James F. Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, California, United States

San Francisco

Novato, Calif.

I began employment with Crittenden Research as a research assistant, entering retailer information into our database for subscriber access. This involved reaching out to franchising specialists, CFO's, and corporate strategists.My big break came six months into the position when I was asked to transition over to our reporting department. There, I spearheaded the development of the liability settlement column. I would research recently dismissed lawsuits involving a wide range of companies and individuals (including medical practitioners, trucking organizations, software companies, etc.) and summarize the lawsuit and preceding events. Often, I would contact the trial lawyers for additional information.In addition to my writing, I would also provide copy editing and proofreading services for two other publications we produced: the Insurance Newsletter and the Retail Report. This was my first position which utilized AP style, of which I picked up easily.

Petaluma, Calif.

My time at Redwood Credit Union was a blast! Serving as a teller, I got to really know my community, serving the needs of a small town every day. My coworkers thoroughly enjoyed their position, and I could go on about what I did, depositing funds and handing out cash, but the real job was making sure I took care of my members, and not just financially. You really had the opportunity to build a rapport with the people you saw day after day, and that allowed you to listen to what was bothering them, what they were excited about, and what made them worry regarding their future.

Petaluma, Calif.

Brooks Brothers, a company with a history and a legacy. There was a sense of pride working with this company: I was able to help clients coming in to find the perfect item for a wedding, interview, or any other life-defining event. And every interaction wasn't a simple transaction, I had to interview the client myself to gain an understanding of them and what would work with their style. Were they outspoken or reserved? Did they jive with a simple style or did they prefer something a bit more complex? What did they want to say with their outfit?My clients became more than clients; they would walk in swelled with pride at landing their new job or come in with photos of their latest trip. Often enough, we were an extended family to each other. My proudest moments were helping a young person pick out their first suit, and being one of the few at my store who could, teach them how to tie a bowtie!In addition to helping my clients, this was my first managerial position and thus the first time I was required to enter payroll, connect with other stores and district managers, and field the big questions clients come in with to surprise us. As my tenure stretched on, I learned how to read our sales numbers and figure how to redesign displays to help drive said numbers higher.And lastly, I loved the charitable work we did at Brooks. We would partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude's every year, and I made sure our entire team was in the spirit! I connected with the Make-A-Wish Bay Area chapter to bring a few representatives in to educate the staff as well as clients, along with providing materials with which we decorated the store.

Pleasanton, Rohnert Park, Healdbsurg, Calif.

My first job! My position here taught me the basics of everything that was to come. I learned to hustle and do a good job while doing it. This was also the first time I had to work with people of different backgrounds, values, and styles, and I had to learn how to work within that as well.