Business student & aspiring business owner

My Site - A Blog About Passion and Process

Subscribe to stay updated on my latest adventures

Latest Updates

From Fashion Design to Culinary Creations

From Kitchen to the shelves: Hot packing sauces and salad dressings for Tony's Italian Grill

The next chapter for our family business, Tony’s Italian Grill, is officially underway — and it smells incredible. After years of serving up authentic Italian favorites in our restaurant, we’re taking our signature flavors out of the kitchen and into jars, bottles, and onto store shelves. I’ve begun the exciting (and messy) process of hot packing our house-made sauces and salad dressings, getting them ready for sale at local pop-ups and on the shelves of our neighborhood Weis

From the driver's seat: Taking over the drill rig and mastering heavy equipment at DMH solar

Life on the road just leveled up. After months of learning the ropes, I officially took over the drill rig for DMH Solar and stepped fully into the role of heavy machine operator. Skidsteers, post pounders, excavators, and that beast of a drill rig — I’m now running the show at solar sites across the United States, solving problems fast and keeping projects moving forward. DMH Solar installs large-scale ground-mount solar farms that power communities and businesses from coast

Thy Kingdom Come Apparel: Where Cambodian Heritage meets modern faith and family legacy.

In the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Cambodian community, something powerful is being born. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Thy Kingdom Come Apparel, a new clothing line that fuses deep Cambodian roots with bold, faith-driven streetwear. This isn’t just another brand drop—it’s a love letter to my family’s journey, a celebration of Khmer resilience, and the next chapter for our family business, NK Graphics Inc. The name “Thy Kingdom Come” carries double meaning. It echoe

See More Updates

Welcome to My Site

I started my clothing line, Thy Kingdom Come Apparel, and have recently learned to operate a drill rig with DMH Solar. I'm also diving into packing sauces and dressings for market through Tony's Italian Grill. Join me in exploring these creative ventures!

Find Out More

Nick Kristich
Binghamton, NY
Nak5110@psu.edu
linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kristich-a6ba183a6

Professional Summary

Results-driven professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in marketing, team leadership, field operations, heavy equipment operation, and small business operations. Proven track record in campaign execution, content production, grassroots outreach, solar field construction, and restaurant operations. Currently completing a B.S. in Business at Penn State World Campus with coursework in Marketing Strategies, Digital Communications, and Operations Management. Committed to continuous learning, problem-solving, and driving growth across diverse industries.

Professional Experience

Heavy Machine Operator / Drill Rig Operator
DMH Solar, Annville, PA
2018 – 2022 (with continued heavy equipment operations as needed)
• Operated heavy machinery including skidsteers, post pounders, excavators, and drill rigs to install foundations for large-scale ground-mount solar farms across multiple U.S. states.
• Took full responsibility for the drill rig, managing precise post installation in varied terrain and soil conditions while troubleshooting on-site challenges to maintain project timelines.
• Led cross-functional teams of 10-15 technicians, coordinated logistics, and improved operational efficiency by 20% through effective communication and adaptive problem-solving.
• Produced client-facing progress reports, short-form videos, and updates that strengthened brand perception and generated consistent referral business.
• Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and the ability to adapt quickly in fast-paced, outdoor environments.

Restaurant Associate / Pizza Maker / Cook
Tony’s Italian Grill, Binghamton, NY
2023 – Present
• Prepare authentic Italian pizzas, operate the grill and wood-fired oven, and execute high-volume takeout orders in a fast-paced family-owned restaurant.
• Maintain consistent food quality, portion control, and presentation while adhering to strict health and safety standards.
• Handle customer takeout orders, ensure accurate and timely service, and contribute to the overall success of the family business.
• Support daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, inventory management, and maintaining a clean, efficient workspace.
• Actively involved in expanding the business through new product development, including hot-packing signature sauces and salad dressings for retail sale at pop-ups and local Weis Markets.

Field Manager
Grassroots Campaigns Inc., San Diego, CA
2015 – 2018
• Trained and mentored teams of canvassers in persuasive communication and outreach techniques, consistently exceeding campaign production goals.
• Reviewed real-time performance metrics, refined outreach strategies, and directed large-scale grassroots campaigns while managing logistics and scheduling.
• Built community trust through high-volume public engagement and supported long-term organizational growth objectives.

Production Specialist
NK-Graphics Inc., Palmyra, PA
2010 – 2015
• Led production workflows for high-volume graphic materials and marketing collateral, including design, editing, and quality control.
• Collaborated on creative content development and visual storytelling for print and digital campaigns.
• Implemented process improvements that reduced production errors by 25% while maintaining tight deadlines and high client satisfaction.
• Managed equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and analytics tracking to optimize output.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business (Expected Graduation: 2027)
Penn State World Campus, Online
Relevant Coursework: Marketing Strategies, Digital Communications, Operations Management

High School Diploma
Lower Dauphin High School, Hummelstown, PA – 2008

Skills
• Heavy Equipment & Machinery Operation: Drill rig, skidsteer, post pounder, excavator
• Restaurant Operations: Pizza making, grill/oven operation, takeout fulfillment, food safety
• Campaign Management & Outreach: Team training, metric optimization, grassroots organizing
• Digital & Content Creation: Short-form video, graphic design, visual storytelling
• Operations & Leadership: Cross-team coordination, problem-solving, process improvement
• Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, basic analytics platforms, graphic production software

Certifications / Licenses
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
• Driver’s License (Valid)

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”

Henry Ford