James Erick Loftis Chicago, IL · June 2026
Dual U.S.–Israeli National

James Erick Loftis

IDF Combat Veteran Operations Manager Cross-sector Leadership Trilingual Chicago, IL

Operations professional and IDF veteran with a record of leading teams, managing complex operations, and performing under pressure. Fluent in three languages. Available across operations, management, and leadership sectors.

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James Erick Loftis

Profile

James Erick Loftis is a dual U.S.–Israeli national with a proven track record in operations management, team leadership, and cross-cultural communication across two continents. He progressed from entry-level to General Manager on the strength of consistent results, while simultaneously maintaining an active reserve commitment with the Israel Defense Forces. His military background — spanning elite active-duty service and four years of reserve deployments including front-line operations — adds a layer of discipline, composure under pressure, and crisis management capability that few candidates bring to a civilian role. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, he operates effectively across diverse teams and international environments. Open to leadership, operations, security, and management opportunities in both private and public sectors.

Values
G
Guts
Act when the outcome is uncertain. Hesitation is a choice.
R
Resilience
Return from setback stronger than you left. Every time.
I
Integrity
Do what’s right when no one is watching. Non-negotiable.
T
Tenacity
Stay on target regardless of friction, fatigue, or failure.
Service & Experience
Civilian
General Manager
Sun and Sea · Bethany Beach, DE
  • Full operational ownership of a high-volume seasonal retail business: staffing, inventory, vendor management, cash handling, and daily operations.
  • Recruited, trained, and managed seasonal staff; maintained performance standards and resolved personnel issues in a high-turnover environment.
  • Managed vendor relationships and stock procurement to meet seasonal revenue targets within budget.
  • Handled escalated customer issues directly, maintaining composure and service standards during peak-season pressure.
  • Progressed from entry-level to General Manager on the strength of consistent delivery; entrusted by ownership with long-term operational continuity.
Cashier
Mariano’s · Chicago, IL
  • Processed high-volume transactions across cash, credit, and mobile payment channels with full drawer accuracy and zero discrepancies.
  • Resolved pricing disputes and customer concerns at point of sale with professionalism and efficiency.
  • Maintained consistent performance and service standards throughout peak-period trading hours.
Israel Defense Forces
Combat Soldier
Homefront Command, IDF · Reserves
  • Conducted law enforcement operations and security patrols in high-pressure urban and border environments, applying procedural control and detainee-handling protocols.
  • Managed high-volume checkpoint operations; de-escalated confrontations and maintained order through presence and communication.
  • Supported multi-agency civil emergency response during active crisis situations, coordinating with civil defense to protect civilian populations.
Security & Logistics NCO
International Training Liaison, IDF · Reserves
  • Represented the IDF as liaison in joint training exercises with Allied forces, building international partnerships and exchanging operational protocols.
  • Coordinated logistics and security for sensitive equipment and personnel during multinational training operations.
  • Managed technical assets as sole qualified engineer, ensuring full safety compliance and operational readiness across all participating units.
Combat Engineer / Grenadier
Yahalom Special Operations Unit, IDF · Active Duty
  • Led high-stakes operations in complex, volatile environments, consistently demonstrating advanced judgment and composure under extreme pressure.
  • Managed precision technical operations with zero margin for error, maintaining strict safety compliance and procedural standards throughout.
  • Achieved expert-level qualification across M4, M16, Tavor X95, and M203 grenade launcher platforms; maintained technical proficiency through rigorous ongoing training.
  • Completed leadership development program in field management, team coordination, and operational planning.
  • Specialized in high-risk built-environment operations requiring physical readiness, adaptability, and precision under pressure.
Education
2012–2016 Davie, FL
Associate of Arts — Coursework
Broward College · Davie, FL
Completed 61 semester credit hours toward an Associate of Arts — 55 college credits plus 6 credits via CollegeBoard CLEP examination. No degree conferred.
2012 Hollywood, FL
High School Diploma
South Broward High School · Hollywood, FL
Graduated 2012.
Certifications & Training
IDF CPR / First Aid
IDF Arrest Procedures & Detainee Handling
IDF Commanders’ Course — Field Leadership & Small-Unit Tactics
IDF Tactical Weapons & Demolitions Training
Skills
Operations & Management
Inventory Management Vendor Relations Staff Scheduling & Training Budget Oversight Cash Handling Process Optimisation Seasonal Business Management
Leadership & Operations
Team Leadership Decision Making Under Pressure Risk Assessment High-risk Operations Management Crisis & Emergency Response Procedural Control Checkpoint & Access Management Physical Security
Communication & Interpersonal
Cross-cultural Communication Conflict De-escalation Multilingual Briefing Stakeholder Management International Liaison Customer Relations
At a Glance
Military Service
IDF Active & Reserves
Citizenship
U.S. & Israeli
Physical Fitness
Active Structured Program
International Experience
Israel, Middle East, U.S.
Licensing
Illinois DL & FOID Card
Certified
CPR / First Aid
Languages
English
Native
Spanish
Fluent
Hebrew
Fluent