ Progressed from Customer Information Clerk to lead daily assembly of passenger cars across 11 yards, improving train readiness for revenue and non-revenue services.

➡️ Directed rail yard operations remotely, ensuring safety protocols while managing a dispersed team of yard workers.

➡️ Implemented efficient data tracking and reporting systems for performance records and safety certifications, resulting in prompt response during emergencies.

➡️ Liaised remotely with external agencies like Amtrak and New Jersey Transit to optimize train movements and enforce safety protocols.

➡️ Collaborated virtually with maintenance staff to address equipment needs, resolving operational issues swiftly.

Skills: Remote Leadership, Operations Management, Inter-agency Coordination, Data Management, Safety Compliance.

Yardmaster – Transportation Services 

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

As a Retail Specialist at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., I excelled in leading cross-functional teams and driving sales volumes through efficient project implementation and market analysis.

➡️ Achieved the highest sales volume in the North East market, recognized with the 2006 Retail Excellence Award.

➡️ Led cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and efficiency in retail operations.

➡️ Utilized data research for effective project implementation and trend forecasting.

➡️ Provided coaching to team members to enhance their performance in a fast-paced retail environment.

Retail Sales Specialist – North East Market

🚀 A Single Moment Changed My Life Forever…



Losing my father at 47 taught me something powerful:
Systemic inefficiencies aren't barriers—they're invitations to innovate.

Growing up in resource-constrained environments, I saw firsthand how infrastructure gaps limit human potential. Today, I turn those gaps into mobility systems that perform under pressure.

I design calm in the middle of chaos.
Whether it's 80,000 fans moving through a FIFA stadium district or a snowstorm threatening critical rail ops, I help teams build systems that don't blink when the pressure hits.

For nearly 19 years, I've led operations across crisis-tested rail corridors and mega-event environments—managing transit, crowd flow, and contingency strategies that keep people moving when it matters most.

🔭 My current focus:
🏟️ Smarter fan mobility for FIFA 2026
🧠 Data-powered crowd flow strategies
⚡ Transit ops built for real-world disruption
🌎 Cross-border travel intelligence for mega-events

Backed by certifications in PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and Agile, I merge precision planning with agile leadership. Whether it's a hurricane response, a multi-country stadium simulation, or a fan-first sponsor strategy, I deliver under fire.

Because when the stakes rise, only one question matters:
Can your system move under pressure?

📌 Let's connect if you're working on:
• FIFA 2026 city logistics
• Crisis simulation & urban risk audits
• Fan-first operations & crowd intelligence
• Smart city transit readiness

📬 DM me anytime
📍 NYC-based | Global impact | Quietly building smarter movement systems

Gregory Charles

Gotham Artists

Independent consultant for Gotham Artists, a speaker bureau in New York City.

Consultant

Leadspring ISA

As the CEO of Leadspring I manage all operations and have worked hard with my team to become the Industry leading platform driving lead generation and conversion for Real Estate Marketing Agencies, Lenders, and Real Estate Agents.

100% USA Based Real Estate ISA Experts.
Over 200+ Active Realtors use our Live-Transfer System to Speak with Ready-to-Chat Buyers and Sellers.
						
Give us a Try Today! https://bookme.name/websearchroi/call-with-austin

Macquarie Group

At Macquerie Group, we empower people to innovate and invest for a better future.

Finance Manager within the Corporate Operations Group.
Ensured business processes, administration, and financial management.
Investigated means to improve profitability.

Finance Manager

CardioNet

Implemented a range of strategic company analysis, particularly financial statement and sales team analytics.

Developed financial forecasts and targets, by health care provider, based on changing payer structure.
Reviewed and quantified cost effectiveness of sales team commission payouts in their effort to solicit new business for company product.
Facilitated with financial planning and budgeting processes.

Sr. Financial Analyst

Thomson Financial Management

Collaborated on teams to support internal company business units. Wrote reports and guided strategic analysis of company wide processes and inefficiencies. Major projects included:

Thomson Global Research: Researched the asset transfer process to Thomson’s research arm in Switzerland (over $15 Million transferred since its inception). The team’s findings resulted in standardized practices and improved efficiency throughout the transfer process.
Financial Management Processes: Reviewed the financial processes of 5 departments within Content Technology and Operations groups. Administered cross departmental best practices and standards, based on the report and recommendations.
Tracked KPIs and prepared financial reports, ensured compliance with financial guidelines, company policies, and relevant legal regulations.

Universal Music Group

Independent and team based role providing written reports and financial recommendations to company leadership.

Determined the financial viability of signing prospective artists and entering into business ventures.
Performed analysis and wrote reports recommending contract deal structure (e.g. profit splits, joint ventures and press &amp; distribution deals) for partnerships with companies.
Implemented analytical forecasting, reporting, and project support to senior management.

Financial Analyst

CarePlus Health Plan

CarePlus Health Plan offers a broad choice of benefit plans to meet the different healthcare needs of our members. We are a reliable and trusted resource, and we strive to help our members make the right choices about their healthcare coverage.

Developed reports on plan membership, growth projections, outstanding claims analysis, etc.
Work closely with executive management to achieve outcomes based company goals
Recommend and update policies and procedures to improve performance

Operations Analyst

Let's skip the typical "how I started from nothing" origin story. 

Here’s what matters:

If you're a thought leader or keynote speaker and not leveraging modern lead generation strategies… you're leaving a lot of opportunities on the table.

Why? Because people book people.

If you've got:

-Value-add content
-A targeted list your ideal prospect
-Personalization that scales
-A follow-up system focused on building relationships

You can get booked on stages around the world, and sell your thought leadership to your ideal client.

And most importantly, amplify your impact.

How do I know this?

Because when I was building my lead generation agency, I discovered the power of combining data-driven strategies with deep industry insights.

I went from struggling to fill calendars to securing millions in revenue for my clients across various industries. 

I scaled my agency from a solo operation to over 300 clients and 80 employees worldwide.

Now, I'm applying these proven strategies to help professional speakers and thought leaders to grow their impact and secure high-profile engagements.

Interested in taking your thought leadership business to new heights?

Drop me a message, and let's explore how we can elevate your influence and bookings.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In case you're not interested in growth strategies and just want to know more about me, here are some random facts:

-I'm a Philly native who once thought an MBA was the only path to success (spoiler: it wasn't)

-My first entrepreneurial venture was a drink can cooler (it flopped, but led me to discover lead generation)

-I once turned a skeptical client's business around, hitting a $100k month in 2020 and making him $50k in a single month

-I'm a family man who took the leap into entrepreneurship with a wife and two kids depending on me (talk about motivation!)

-I've been consulting for Gotham Artists Speaker Bureau for the last 3.5 years, bringing my marketing expertise to the world of professional speakers.

taplio

The Battle

Gregory Charles

Austin Benton, MBA

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