Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Daniel Zils

Mesa

Summary

A seasoned training and people management expert, I bring over a decade of experience fostering growth and optimizing performance within the dynamic landscapes of retail and warehouse operations. My passion lies in cultivating talent and implementing strategies that drive efficiency, engagement, and ultimately, business success. I'm adept at designing and delivering impactful training programs, building strong teams, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Instructor

Wagner Logistics
10.2023 - 07.2025
  • Enhanced team performance by implementing innovative training strategies and techniques. Using both in person 1:1 instruction, and utilizing Microsoft Office platforms.
  • Continuous stakeholder management with other department leads and vendors to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals & metrics collectively.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and coaching to facilitate continuous improvement among our team.
  • Expert in Lean/5S safety and training protocols. Routinely evaluated our safety compliance and regulations and ensured up-to-date practices were being implemented.
  • Driving a positive team morale and workplace environment that motivated employees to perform their best, fostered collaboration, and allowed for open and honest communication.

Business Development Manager

PDQ Self Storage
04.2022 - 10.2023
  • Drove recruiting practices, hiring, and training & development. While managing 10 direct reports.
  • Head of marketing initiatives and strategic planning. Generating new business leads and growth.
  • Collaborated with outside contractors to ensure the property upkeep was up-to-date with city & state regulations, and to resolve any urgent maintenance issues or concerns within a timely manner.
  • Created and updated regular inventory reports and records to maintain quality and on-hand inventory while staying within operational budget.
  • Optimized storage layouts by analyzing space usage patterns, leading to increased capacity without additional expense or construction requirements.

Department Manger

American Discount Foods
02.2018 - 04.2022
  • Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Led a team of professionals to consistently achieve or exceed performance targets.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and ensuring timely deliveries.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
  • Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
  • Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.

Grocery Team Lead

American Discount Foods
01.2017 - 02.2018
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant health codes, regulations, and company policies in the execution of daily tasks within the grocery department.
  • Reduced shrinkage rates through diligent monitoring of expiration dates and proper rotation practices.
  • Optimized staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while controlling labor costs.
  • Fostered a culture of teamwork among employees, promoting collaboration towards shared objectives across departments.
  • Coordinated with store managers to implement successful sales strategies, boosting revenue.
  • Enhanced store appearance by designing visually impactful displays that attracted customer attention.

Safety Inspector

Westward Seafoods
08.2010 - 11.2016
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the field of occupational health and safety.
  • Identified areas for improvement during site walkthroughs, working closely with site supervisors to address any deficiencies immediately before they escalated into more significant issues.
  • Coordinated routine maintenance activities with facilities staff to ensure that all safety equipment remained in optimal working condition.
  • Streamlined record-keeping processes for incident reporting, improving data accuracy and retrieval times.
  • Conducted regular audits of company facilities, ensuring adherence to established safety standards at all times.
  • Provided guidance to team members on best practices for hazard identification and risk mitigation strategies.

Seafood Processor

Westward Seafoods
08.2008 - 08.2010

Sgt E-5

United States Army
2000 - 2008

Education

Oak Park High School
Kansas City, MO
05-2003

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • Training Planning and Coordination
  • 5S Lean/Safety Protocols
  • Train-the-trainer
  • Shift Scheduling & Reporting
  • Critical thinking & Problem Solving
  • Shipping and Receiving
  • Cycle counting & Inventory Control
  • Personnel management
  • Team Development and Leadership

Languages

Arabic
Limited Working

Timeline

Lead Instructor

Wagner Logistics
10.2023 - 07.2025

Business Development Manager

PDQ Self Storage
04.2022 - 10.2023

Department Manger

American Discount Foods
02.2018 - 04.2022

Grocery Team Lead

American Discount Foods
01.2017 - 02.2018

Safety Inspector

Westward Seafoods
08.2010 - 11.2016

Seafood Processor

Westward Seafoods
08.2008 - 08.2010

Sgt E-5

United States Army
2000 - 2008

Oak Park High School
Daniel Zils