James Elder
Louisville,KY
Summary
Dedicated professional with strong work ethic and exceptional interpersonal skills. Experienced in customer service, multitasking, and time management. Equipped with trauma-informed training and committed to continuous improvement. Focused on delivering positive and memorable experiences for every customer.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Services Lead
Ronald McDonald House Louisville
Louisville, KY
06.2022 - Current
- Proposed innovative ideas and solutions that improved team collaboration and service outcomes.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our services.
- Pursued continuing education and advanced training to enhance service delivery and expertise.
- Fulfilled routine responsibilities to maintain smooth operations.
- Oversaw the weekly inventory process for products used daily.
General Manager
McDonald's Restaurant
Louisville, KY
08.2019 - 05.2022
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations to ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.
- Managed team performance through training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Implemented inventory control procedures to reduce waste and manage costs effectively.
- Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
- Developed staff schedules to optimize labor efficiency during peak hours.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
Assistant General Manager
Rally's Restaurant
Louisville, KY
04.2012 - 07.2019
- Supervised daily restaurant operations to ensure smooth service delivery.
- Managed daily operations of the store, including scheduling and supervising staff.
- Trained staff on customer service and food safety protocols.
- Implemented training programs for new hires to ensure consistent service standards.
- Provided training, guidance, and support to staff members on proper procedures and policies.
- Developed staff schedules to optimize workforce during peak hours.
- Prepared weekly schedules for staff members based on their availability.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders for new stock as needed.
- Monitored financial transactions and maintained cash handling procedures effectively.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Ensured that customer service standards were met or exceeded at all times.
- Reached business goals by implementing streamlined operational processes. with a streamlined operations strategy.
- Applied knowledge of coverage needs and individual employee strengths to produce successful team schedules.
- Advanced from cashier to multiple positions within 9 years, showcasing dedication and growth.
Truck Helper
Creative Recycling Systems
Louisville, KY
09.2009 - 03.2012
- Supported drivers in loading and unloading materials to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Secured cargo with straps, ropes, and covers to prevent damage during transit.
- Assisted truck driver with loading and unloading cargo.
- Operated forklifts to load and unload materials onto and off pallets.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas during daily operations.
- Loaded truck with computer equipment for recycling, ensuring safe and compliant transportation, with computer equipment to be recycled safely.
- Monitored fuel levels throughout deliveries and refueled when necessary.
- Maintained adequate fuel supply during deliveries to prevent service interruptions.
- Stacked boxes neatly on shelves in the truck for optimal space management. properly on shelves in the back of the truck to maximize space utilization.
- Collaborated with team members to sort recyclable materials effectively.
- Report any problems encountered during deliveries promptly to the supervisor.
- Ensured that product was delivered safely within the specified timeframe.
Shift Manager
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Louisville, KY
03.2003 - 10.2009
- Supervised daily operations, enhancing service flow in a fast-paced restaurant.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage during peak hours and events.
- Trained and mentored team members on customer service and food safety practices.
- Oversaw the training of new employees on customer service, product knowledge, and cash handling techniques.
- Coached employees on interactions with customers to drive exceptional service.
- Resolved customer complaints efficiently to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain stock for menu items and supplies.
- Managed daily cash intake, ensuring accurate financial reporting and accountability.
- Cultivated positive working relationships with staff, customers, and vendors to foster a collaborative environment.
- Ensured completion of all opening and closing duties was completed accurately according to established guidelines.
- Advanced from cook to shift manager, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment.
Laborer
Labor Ready Staffing
Louisville, KY
07.2000 - 04.2003
- Operated various tools and equipment for construction and maintenance tasks.
- Loaded and unloaded daily material shipments, keeping products organized and secure to prevent damage and optimize handling.
- Assisted in loading and unloading materials at job sites efficiently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas to ensure safety.
- Followed safety protocols to minimize risks during operations.
- Fulfilled various physical labor duties to support construction efforts.
- Completed variety of physical labor tasks.
- Organized tools, supplies, and equipment needed for specific jobs according to instructions provided by supervisor.
- Used picks and shovels to dig, spread, and level dirt and gravel.
Firefighter
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire DST
Louisville, KY
06.1993 - 07.2000
- Responded immediately to alarms for fires, vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations.
- Responded to emergency calls, assessed situations, and provided critical medical aid to individuals in need.
- Laid hose lines to facilitate quick water access for fire suppression efforts. and operated nozzles, pumps, hydrants, and fire extinguishers.
- Communicated effectively with crew members while performing tasks under stressful conditions.
- Trained continuously to maintain required physical fitness for demanding work.
- Cleaned, serviced, and maintained fire apparatus in condition of readiness and performed general maintenance of fire department property.
- Analyzed situations to quickly adopt courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances.
- Educated local residents on fire safety practices, promoting awareness and reducing risks within the community. local community members about fire prevention and safety.
Education
Doss Magnet High School
Louisville, KYSome College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Murray State University
Murray, KY 08.1996 - 12.1997
Skills
- Customer experience management
- Client relationship management
- Crisis management
- Inventory management
- Inventive problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Trauma informed training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Family Services Lead
Ronald McDonald House Louisville
06.2022 - Current
General Manager
McDonald's Restaurant
08.2019 - 05.2022
Assistant General Manager
Rally's Restaurant
04.2012 - 07.2019
Truck Helper
Creative Recycling Systems
09.2009 - 03.2012
Shift Manager
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
03.2003 - 10.2009
Laborer
Labor Ready Staffing
07.2000 - 04.2003
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Murray State University
08.1996 - 12.1997
Firefighter
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire DST
06.1993 - 07.2000
Doss Magnet High School