Brendan Zahner
St Louis,MO
Summary
Analytical and people-oriented Industrial Engineering senior at Kansas State University with a passion for improving processes, enhancing warehouse operations, and leveraging digital tools to make work more efficient and human-friendly. Known for strong leadership, real-world logistics problem-solving, and experience across manufacturing, inventory, and simulation environments.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilities & Admin Support
Harvesters Food Bank
Kansas City, MO, USA
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Conducted inventory audits using Power BI to verify third-party compliance
- Designed and launched a volunteer-led pickup system that replaced traditional truck routes - cutting costs and improving efficiency across KS & MO
- Personally visited donor sites to lead communication and training during rollout
- Supervised warehouse sanitation projects and assisted with facilities upkeep
Capstone Project
Kansas State University
- Built a tool to track shift progress, operator performance, defects, and time study data
- Integrated learning curve calculations and quality metrics to improve production visibility
- Collaborated with production and data teams to digitize paper processes
Eagle Scout
Boy Scouts of America
- Led installation of a drip irrigation system for Harvesters' demonstration garden to reduce water usage, improve crop health, and save labor through automation
- Delegated teams across three garden zones and coordinated all planning and leadership
- Eagle Scout Project of the Year, Heart of America Council
- Spirit of Philanthropy - Youth Award (2023), National Philanthropy Day
Vice President
Sigma Tau Gamma
12.2023 - 12.2024
- Oversaw chapter GPA tracking, supported executive operations, and ran chapter social media strategy
Director of Involvement
Sigma Tau Gamma
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Organized social events within the fraternity and externally; expanded engagement across Greek life
Unified Sports Volunteer
- Special Olympics
Education
B.S. - Industrial Engineering
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05.2026
High School Diploma -
Rockhurst High School
Kansas City, MO05.2022
Skills
- Power BI
- Excel (Advanced)
- Simio
- CPLEX
- SolidWorks (Certified)
- Arena
- AutoCAD
- Python (basic)
- Microsoft Office
- Process Optimization
Leadership Experience
- Vice President, Sigma Tau Gamma, Kansas State, 12/23 - Present, Oversaw chapter GPA tracking, supported executive operations, and ran chapter social media strategy
- Director of Involvement, Sigma Tau Gamma, 12/22 - 12/23, Organized social events within the fraternity and externally; expanded engagement across Greek life
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout Project of the Year, Heart of America Council, Led installation of a drip irrigation system for Harvesters' demonstration garden to reduce water usage, improve crop health, and save labor through automation, Delegated teams across three garden zones and coordinated all planning and leadership
- Spirit of Philanthropy - Youth Award, 2023
- National Philanthropy Day
- Unified Sports Volunteer, Special Olympics
Timeline
Vice President
Sigma Tau Gamma
12.2023 - 12.2024
Director of Involvement
Sigma Tau Gamma
12.2022 - 12.2023
Facilities & Admin Support
Harvesters Food Bank
06.2022 - 08.2024
B.S. - Industrial Engineering
Kansas State University
High School Diploma -
Rockhurst High School
Capstone Project
Kansas State University
Eagle Scout
Boy Scouts of America