Joshua Thomas
Fargo,ND
Summary
Dynamic Operations and Logistics Director with a proven track record at Edney Distributing, driving operational excellence and enhancing warehouse efficiencies. Adept in budget management and critical thinking, I foster collaborative teams and implement strategic initiatives that significantly boost profitability and growth. Committed to achieving goals through effective leadership and innovative problem-solving.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations and Logistics Director
Edney Distributing
02.2009 - 04.2026
- Lead operational excellence for all Operations & Logistics areas and functions: purchasing, managing 3PL system and relationships with carriers, inventory control, order processing, parts and warranty, and warehouse management (including equipment, safety controls, procedures, and site maintenance)
- Develop and implement operations and profit strategies to create long-term business value
- Increase warehouse efficiencies by identifying and prioritizing business, data management, and system improvement opportunities across all locations of Edney Distributing
- Drive operational excellence and efficiency by ensuring overall systems and processes are in-place, documented, and followed consistently to sustain continued growth, and profitability
- Act as a collaborative player on the Senior Leadership Team
- Build a winning team through effective hiring, inspiring, and developing team members
- Develop, communicate, and manage the EOS Scorecard for the Operations and Logistics Department. Create the metrics, facilitate LIO meetings, and meet 1 on 1 with team members.
- Effectively collaborate to resolve interdepartmental issues and help to build an environment of collective responsibility and accountability within the organization
- Set and manage budget allocation across multiple categories of spend
- Drive financial management and decision making to impact both top and bottom-line growth
- Core Competencies: Critical Thinking — strategic focus - aware of complex cause/effect decision impact to all aspects of business
- Personality — highly collaborative, self-aware, and energetic
- Self-Starter— ability to drive and execute doing what it takes to succeed, demonstrated learning agility and adaptability
- Leadership — easily move others to action by planning, motivating, organizing, and earning loyalty
- Goal Oriented — naturally motivated to set and reach goals
- Change Management — combining art and science to affect change and persuade others to buy in
- Professional — unquestionable integrity, credibility, and character; demonstrates high moral and ethical behavior
- Forklift certified through Edney’s Insurance Company
Managing Partner
Grazies Italian Restaurant
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Financial & Profitability Management
- P&L Accountability: Analyzes Profit and Loss statements, controls food and beverage costs, and optimizes labor efficiency.
- Budgeting: Sets financial targets, forecasts sales, and manages operational budgets.
- Inventory Control: Oversees procurement, manages supply levels, and minimizes waste.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Recruitment: Leads the hiring and onboarding of both Front-of-House (FOH) and Back-of-House (BOH) staff.
- Scheduling & Deployment: Creates shift schedules to ensure proper coverage while minimizing overtime.
- Training & Coaching: Provides ongoing performance feedback, employee development, and maintains a recognition culture.
- Operational & Brand Standards
- Daily Operations: Ensures the restaurant runs smoothly, overseeing everything from food prep to point-of-sale (POS) systems.
- Compliance: Enforces all health, safety, sanitation, and labor regulations (e.g., ServSafe and local health codes).
- Ambiance & Quality: Maintains the atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall presentation of the restaurant.
- Guest Experience & Marketing
- Customer Service: Resolves escalated customer complaints and ensures fast, friendly service.
- Community Engagement: Drives local marketing, promotions, and social media initiatives to build sales and attract new guests.
Education
Associates degree - Architectural Engineering
Northwest Technical College
01-2003
High School -
West Fargo High School
01-2000
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Personality
- Self-Starter
- Leadership
- Goal Oriented
- Change Management
- Professional
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership development
- Effective communication
- Logistics optimization
- Operational efficiency
- Budget management
- Supply chain management
- Financial forecasting
- Inventory control
- Time management
Certification
Forklift certified, Edney’s Insurance Company
Extracurricular Activities
I enjoy just about everything outdoors. I play Golf, softball, and i also enjoy hunting and fishing.
Timeline
Operations and Logistics Director
Edney Distributing
02.2009 - 04.2026
Managing Partner
Grazies Italian Restaurant
01.2007 - 01.2009
Associates degree - Architectural Engineering
Northwest Technical College
High School -
West Fargo High School