JAMES P. NICKELS
*N*** Campton Crossings St. Charles, IL 60175
630-***-**** acqg9r@r.postjobfree.com
Professional Summary
Highly motivated professional with 25+ years of experience
Computer based accounting, record keeping, and data base management
Computer education; Windows XP and Microsoft Office; Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007
Trained as Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America
Motivated 30+ families to actively participate in the goals espoused by the Boy Scouts of America
Work well with and support a diverse workplace
Actively participated in recruiting employees; training and mentoring their advancement
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Electrical, flooring, concrete, asphalt installation estimator; contract proposals, scope review, post contract communications and documentation, including computer generated red-lining of PDF documents
Interpretation of installation plans and specifications
Administrative assistant; office supply requisition, appointment scheduling, and initial telephone contact
Inventory, shipping and receiving experience
Executive Vice-President of Chicago based Real Estate Company with 20+ employees
Owned and operated various small business ventures requiring interaction with multiple professionals as well as state/local officials
Contracting, sub-contracting and project management experience
Physically participated in most trade activities, including but not limited to; painting,
plumbing, boiler/furnace installation and maintenance, carpet cleaning, small appliance
maintenance, window installation, landscaping, electrical, flooring and assorted skills
necessary for the maintenance of Real Estate including contracting and supervising trade work
Certification
Illinois State Teaching Certificate 162421
NECA basic estimating
Education
Masters in curriculum and instruction: Reading
Grand Canyon University - Presidents List 2011
Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts Degree – Graduated with Honors 1981
Secondary Teaching Certification in U.S. History
Major: Education - Minor: U.S. History
Truman College Chicago, IL
Associate of Arts Degree – Graduated with Honors 1979
Additional Training
Elgin Community College Elgin, IL
University of Illinois Champaign, IL
Boy Scouts of America Wood Badge Training St. Charles, IL
Nickels Resume Page 2
Honors and Awards
Baden Powell Team Camp Award
Dean’s List – Multiple Recipient
President’s List, Master’s program
Law Day – Illinois State Essay Winner
Order of the Arrow – Brotherhood
Phi Beta Kappa Society – Academic Honors
Demonstrated Skills
Communication
Recognized for excellence in listening
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Commended for ability to manage customer relationships
Supervision
Controlled millions of dollars worth of inventory including ordering and displaying product
Managed maintenance, preventative maintenance and scheduling for multi-million dollar operation
Manage staff receiving, storage and documentation of all products
Control shipping, including picking and packing products for delivery
Handled all HR functions for 8 employees
Explorer Scouting– piloted new program in Chicago high school system
Scoutmaster – Assisted in starting a new Boy Scout troop
Adventure Scouting – Assisted with the pilot fly fishing/conservation program
Thunderbird Youth Training/Leader– program aimed at 100+ youth 14-20 years
Teaching/Training
Completed student teaching at Gordon Tech High School, Chicago, IL
Conducted over 50 workshops with average attendance of 20 youth
Mentored average of 10 youth monthly
Trained 8-10 new employees
National Youth Leadership Training Staff
Volunteer Activities
Scout Master, Boy Scouts of America St. Charles, IL
Chair, Tenant/Landlord Committee Village of Addison, IL
Architectural control committee St. Charles, IL
Home Owners Association Secretary St. Charles, IL
Home Owners Association President St. Charles, IL
Nickels Resume Page 3
Professional Experience
Estimator
Lorusso Cement Contractors, Inc. 2/2015 to present
Estimate concrete, asphalt, and excavation as well as manage awarded projects
Warehouse Manager 10/2012-2/2015
Custom Personalization Solutions Company Bolingbrook, IL
Manage Pick/Pack, shipping/receiving
Inventory control and management
Plumbing, electric, and pneumatic installation
Janitorial and general building maintenance
Estimator 2007-10/2012
Mascal Electric Company DeKalb, IL
Estimate electrical installations using installation plans and specifications
Create, file and track all proposals for pending projects; follow up leads
Team work completing all projects
Dispatch electricians, procure materials for specific projects
Receivables and inventory
Stock service vehicles
Order materials and arrange for on-time delivery
Proficient in computer assisted estimating; McCormick
Developed data base of distributors, architects, and contractors
Vice-President 1979-2007
Keith E. Nickels Incorporated Chicago, IL
Real estate sales and management
Contracting for and rehabbing of Real Estate investments
Accounting
Maintained professional relationships: CPA, attorneys, city inspectors, R.E. sales associates
American Tile Supply Incorporated 1994-1997
Owner operator of a Chicago based floor covering company
Maintained accounts and working relationship with every major flooring supplier
Managed work assignments and crews to complete contracted work projects
Estimated installations
Grind and Brew Coffee House 1997-2001
Built a coffee house restaurant from the bottom up
Managed all aspects of venture