DARREN TEDFORD
Lonoke,AR
Summary
Results-oriented Operations Manager with expertise in inventory control, financial reporting, and team leadership. Proven ability to enhance workflow and streamline operations while maintaining a customer focus. Background in automotive and military vehicle repair underscores strong diagnostic and repair skills, delivering accurate reporting and dependable results.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Kitchen Works of Cabot
Ward, Arkansas
11.2017 - Current
- Managed daily operations for Kitchen Works of Cabot showroom and installation workflows.
- Directed and supervised daily workflow of employees to maximize productivity, execute business plan, and uphold quality standards.
- Managed staffing needs through recruitment, selection, onboarding and training, retention and disciplinary action as necessary.
- Monitored processes and team performance to enhance efficiency and elevate customer service standards.
- Identified areas of deficiency and performed root-cause analysis to solve problems.
- Performed cost analysis for various projects to determine budget requirements.
- Oversaw financial management, budget management, accounting and payroll activities.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Presented performance and productivity reports to supervisors.
- Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.
- Developed relationships with vendors to negotiate pricing and secure necessary materials for production.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to track stock levels and minimize costs.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction remains at optimal levels.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to all employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Analyzed and controlled materials, supplies and equipment operational expenses.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and maintained a safe work environment for all personnel.
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Arkansas Army National Guard
Benton, Arkansas
04.2012 - 04.2018
- Drill weekends and Annual Training
- Advanced Technician Training, Fort Dodge, Iowa March 2016
- Convoy Vehicle Support Technician during field training exercises.
- Supported mechanics in executing complex repair tasks.
- Replaced or repaired worn parts on vehicles, including brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings and other components.
- Repaired electrical wiring harness, starting and charging systems.
- Completed required safety checks on all vehicles before they were released back into service.
- Used hoists or jacks to lift heavy objects when needed during repair work.
- Inspected, serviced, repaired, replaced, adjusted and tested vehicle systems, subsystems and components.
- Conducted test drives before and after repair services.
Automotive Technician
Gwatney Chevrolet
Jacksonville, Arkansas
06.2014 - 11.2017
- Diagnosed issues using scan tools and service information.
- Performed engine, brake, suspension, drivetrain and electrical repairs on vehicles.
- Repaired engines and transmissions, providing labor and parts cost breakdowns for work performed.
- Conducted test drives before and after repair services.
- Performed routine maintenance including oil changes, tire replacements, rotations, brake components replacement.
- Inspected vehicles to identify potential issues and customer concerns
- Completed standard inspections to assess wear and damage to vehicles.
- Checked vehicle mileage and determined necessary belts, fluids flushing or gasket replacements.
- Evaluated vehicle schematics to assess required parts and order accordingly.
- Searched within service and maintenance manuals to perform repairs and diagnosis.
- Operated a variety of shop equipment safely and efficiently.
- Welded, soldered and fabricated parts to complete skilled services.
- Cooperated with other technicians from different disciplines to achieve optimal integration.
- Provided accurate cost estimates for necessary vehicle repairs.
- Displayed excellent customer service skills when interacting with customers regarding their automotive needs.
- Developed in-depth understanding of automotive systems and components to complete fast and accurate repairs.
- Maintained certifications and completed training on systems and components.
- Attended technical training courses when available to increase knowledge base.
Automotive Technician
Crain Ford
Jacksonville, Arkansas
09.2012 - 11.2013
- Operated as lube technician in dealership, providing essential vehicle maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- Executed oil changes, fluid services, and preventive maintenance in service bay to enhance vehicle reliability.
- Removed, replaced, balanced and rotated new and used tires
- Maintained organized work areas and tools in dealership shop to promote efficient workflow and safety.
Cashier/Customer Service
Dominoe's Pizza
Cabot Ar
05.2012 - 06.2012
- Greeted Domino's Pizza customers and handled carryout counter service.
- Took phone and in-store orders using point-of-sale system.
- Processed cash, card, and mobile payments accurately.
Line Cook /Lead Dishwasher
Larry's Pizza
Cabot Ar
06.2010 - 06.2012
- Prepped ingredients by chopping vegetables, portioning cheese, and mixing sauces.
- Prepared pizzas, pastas, and sides for Larry's Pizza kitchen service.
- Rotated stock and stored food items using proper labeling and refrigeration.
- Set up cooking stations with pans, utensils, and fresh ingredients.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
Maintenance Technician
Jones and Son Trucking LLC
Jacksonville AR
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Performed preventive maintenance on trucking fleet tractors, Dump Trucks, Cab Chassis, Gooseneck and End dump trailers.
- Performed minor repairs and replacements on all fleet vehicles and trailers.
- Installed new parts such as radiators, hoses, belts, alternators, brake chambers, starters.
- Repaired hydraulic systems, cooling systems, suspension and drivetrain components.
- Rebuilt faulty hydraulic systems including pumps and cylinders.
- Inspected brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels for road readiness.
- Documented maintenance work and service needs for company truck equipment.
- Cleaned work areas and organized tools in trucking maintenance shop.
- Coordinated repairs with drivers and dispatch to reduce equipment downtime.
- Repaired or replaced faulty wiring, switches, relays, and other electrical components.
- Ordered parts, supplies or equipment from catalogs or suppliers.
- Responded to roadside breakdowns and emergency repair calls.
- Part time / On Call Position. Weekly PM on all Fleet vehicles and trailers. Periodic truck repair on roadside and in shop.
Education
Certificate of Technical Studies - Auto CAD/CAM - AlphaCAM Programming CNC Operator
Park Industries
Saint Cloud, MN08-2025
Vocational Training - Advanced Technician Training
Military Vehicle (Wheeled) Mechanic
Fort Dodge, IA03-2016
Vocational Training - Military Vehicle (Wheeled) Mechanic
U.S. Army
Fort Lee, VA09-2013
High School Diploma -
Cabot High School
Cabot, AR05-2013
Certificate of Completion - Basic Combat Training
U.S. Army
Fort Jackson, SC08.2012
Skills
- Operations management
- Inventory control
- Financial reporting
- Team leadership
- Troubleshooting, Diagnostics and Repairs
- Mechanical aptitude
- Purchasing parts and inventory
- Strong work ethic
Timeline
Maintenance Technician
Jones and Son Trucking LLC
01.2020 - 01.2025
Operations Manager
Kitchen Works of Cabot
11.2017 - Current
Automotive Technician
Gwatney Chevrolet
06.2014 - 11.2017
Automotive Technician
Crain Ford
09.2012 - 11.2013
Cashier/Customer Service
Dominoe's Pizza
05.2012 - 06.2012
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Arkansas Army National Guard
04.2012 - 04.2018
Line Cook /Lead Dishwasher
Larry's Pizza
06.2010 - 06.2012
Certificate of Technical Studies - Auto CAD/CAM - AlphaCAM Programming CNC Operator
Park Industries
Vocational Training - Advanced Technician Training
Military Vehicle (Wheeled) Mechanic
Vocational Training - Military Vehicle (Wheeled) Mechanic
U.S. Army
High School Diploma -
Cabot High School
Certificate of Completion - Basic Combat Training
U.S. Army