Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Amber L. Novotny

Castalia

Summary

Experienced farm-to-table food business professional with extensive knowledge of plants, plant cuisine and plant-based small business management. Proven ability to maintain high standards of food quality and adapt to an ever-changing environment and needs. Expertise in inventory management, customer service, and resource allocation. Reliable, imaginative, and resourceful individual ready to improve cafeteria efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate employee meal satisfaction.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner, Farmer, Private Chef

Port Edin
01.2020 - Current

· Manage day-to-day Farm & Food business operations.

· Develop Plant-forward, innovative, nutrient-dense, health-minded, flavorful recipes & menus with focus on seasonal Farm offerings and abundance, while reducing waste

· Prepare visually appealing, Clean, Conscious Cuisine from scratch, with Love, the best quality ingredients, and Attention to detail

· Manage food costs and maintain high quality by Producing our own Salad Greens, Fruits & Vegetables with Passion and care for regenerating Soil life

· Budget, Inventory, & shop for other high-quality Ingredients & Supplies locally, and through specialty grocers and sustainably minded companies

· Prepare, Present, Package, Market and Sell Food following Ohio Revised Code regulations

· Clean, Organize and maintain a functional kitchen workspace

· Interact with customers to tailor food to their Health needs, build Connections and Nurture relationships through Food

· Manage financial aspects of the business including Record-keeping, Tax preparation, and Budgeting

· Read and Research Food preparation techniques, ingredients, and global cuisines, to continually expand knowledge and skills in Plant-forward cuisine and trends

· Receive consistently positive feedback from clients about exceptional quality, taste, creativity, life-force, and presentation of prepared meals

Farmer

Quinstock Farms
02.2018 - 01.2020
  • Performed all facets of Farm Operation, Organization, Maintenance, Growth, and Resource Management
  • Focused on High quality Vegetable Production, Diversification and Expansion; with special focus on Lettuce production and Soil Fertility
  • Pioneered and Orchestrated Community Supported Agriculture program
  • Initiated, Planned and Produced Plant Adjuncts for Beers and Produce for Farm to table ideas
  • Selected and purchased supplies and equipment such as seed & farm tools
  • Planned & Ensured timely planting and harvesting schedules for maximum productivity and minimal waste
  • Assisted in development of Sustainable Agricultural practices and policies to reduce waste
  • Diversified farm products, especially expanding produce offerings
  • Stocked Produce for purchase in Farm Stand
  • Attended Farmer's Markets

Bartender/Brewer assistant

Twin Oast Brewing
05.2018 - 03.2019


  • Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring preparedness for each shift
  • Cleaned & Maintained Organized work space, ensuring compliance with health & safety regulations
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues
  • Operated P.O.S system & handled Cash transactions
  • Served Food & Beers
  • Interacted with customers to ensure expectations were exceeded

Assistant

CMT Waterhousings
02.2016 - 02.2018


  • Prepared Estimates, Invoices & Purchase Orders; managed Payments
  • Worked closely with owner to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries, providing updates and timelines on projects, and resolving issues efficiently
  • Purchased Supplies & tracked Expenses
  • Prepared Tax filing
  • Enhanced office efficiency by organizing and maintaining digital and physical filing systems.
  • Performed wide-ranging Administrative, Financial and Service-related functions.

Bartender/Server/Special Events

Moutain High Resort
11.2014 - 01.2018


  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Maintained a clean, organized, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
  • Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to create cocktails and make recommendations to guests
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.

Office Accounting Clerk

Cecelia J. Cummings, CPA
01.2017 - 06.2017



  • Input high volume of monthly invoices with consistent accuracy.
  • Maintained accounting records utilizing in-house filing systems
  • Facilitated timely month-end closing activities by completing accurate journal entries and account adjustments.
  • Assisted in payroll processing tasks such as timesheet validation, overtime calculation, benefits administration, and tax deductions.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries related to invoices, payments, or account balances.
  • Collaborated with other accounting clerks to maintain a cohesive and supportive work environment, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by learning new software tools and accounting practices, ensuring continued professional development and growth.
  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
  • Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts & credit card accounts and tracked expenses.
  • Input financial data and produced reports using Lacerte, Quickbooks, Excel and Microsoft Office
  • Gathered, evaluated and summarized account data in detailed financial reports.

Bartender/Server

Blue Ridge Inn
02.2015 - 05.2017


  • Prepared & served quality food and craft drinks
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and Communication with colleagues.
  • Maintained a Clean and Organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
  • Developed & maintained loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs
  • Maintained extensive knowledge of the Food & Drink menus & methods
  • Prepared salad dressings, sauces, & condiments according to house recipes. Dated & Rotated stock

Apprentice

Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co.
05.2011 - 12.2011
  • Maintained Cleanliness and Organization of work space
  • Assisted in Event Coordination & Customer satisfaction
  • Worked under guidance of experienced professionals to learn trade best practices and techniques
  • Observed experienced professionals in action, gaining valuable insights into best practices within the field
  • Demonstrated eagerness to learn by asking questions and seeking clarification when necessary
  • Exhibited strong work ethic by consistently arriving on time, completing tasks diligently
  • Built strong relationships with team members and supervisors, fostering a positive work environment
  • Received constructive feedback from mentors, leading to improved performance and increased knowledge
  • Fostered positive work culture by actively participating in team-building activities

Bartender

Baylee’s Steakhouse and Sports Theatre
01.2010 - 02.2011
  • Maintained a Clean, Organized, well-stocked bar and work space
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
  • Created drink specials and drink menus
  • Sought out and introduced craft beers to the establishment; created relationships with distributors
  • Obtained knowledge of inventory, menus, and prices
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift
  • Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty

Server/Caterer

Oliverio’s Restaurant and Catering
05.2004 - 03.2005
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality
  • Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests
  • Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods
  • Maintained clean, organized workspaces to maximize productivity and safety
  • Maintained safety standards by properly handling food and adhering to sanitation guidelines
  • Demonstrated versatility by quickly adapting to various roles within the food service environment as needed
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to enhance service
  • Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
  • Delivered exceptional service by promptly addressing customer concerns and special requests.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining a clean and organized dining area

Photographer/Sales Representative

Sears Portrait Studio
03.2004 - 03.2005

Education

Sustainable Agriculture

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
01.2010

General Education

Fairmont State University
Fairmont, WV
01.2005

Skills

  • Customer service expertise
  • Expertise in plant-based cuisine
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Professional Etiquette
  • Welcoming environment creation
  • Small business management
  • Collaborative networking abilities
  • Strong written communication skills

Timeline

Owner, Farmer, Private Chef

Port Edin
01.2020 - Current

Bartender/Brewer assistant

Twin Oast Brewing
05.2018 - 03.2019

Farmer

Quinstock Farms
02.2018 - 01.2020

Office Accounting Clerk

Cecelia J. Cummings, CPA
01.2017 - 06.2017

Assistant

CMT Waterhousings
02.2016 - 02.2018

Bartender/Server

Blue Ridge Inn
02.2015 - 05.2017

Bartender/Server/Special Events

Moutain High Resort
11.2014 - 01.2018

Apprentice

Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co.
05.2011 - 12.2011

Bartender

Baylee’s Steakhouse and Sports Theatre
01.2010 - 02.2011

Server/Caterer

Oliverio’s Restaurant and Catering
05.2004 - 03.2005

Photographer/Sales Representative

Sears Portrait Studio
03.2004 - 03.2005

General Education

Fairmont State University

Sustainable Agriculture

West Virginia University