JAMES PICKHARDT
South Bend,IN
Summary
I am a professional leader prepared for his role, whatever that needs to be, with focus on professionalism and customer satisfaction. I have a proven ability to drive team performance and adapt to changing demands, ensuring consistent and reliable results. I inherently have expertise in conflict resolution and team collaboration.
I am a diligent and expert driver with an ironclad track record in efficient and safe transportation of passengers with rideshare, and purchased goods with delivery. The word, competent; does not begin to describe my talents behind a steering-wheel.
I have a birth-given talent for writing, art and imaginative creativity . I am well-versed in high grammar and composition; I have a superior knack for written communication, visual design, video and audio editing, and innovatively simplifying complicated concepts into something tangibly intriguing.
I have worn more than a few different hats in my employment history, and they each fit perfectly. I can wear many others as well, and they to, will fit perfectly, because I am highly versatile and adaptable. As a company asset, excellence expected of me, is excellence inherently given without falter.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Kroc Center Salvation Army
South Bend, IN
07.2025 - Current
- Lead operational strategies to enhance program delivery and community engagement.
- Mentor team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing team dynamics.
- Evaluate program outcomes, driving strategic adjustments for improved impact on community needs.
- Manage and motivate employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplish multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintain professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolve staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-train existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Evaluate employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintain professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Handle closing procedures, single-handedly; including securing all doors to the building, arming the building, logging an end of the day report, and depositing all money into safe.
Greenhouse Assistant
Martins Greenhouse and Nursery
South Bend, IN
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Managed inventory of supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and potting materials to ensure adequate stock for ongoing operations.
- Coordinated closely with other team members to complete projects efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards throughout all aspects of greenhouse operations.
- Contributed to sales efforts by assisting customers with plant selection based on their specific needs and preferences.
- Assisted with seasonal preparations including cleaning greenhouses, preparing beds, installing shade cloth, and setting up heating systems for cold-weather crops.
- Unloaded plants and nursery items from delivery trucks.
- Answered questions and provided information regarding plants and care to help customers make informed decisions.
Lyft Driver
Lyft
Indiana
05.2018 - 02.2025
- Followed all relevant traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust through professionalism and reliability in transportation services provided.
- Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns and resolving issues promptly.
- Upheld high standards of cleanliness within the vehicle's interior/exterior appearance, providing a professional image for the company at all times.
- Communicated with passengers to provide information and assistance for excellent customer service and positive experiences.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of geography and local roads for optimal route selection.
- Coordinated efficient routes to avoid delays and optimize schedules.
Uber Partner
Uber
Indiana
01.2015 - 02.2025
- Used GPS to determine fastest route to destinations in order to save riders money and maximize availability.
- Accepted and processed fares.
- Cleaned and sanitized rideshare vehicle to avoid germ and infection spread.
- Enhanced passenger experience by keeping a clean and comfortable vehicle environment.
- Maintained a high driver rating through excellent communication and navigational skills.
- Assisted passengers with special needs or requirements, ensuring their comfort throughout the ride.
- Managed challenging situations calmly, addressing any conflicts or issues that arose during rides.
- Developed strong time-management skills to ensure punctual pick-ups and drop-offs for passengers.
- Displayed adaptability in navigating various driving conditions and environments, ensuring passenger safety at all times.
Delivery Driver
Amazon
South Bend, IN
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Delivered packages to customer doorsteps and business offices.
- Enhanced delivery efficiency by optimizing routes using GPS navigation and mapping tools.
- Maintained upbeat, positive attitude in busy, customer-focused environment.
- Demonstrated exceptional time management skills in consistently meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality or safety.
- Ensured the safety of all goods transported by securing loads properly and following best practices for handling fragile items.
- Verified accuracy of all deliveries against order forms.
- Completed rush deliveries on tight timetables to satisfy customer needs.
- Loaded truck and properly secured items to prevent damage for deliveries.
- Operated vehicle safely in highly congested areas with no traffic violations.
- Read maps, followed oral, and written instructions and used GPS technology to make deliveries.
- Developed strong working knowledge of local traffic laws and regulations to facilitate smooth navigation on-the-job safely.
- Inspected and maintained delivery vehicles regularly to keep in safe working order.
Expo Runner
Howard Park Public House
South Bend, IN
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Achieved a fast-paced work environment through focus on speed and accuracy while assembling dishes according to chef's specifications.
- Assisted chefs with plating dishes, ensuring a visually appealing presentation for guests.
- Delivered food orders from kitchen to customers' tables.
- Provided support to multiple stations within the kitchen when needed, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork among colleagues.
- Assisted with inventory management by keeping track of supplies and notifying management when restocking was necessary.
- Adhered to strict hygiene standards, minimizing potential contamination risks for guests.
- Handled high-pressure situations gracefully under stress, ensuring all orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained clear communication channels with kitchen staff to address any issues or discrepancies in orders promptly.
- Collaborated with servers to ensure timely delivery of orders, reducing wait times for customers.
- Served food at proper temperature to meet safety standards.
- Mastered knowledge of menu offerings, providing accurate information to servers as needed.
Dishwasher
Lasalle Kitchen and Tavern
South Bend, IN
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Followed supervisor instructions to complete tasks on time.
- Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
- Assisted with kitchen prep work to help operations run smoothly and meet customer needs.
- Cleared, washed and stacked all plates, dining utensils, and trays quickly and without breaking.
- Washed equipment, surfaces, refrigerators, and other areas and applied sanitizing chemicals.
- Completed extra cleaning work on garbage cans, racks, dry storage areas, and other fixtures to keep kitchen spotless.
- Worked with chemicals such as detergent, rinse agents, and sanitizers to protect customer health.
Delivery Driver
FedEx
Dyer, IN
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Delivered packages to customer doorsteps and business offices.
- Enhanced delivery efficiency by optimizing routes using GPS navigation and mapping tools.
- Maintained upbeat, positive attitude in busy, customer-focused environment.
- Demonstrated exceptional time management skills in consistently meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality or safety.
- Ensured the safety of all goods transported by securing loads properly and following best practices for handling fragile items.
- Verified accuracy of all deliveries against order forms.
- Operated vehicle safely in highly congested areas with no traffic violations.
- Assisted with loading and unloading of goods to prevent delays and ensure timely deliveries.
Bartender
Evil Czech Brewery and Public House
Mishawaka, IN
02.2019 - 11.2019
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
Head Barback
Four Winds Casino
New Buffalo, MI
07.2017 - 05.2018
- Assisted in the setup and breakdown of special events, ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all attendees.
- Participated in staff meetings, offering valuable insight on areas of improvement within the team dynamic.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently stocking and maintaining bar inventory.
- Effectively communicated with bartenders and management to address any issues or concerns promptly, fostering an environment of teamwork and cooperation.
- Supported bartenders during high-volume shifts, enabling them to serve more customers promptly.
- Contributed to increased sales by suggesting upselling opportunities to bartenders based on customer selections.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities, balancing multiple responsibilities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced setting.
- Replaced empty kegs and soda syrups.
- Learned how to make wide variety of mixed drinks.
Barback
O'Rourkes Public House
South Bend, IN
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Restocked ice, condiments, and snacks.
- Replaced empty kegs and soda syrups.
- Restocked glassware, cleaned tables and organized supplies to meet demanding trading periods throughout shift.
- Learned how to make wide variety of mixed drinks.
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
- Coordinated with servers and bartenders to maintain smooth operation of bar area.
- Maintained adequate levels of condiments and well-stocked drink stations to keep service flowing smoothly.
- Greeted customers and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
Front Desk Receptionist
Charter Fitness
Mishawaka, IN
03.2013 - 08.2016
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Delivered outstanding first impressions by warmly greeting visitors upon arrival at the front desk.
- Completed data entry and filing to keep records updated for easy retrieval.
- Completed all tasks in compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Increased customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving inquiries and concerns.
- Enhanced guest experience by maintaining welcoming and organized reception area.
- Performing janitorial duties, such as cleaning machinery and bathrooms.
Cook
Culver's Restaurant
South Bend, IN
06.2011 - 11.2013
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Indiana University of South Bend
South Bend, IN05-2013
High School Diploma -
La Lumiere School
La Porte, IN05-2011
Skills
- Time management
- Customer service
- Decision-making
- Complex Problem-solving
- Documentation and reporting
- Conflict resolution
- Emergency response
- Valid Driver's license
- Clean driving record
- Punctual and reliable
- City and non-city driving
- Driving in adverse conditions
- Listening skills
- Work prioritization
Interests
I love to draw, paint, design, drive for fun, sing, video edit, audio edit, write stories and poetry, and occasionally do stand-up comedy
Timeline
Manager
Kroc Center Salvation Army
07.2025 - Current
Greenhouse Assistant
Martins Greenhouse and Nursery
04.2025 - 05.2025
Delivery Driver
Amazon
06.2024 - 10.2024
Expo Runner
Howard Park Public House
02.2024 - 06.2024
Dishwasher
Lasalle Kitchen and Tavern
11.2022 - 05.2023
Delivery Driver
FedEx
05.2021 - 10.2021
Bartender
Evil Czech Brewery and Public House
02.2019 - 11.2019
Lyft Driver
Lyft
05.2018 - 02.2025
Head Barback
Four Winds Casino
07.2017 - 05.2018
Barback
O'Rourkes Public House
08.2016 - 07.2017
Uber Partner
Uber
01.2015 - 02.2025
Front Desk Receptionist
Charter Fitness
03.2013 - 08.2016
Cook
Culver's Restaurant
06.2011 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Indiana University of South Bend
High School Diploma -
La Lumiere School