Ryan Nichols
Galion,OH
Summary
Versatile professional with a strong background in retail management, automotive technical services, and industrial operations. Proven leader with experience as a Shift Lead and Key Carrier, adept at managing high-volume sales, cash reconciliation, and team coordination. Combines technical mechanical knowledge with a precision-oriented mindset developed in industrial manufacturing. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and operational efficiency in fast-paced, multi-faceted environments. Dynamic retail professional with a proven track record in driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction. Expertise in teamwork, inventory management, and operational efficiency, consistently meeting and exceeding performance targets.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
ABC Warehouse
Ontario, OH
10.2025 - Current
- Maintained organized merchandise displays, ensuring compliance with company standards.
- Assisted customers in product selection, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Deliver high-quality customer service in a high-volume retail environment, assisting guests with product selection and purchases.
- Maintain floor standards and inventory accuracy to ensure a seamless shopping experience.
- Provided product knowledge to customers, resolving inquiries and boosting sales effectiveness.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline inventory management and replenishment processes.
Retail Service Specialist
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Bucyrus, OH
04.2025 - 10.2025
- Assisted customers in locating automotive parts and products, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Processed sales transactions accurately using point-of-sale systems to ensure efficient checkout.
- Maintained store organization by restocking shelves and conducting inventory checks regularly.
- Provided product knowledge to customers, facilitating informed purchasing decisions and increasing satisfaction.
- Provided expert technical advice to customers regarding automotive parts and maintenance.
- Managed inventory and stock replenishment, ensuring high-demand parts were readily available.
Shift Lead
Panda Express
Ontario, OH
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Supervised daily operations and crew performance to meet brand standards for service and food quality.
- Handled cash reconciliation and ensured adherence to safety and sanitation protocols.
- Implemented operational improvements to enhance customer service efficiency.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining areas.
- Monitored food preparation processes to uphold quality and safety standards.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring safety standards were met consistently.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation at all times.
Slip Operator
Mansfield Plumbing Products LLC
Perrysville, OH
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Operated production machinery to ensure efficient output and quality standards.
- Monitored equipment performance, identifying issues for timely resolution.
- Adhered to safety protocols, maintaining a hazard-free work environment.
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily production goals.
- Managed the blending of slip (clay) for the entire factory, ensuring chemical and physical properties met precise target values.
- Monitored industrial equipment and adjusted formulations to maintain production consistency.
Key Carrier
Advanced Auto Parts
Mansfield, OH
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Entrusted with store opening and closing procedures and secure cash handling.
- Managed both Retail and Commercial sales accounts, consistently meeting performance targets.
- Performed technical services including battery testing/installation and wiper blade replacement.
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance overall shopping experience.
- Assisted with merchandising and promotional displays to drive sales initiatives.
- Developed strong relationships with customers, resulting in repeat business opportunities.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving issues promptly, leading to a better shopping experience.
- Boosted sales performance with consistent promotion of products and services to customers during transactions.
Line Cook
Dennys Restaurant
Ashland, OH
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Managed food safety practices, ensuring compliance with health department regulations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes during peak hours.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
Cook
Union Town Brewing Co
Ashland, OH
11.2019 - 04.2020
- Prepared high-quality dishes in accordance with menu specifications and customer preferences.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, maintaining cleanliness and organization standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels of ingredients and supplies.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline meal preparation processes and enhance service efficiency.
- Implemented waste reduction strategies, improving overall kitchen sustainability efforts.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely food delivery during peak service hours.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Cook
Perkins Family Restaurant
Ashland, OH
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Developed new recipes contributing to seasonal menu changes, focusing on flavor and presentation.
- Supervised junior cooks, providing training on food safety protocols and cooking techniques.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
Corrugator Operator
PCA
Ashland, OH
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Operated corrugator machinery to produce high-quality cardboard products efficiently.
- Monitored production lines for safety compliance and quality standards.
- Conducted routine maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot production issues promptly.
Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
Ashland, OH
06.2013 - 07.2016
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
Education
High School Diploma -
Ashland High School
Ashland, OH05-2014
Skills
- Customer service
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving skills
- Problem-solving
- Excellent people skills
- Goal oriented
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash handling
- Flexible schedule
- Cash register operation
- Store opening and closing
- Sales expertise
- Product sales
- Sales strategies
- POS system operation
- Meeting deadlines
- Upselling
- Professional demeanor
- Retail store operations
- Cleaning techniques
- Guest relations
- Sales training
- Payment processing
- Inventory tracking
- Sales development
- Inventory control
- Order processing
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Sales Associate
ABC Warehouse
10.2025 - Current
Retail Service Specialist
O'Reilly Auto Parts
04.2025 - 10.2025
Shift Lead
Panda Express
09.2024 - 01.2025
Slip Operator
Mansfield Plumbing Products LLC
06.2023 - 09.2023
Key Carrier
Advanced Auto Parts
02.2022 - 06.2023
Line Cook
Dennys Restaurant
02.2022 - 05.2022
Cook
Union Town Brewing Co
11.2019 - 04.2020
Cook
Perkins Family Restaurant
06.2018 - 04.2019
Corrugator Operator
PCA
01.2017 - 08.2017
Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
06.2013 - 07.2016
High School Diploma -
Ashland High School