Positioning
Founder-Operator | Systems Thinker | Behavioral Strategist
Founder and systems architect developing human-centered, tech-driven ventures through Nickel & Rose Labs. Background in psychology, transdisciplinary studies, and experiential leadership with a focus on building solutions for transitional and marginalized populations. Experienced in conceptual design, systems analysis, product ideation, early-stage venture development, and human-centered innovation. Actively expanding capacity to scale mission-driven organizations at the intersection of technology, behavioral science, and social impact.
Education
Claremont Graduate University | Dual M.A., Management (Drucker School of Management) and Transdisciplinary Analysis (emphasis in Applied Social Psychology) | Expected May 2027. Not conferred.
- Graduate Certificate in Analysis and Decision-Making, Drucker School of Management. In the degree plan. Not conferred.
- Focus: Organizational Strategy, Systems Design, Behavioral Decision-Making, Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Applications: Venture Architecture, Tech-Enabled Services, Consumer Behavior, Policy and Organizational Change
- Capstone path: Capstone 500A and 502A. Not yet taken.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology | B.A. Psychology | Conferred December 2024 | GPA 3.75
- Capstone research: The Impact of Disaffiliating from Absolute Worldviews on Self-Concept. Signature Assignment, BA452 Special Topics Independent Study, supervised by Victor H. Arenas. Grade A.
- Coursework: Research Methods, Statistics, Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, Behavioral Psychology, Cross-Cultural Leadership, Models of Leadership and Leadership Development, Social Work and Social Problems, Ethics
Professional Experience
Founder and CEO | Nickel & Rose Labs LLC | 2023 to present Research and development studio building consumer products, software tools, experiential training systems, and service-based operating models grounded in behavioral science and management strategy.
- Lead the end-to-end development and strategic direction of multiple early-stage ventures across automated home maintenance systems, behavior-based learning programs, experiential content brands, and wellness and design frameworks. Build product roadmaps, operational models, customer experience systems, and go-to-market strategies.
- Apply management science, behavioral research, and systems design to improve product usability, customer engagement, communication workflows, and service delivery. Provide consulting to small businesses seeking structured systemization, operations optimization, and behavior-informed communication strategies.
Project Superintendent | KB Home | June 2021 to January 2023
- Managed full lifecycle of housing project delivery. Finished communities 10 percent ahead of schedule and drove $330k in cost savings through process improvements.
- Implemented process improvements increasing workflow efficiency by 50 percent.
- Strengthened cross-functional communication through structured conflict resolution and operational systems design.
Law Enforcement Officer and Training Instructor | U.S. Air Force | May 2017 to May 2021
- Enhanced team performance through structured leadership, coaching, and instructional design.
- Designed and delivered training programs. Reduced certification timelines by 45 percent, generating estimated $682k in cost savings.
- Led a 10-member team in readiness, compliance, and tactical instruction.
- Built curricula incorporating resilience psychology and decision-making under stress.
Process Improvement Manager | New Horizon | January 2014 to March 2016
- Developed digital transformation strategies improving departmental coordination and data flow.
- Supported operational decision-making through systems analysis and digital workflow redesign.
Owner | Superior Window Cleaning | 2010 to 2015
- Founded and scaled a service-based business. Designed operations, marketing, and training systems.
- Applied behavioral insights to customer engagement and retention, improving service efficiency and revenue.
Research
Identity Reconstruction and Major Life Transitions | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology | 2024
- The Impact of Disaffiliating from Absolute Worldviews on Self-Concept. Final paper, annotated bibliography, and sixteen-slide presentation. Supervised by Victor H. Arenas.
- Studied self-concept restructuring and social reintegration following disaffiliation from absolute or high-control worldviews. Applied social psychological and behavioral frameworks to resilience and identity development.
- Cited as: Nickel, J. R. (2024). The impact of disaffiliating from absolute worldviews on self-concept [Unpublished manuscript]. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Applied and Transdisciplinary Management Projects | Claremont Graduate University | 2025 to present
- Designed systems frameworks for residential home emergency prevention interventions, community engagement strategies, and organizational collaboration models, integrating behavioral science with management principles to support strategic planning, organizational collaboration, and scalable intervention design.
Graduate research writing | Claremont Graduate University
- Comparative effectiveness reviews of coaching against therapy and other alternatives.
- Two research and implementation proposals, including a hybrid-model proposal.
- Applied work on AI as a cognitive force multiplier, and on graduate school process improvement.
Skills
- Management and Strategy: Organizational Design, Operational Systems, Change Management, Decision-Making Frameworks, Leadership Development, Strategic Planning
- Research and Analytics: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Program Evaluation, User Research, Survey Design
- Operations and Process Design: SOP Design and Development, Training Systems, Human-Centered Design
- Communication: Cross-Functional Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, Public Speaking, Technical Writing, Executive and Command-Level Briefing
Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Tri-County Career Academy
- OSHA 10-HR General Safety | U.S. Department of Labor
- Certified Trainer | Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association