Nathanael Friesen
Waukee,IA
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Sergeant, 88M Motor Transport Operator | Team Leader
Iowa National Guard
, United States
11.2019 - Current
- Acted as Convoy Commander and Assistant Convoy Commander for 22 missions across the United States.
- Coordinated personnel and equipment while transporting explosives and hazardous materials in accordance with safety and operational requirements.
- Conducted Phase I, II, and III driver training, evaluating Soldiers on vehicle operation, safety standards, and licensing requirements.
- Led, mentored, and developed Soldiers, enhancing accountability, morale, readiness, and mission effectiveness.
- Guided Soldiers in high-pressure environments through effective communication, planning, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Built trust and team cohesion by establishing expectations, mentoring, and addressing performance at individual and team levels.
- Earned recognition through multiple military awards for leadership, achievement, and performance.
Server
Guesthouse Tavern & Oyster
West Des Moines, IA
09.2025 - Current
- Delivered high-level customer service, fostering a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
- Cultivated strong relationships with guests through attentive service and effective communication.
- Apply detailed knowledge of food and beverage offerings to provide thoughtful recommendations.
- Coordinated with team members and management to enhance operations in a fast-paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Enterprise Leadership
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2025
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Strategic Planning
- Problem-Solving
- Team leadership
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Guest service
- Relationship Building
- Operational Readiness
- Logistics Coordination
- Resource Management
- Presentation Skills
Projects
Business Consulting, University of Iowa, August 2025–December 2025
- Consulted with a Liberia-based cleaning and pest-control company to identify operational, marketing, and communication challenges limiting growth.
- Conducted client interviews, competitor analysis, digital-platform research, and market research to evaluate the company's competitive position.
- Identified growth opportunities across residential, commercial, and NGO customer segments., Developed recommendations for digital marketing, customer engagement, service packages, and client feedback systems.
- Collaborated with a consulting team to consolidate research into an evidence-based growth strategy and final client presentation.
- Strengthened skills in communication, teamwork, strategic problem-solving, and client engagement.
Awards & Recognition
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- Outstanding Academic Achievement - Basic Leadership Course
- Top 20% - Advanced Individual Training
- Dean's List — University of Iowa
- 10-Month Deployment — Poland
Timeline
Server
Guesthouse Tavern & Oyster
09.2025 - Current
Sergeant, 88M Motor Transport Operator | Team Leader
Iowa National Guard
11.2019 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Enterprise Leadership
University of Iowa