Nicholas Gardner
Trabuco Canyon,CA
Summary
Results-oriented professional with expertise in customer service, plant care, and automotive operation. Known for innovative problem-solving and delivering results through strategic approaches. Collaborative team member with a proven ability to adapt to project demands and ensure high-quality outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Horticulture Technician
Forever Green
04.2025 - 05.2026
- Executed plant installation and maintenance for interior and exterior environments.
- Transported plants to accounts across Los Angeles and San Diego, ensuring timely delivery and service.
- Installed and staged a variety of plants and planters at accounts, coordinating purchasing and placement for optimal aesthetic impact.
- Maintained plants at accounts by trimming, pruning, irrigating, fertilizing, and managing pests.
- Led cultivation and care of diverse plant species, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
Greenhouse Technician
California Greenhouses & OC Succulents
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Delivered and transferred plants and supplies in large quantities, driving 16 ft box trucks to locations from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
- Cared for diverse interior and exterior plants, ensuring optimal health through effective irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
- Guided customers in selecting appropriate plants for their spaces, enhancing their satisfaction and plant success.
- Managed greenhouse inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels and availability for customer orders.
- Performed general maintenance and cleaning.
- Loaded outgoing orders into the largest 26 ft box trucks and unloaded new materials arriving from vendors in 26 ft box trucks and semi-trucks.
Horticulturist
Self Employed
09.2023 - 03.2024
- Installed and serviced private clients' indoor and outdoor plants
- Sourced plants for accounts based on setting, aesthetic preferences, and client budgets
- Transported plants and materials to stage and service accounts, ensuring safe driving practices and efficient navigation
- Delivered exceptional customer service to clients by addressing their needs promptly and professionally. my clients trusted me with keys and coded access to enter whether the account was occupied or not.
Horticulture Technician
Inside Plants, Inc.
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Completed daily scheduled accounts independently, ensuring timely and thorough service
- Implemented integrated pest management strategies to minimize crop damage and enhance health.
- Trained new team members on horticultural techniques and safety protocols.
- Developed and maintained detailed records of plant health, irrigation schedules, and nutrient applications.
- Conducted routine maintenance on horticultural equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Cultivated strong, customer-focused relationships with account contacts to enhance satisfaction and retention
- Identified potential new accounts through market research and networking.
Customer Fulfillment Manager
ClearView Orthopedic Development
09.2019 - 08.2020
- Distributed poly-axial screw systems for spinal fusion surgery implantation.
- Provided customer service via telephone and email, resolving inquiries and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Managed customer accounts using a CRM system.
- Researched and developed new product applications, contributing to expansion of product line to include oral supplements and gel roll-on
- Packaged sensitive materials for shipment, ensuring timely delivery to appropriate shipping hubs.
- Streamlined order fulfillment processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing lead times.
Home Staging Assistant
Laguna Staging
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Coordinated staging logistics to enhance property presentation for potential buyers.
- Assisted in selecting and arranging furniture to create appealing living spaces.
- Loaded furnishings and decor into box trucks, ensuring careful packaging and secure handling to prevent damage during transport.
- Solved space planning challenges by rearranging furniture layouts for optimal flow and aesthetics.
- Assisted in photographing 3-D maps of the staged units, so that real estate agents and potential buyers could perform virtual tours of every location.
- Collaborated with real estate agents to understand target demographics and tailor staging accordingly.
- Purchased materials.
- Coordinated stagings during the owner's absence.
Department Manager
Walmart
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Began as inventory management assistant, overseeing stock information through a live-tracking system.
- Promoted to Department Manager of Chemicals, Cleaners, and Paper Products.
- Led team to achieve operational efficiency and improved customer satisfaction.
- Managed stock levels, ensuring optimal inventory availability.
- Assisted customers by providing specific information about product options, including shelf locations and cost comparisons
- Processed item returns from my departments.
- Managed the loading and receiving of all Electronics and Appliance sales on Black Friday.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, with Honors - English
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA09.2019
Associate in Arts (AA), with Honors - Social and Behavioral Sciences
Coastline Community College
Fountain Valley, CA12.2012
High school diploma - undefined
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA06.2003
Skills
- Indoor plant care
- Integrated pest management
- Greenhouse operations
- Landscaping
- Customer Service
- Computer proficiency
- CRM management
- GPS and route planning
- Loading and unloading
- Order processing
- Valid Driver's license
- Clean driving record
- CPR / First aid
- Time management
- Excellent communication
Awards
Eagle Scout.
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Horticulture Technician
Forever Green
04.2025 - 05.2026
Greenhouse Technician
California Greenhouses & OC Succulents
04.2024 - 04.2025
Horticulturist
Self Employed
09.2023 - 03.2024
Horticulture Technician
Inside Plants, Inc.
10.2022 - 09.2023
Customer Fulfillment Manager
ClearView Orthopedic Development
09.2019 - 08.2020
Home Staging Assistant
Laguna Staging
09.2019 - 03.2020
Department Manager
Walmart
09.2015 - 08.2016
High school diploma - undefined
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Associate in Arts (AA), with Honors - Social and Behavioral Sciences
Coastline Community College
Bachelor of Arts, with Honors - English
University of California-Irvine