Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Timeline
Generic

KENNETH LESTER

Fayetteville,NC

Summary

Dynamic Equipment Operator and Owner/Operator with a strong background in managing operational efficiency and driving business growth through strategic planning and execution. Proven leadership and problem-solving abilities ensure high-quality service and exceptional customer satisfaction. Adept collaboration with diverse teams fosters a cohesive work environment. With over 10 years of experience, consistently achieved measurable results while supervising teams of 10+ in fast-paced settings, effectively managing risks to protect assets valued over $7M. Extensive expertise in maintenance, operational planning, and quality assurance underpins a commitment to excellence, thriving in high-pressure situations backed by comprehensive military and civilian training.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner/Operator Foreman

ADY Landscaping Services
08.2015 - Current
  • Managed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for new team members.
  • Coordinated inventory management processes, including ordering and stock control.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving.
  • Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations in the workplace.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.

Adviser | Gunner

North Carolina National Guard – Various Locations
01.2007 - 01.2017
  • Advised the Company Commander on all technical aspects of tank employment and tank crew training; responsible for the training, deployment readiness, health, welfare, discipline, morale, and personal and professional development of 3 Soldiers.
  • Responsible for the maintenance and combat readiness of one tanker; associated equipment valued at an excess of $4.4M
  • Performed the duties and responsibilities of the Operations Manager on several occasions; allowed the organization to continue operations in the Operations Manager’s absence
  • Mentored numerous first-time gunners during gunnery; vital to the crew training at all levels in the company
  • Responsible for the maintenance and combat readiness of one M1A2 SEP v2 Tank, MRAP Caiman, Ml 151 HMMWV, and associated equipment valued at more than $10M.
  • Operated tanks, light armor, and assault vehicles worth over $8M; responsible for driving armored vehicles; maintained advanced onboard communications and navigation equipment
  • Transported personnel, equipment, and weapon systems; utilized handheld and vehicle-mounted radios with multiple frequencies
  • Inspected tanks for discrepancies such as damage, and missing equipment; followed all policies and company regulations
  • Performed preventative maintenance checks and services on tank chassis and automotive components before, during, and after use

Personal Driver | Military Client Personal Driver

North Carolina National Guard – Various Locations
01.2012 - 01.2013
  • Escorted high-value military client during service of (MFO) 87 (Multinational Force Observers) Egypt, Sinia to multiple meetings and functions and events due to protocol and procedure
  • Executive Protection Training and Certifications are up to date but not limited to:

Certifications

  • 1. Executive Protection Program (Covered 6)
  • 2. Cyber Security Technician Program (Covered 6)
  • 3. NAEMT - TECC (Covered 6)
  • 4. TASER Training Completion Certificate (Covered 6)
  • 5. Real De-escalation for Security (Covered 6)
  • 6. DE-TAC (Covered 6)
  • 7. Protective Services Defensive Driving (Allan Hancock College)
  • 8. DOT Medical Examiner’s Card (USDOT)
  • Ensured punctual transportation for personnel to various locations.
  • Maintained vehicles in optimal condition through regular inspections and servicing.

Order Filler

Wal-Mart | Hope Mills, NC
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Organized warehouse by removing and stacking empty pallets. Fulfilled store orders by pulling merchandise through layers using electronic voice control equipment, stacking onto pallets, placing labels in the appropriate area on freight, and transporting using power equipment.
  • Moves, lifts, carries, and places merchandise and supplies weighing up to 60 pounds without assistance. Communicates effectively in person and by using telecommunications equipment or electronic voice control equipment.
  • Maintained freight integrity by inspecting freight for damage and misplacement (i.e. “strays”) monitoring temperature and integrity of food items by separating freight using plastic sheets, (e.g. species, chemical), and maintaining records, logs, and forms.
  • Operated handling equipment according to industrial safety regulations; loaded delivery vehicles as needed
  • Updated stock inventory after each item is retrieved; managed stock control, including item replenishment and storage
  • Selecting ordered items from storage shelves or rooms using barcodes and serial numbers; performed general warehouse duties as necessary

Fiber Optic Contractor

JJCK Enterprises | Eastover, NC
01.2015 - 01.2025
  • Was educated and has performed the tasks of a fiber optic contractors aid and Contractor With 8+ years of burial knowledge and underground experience. Assisted with various electrical and fiber optic, Surveillance, Audio, and Visual installations. Was instructed on site appearance during application up until repair to customers standard.
  • Basic tool knowledge, usage comprehension, understanding of Safety personal protective equipment, depths of various obstructions and hazards during cable burial installations
  • Professional CCTV surveillance system installations and wiring, television wall mounting, to audio installations
  • Knowledgeable about the operations of skidsteer’s backhoes, vibratory, and trenching plows on various platforms such as the LM-25, LM-45, 255 Ditch Witch, including riding Zanh models, ect
  • Extensive Mechanical Deposition paired with Engine removal and installation experience

Education

GED -

Seventy-First High Schooll
Fayetteville, NC
04-2007

Skills

  • Software: Microsoft Office Suite 365 Adobe SharePoint
  • Operating Systems: Mac Microsoft Windows
  • Programming: Java HTML CSS C Swift UI
  • Operations management
  • Operations oversight
  • Inventory management
  • Strong work ethic

Certification

  • Specialized Military Training:
  • Basic Leader Course | Risk Management Course | Safety Course
  • Executive Protection | DE-TAC | Protective Services Defensive Driving

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Highly Skilled | Proven track record for collaborating with multi-dimensional teams in high-pressure, high-tempo environments producing on schedule and within required deliverables.
  • Strengths | Thrives in both independent and collaborative work environments. Skilled at developing and cultivating key relationships and establishing effective collaborations.
  • Motivated Learner | Demonstrated ability to assimilate new ideas, concepts, methods, and technologies. Dedicated and innovative team builder with a superior work ethic.

Timeline

Owner/Operator Foreman

ADY Landscaping Services
08.2015 - Current

Fiber Optic Contractor

JJCK Enterprises | Eastover, NC
01.2015 - 01.2025

Personal Driver | Military Client Personal Driver

North Carolina National Guard – Various Locations
01.2012 - 01.2013

Order Filler

Wal-Mart | Hope Mills, NC
01.2012 - 01.2014

Adviser | Gunner

North Carolina National Guard – Various Locations
01.2007 - 01.2017

GED -

Seventy-First High Schooll
KENNETH LESTER