ASHLEY VANN
ENTREPRENEUR/EXECUTIVE CHEF MANAGER
Blue Ridge,GA
Summary
Knowledgeable and dedicated customer service professional with extensive experience in satisfying all customers in all aspects. Solid team player with outgoing, positive demeanor and proven skills in establishing rapport with clients. Motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to company success. Specialize in quality, speed and process optimization. Articulate, energetic and results-oriented with exemplary passion for developing relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses. Hardworking Customer Service Representative with 10+ years of experience working with Windows, Microsoft, and currently working with Apple. Trained in project and time management with extensive knowledge and proven multitasking abilities. Committed to maintaining professional relationships with clients to increase profitability and drive business results.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef Manager
Burra Burra On The River
McCaysville, GA
05.2019 - 04.2021
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
- Hired, trained and managed all kitchen staff, including employee development, issuing disciplinary action and conducting performance reviews.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Produced and plated variety of exotic fruit-based desserts and after-dinner cheese plates.
- Inventoried food, ingredient and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Verified compliance in preparation of menu items and customer special requests.
- Properly handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
- Generated employee schedules, work assignments and determined appropriate compensation rates.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Implemented successful cross-marketing strategies such as food and wine pairings.
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance and cleanliness of production and service areas.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Collaborated with vendors to source desired recipe ingredients while maintaining tight cost controls.
- Introduced new market items and spearheaded production of highly popular Sunday brunch.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
Customer Service Executive
Comfort Inn And Suites
Blue Ridge, Georgia
01.2017 - 04.2019
- Established and monitored customer service standards by employing recognized and comprehensive benchmarks.
- Tracked results of various promotional campaigns by gathering feedback from customers and recommended areas of improvement.
- Evaluated interactions between associates and customers to assess personnel performance and customer satisfaction.
- Delivered exceptional training and hands-on motivation to team members to enhance service delivery approaches and boost customer satisfaction.
- Maintained financial accounts by processing customer adjustments.
- Preserved revenue streams by utilizing strong communication and negotiation skills, offering refunds as last resort to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Audited customer support procedures and collaborated regionally to promote standardization across all offices.
- Solicited customer engagement in loyalty programs to enhance company revenue generation.
- Provided company information and policies to customers upon inquiry and answered questions via phone, email or online chat.
- Monitored phone, fax and electronic database systems for incoming customer inquiries.
- Received payment information from customers and implemented it carefully into system to alleviate errors.
- Assessed customer service trends and evaluated complaints to determine areas in need of enhancement and align teams to better meet customer demands.
- Described product and service details to customers to provide information on benefits and advantages.
- Developed working relationships with internal and external customers while assisting with account management duties.
- Maintained accurate and current customer account data with manual forms processing and digital information updates.
- Enhanced department structure and workflows to increase coverage and team efficiency in face of dynamic demands.
- Modified and refined offerings and operational practices to meet changing customer requirements.
Production Manager, Client Services
Brasstown Valley Resort
Hiwassee, Georgia
06.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed manufacturing process and operational efficiency procedures to achieve goal of first run capability.
- Handled complaints, provided appropriate solutions and alternatives within appropriate timeframes, and followed up to achieve resolution.
- Established performance and service goals and held associates accountable for individual performance.
- Determined suitable crew requirements, scheduled employees and worked with Human Resources to meet changing production schedules.
- Successfully managed production activities to achieve on-time shipment of orders.
- Designed and implemented new production schedule to reduce loss in labor and inventory.
- Established position requirements, schedules and production team processes.
- Verified documentation of all process control parameters.
- Implemented quality improvement changes to minimize product defect rates.
- Delegated tasks to existing support team members and used cloud-based tools to help solve complex business issues.
- Sourced materials to keep up with production goals and meet customer demands.
- Immediately addressed all expired product dispositions.
- Maintained and communicated daily productivity and shipment reports for all departments.
- Collaborated with finance department on invoicing accuracy for applicable products, services, software and logistics.
Front Desk Coordinator
Ramada Limited
Blue Ridge, Georgia
07.2008 - 11.2016
- Arranged accommodations and travel plans for visitors and presented updated itineraries.
- Checked-in late-arrival guests, collected payments and verified reservation details to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Answered multi-line phone system to respond to inquiries and transfer calls to correct departments and personnel.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Maintained transaction security by verifying payment cards against identification.
- Explained details regarding property, including restaurants, pool area, spa and fitness center to acclimate patrons to resort environment.
- Transcribed phone messages for entire office and relayed messages.
- Used quick response and dynamic service skills to build relationships with patrons, improving customer retention rate.
- Drafted, copied and forwarded documents and paperwork to facilitate office workflow.
- Reported facility and room maintenance problems to appropriate personnel for immediate remediation.
- Read and responded to emails, answered telephone calls on multi-line phone system and transferred callers.
- Updated customer accounts with add-on room charges, including minibar use and room service bills.
- Served as point of contact for clients, fulfilled requests and resolved conflicts within customer service department and forwarded all other inquiries to appropriate department and personnel.
- Managed sign-in and security procedures, including issuing badges, updating logs and controlling access.
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Greeted incoming visitors, verified credentials and purpose of visit in order to direct appropriate area or personnel.
- Ran end-of-day reports and batches and notified staff of necessary corrections and resolutions.
- Promoted local entertainment and sporting events and offered details to assist patrons.
- Verified patient demographic information, copied documentation and directed to provided information.
- Maintained office supplies by taking inventory and submitted orders for low-stock items.
- Planned coverage needs and organized services to support incoming special events.
- Kept accounts in balance and ran daily reports to verify totals.
- Scheduled client meetings and appointments with office employees and collected vital information.
- Provided guests with above-and-beyond service, including making outside venue reservations and setting up tours.
Restaurant Crew Member/Supervisor Trainee
Wendys
Blue Ridge, Georgia
07.2004 - 02.2008
- Set performance goals for individual team members and created reward systems and contests.
- Supervised team members and oversaw effective and efficient completion of job duties.
- Consulted with prospective customers on job specifications and contractual agreements.
- Quickly and efficiently resolved complaints and escalated issues.
- Educated crew workers on quality standards throughout construction process.
- Distributed necessary tasks and duties during each shift.
- Studied building plans and inspected structures to assess material and equipment needs.
- Facilitated disciplinary action when necessary.
- Hired, trained and managed all kitchen staff, including employee development, issuing disciplinary action and conducting performance reviews.
- Controlled food costs and managed inventory.
- Disciplined and motivated staff to achieve challenging objectives in fast-paced culinary environments.
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Created new recipes, outlined steps and training staff on correct preparation.
- Resolved challenging customer complaints to full satisfaction, promoting brand loyalty and maximizing repeat business.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Oversaw grill, stove and oven and cleaned all equipment after every shift.
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction.
- Monitored food preparation, production and plating for quality control.
- Directed activities of team of skilled kitchen workers preparing and serving meals.
- Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fannin County High School
Blue Ridge, GA 08.2000 - 05.2004
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
North Georgia Technical College
Clarkesville, GA 09.2004 - 10.2006
Skills
Signature dish creation
Forecasting and planning
Recipes and menu planning
Payroll and scheduling
Food plating and presentation
Performance assessments
Food spoilage prevention
Employee training and development
Workflow Optimization
Operations management
Staff Management
Problem-solving
Vendor relations
Equipment Maintenance
Food preparation and safety
Budgeting
Performance improvement
Menu planning
Order delivery practices
Issue escalation
Payment management
Relationship building
Online chat and email
Documentation and notes
Presentation skills
Company policy adherence
Satisfaction monitoring
Marketing
Coaching and mentoring
Inventory assistance
Multi-line phone talent
Report preparation
Complaint resolution
Recordkeeping strengths
POS systems expert
Production line management
Assembly and production
Manufacturing management
Client Relationships
Office administration
Word processing
Phone call direction
End-of-day reporting
Timeline
Executive Chef Manager
Burra Burra On The River
05.2019 - 04.2021
Customer Service Executive
Comfort Inn And Suites
01.2017 - 04.2019
Production Manager, Client Services
Brasstown Valley Resort
06.2015 - 01.2017
Front Desk Coordinator
Ramada Limited
07.2008 - 11.2016
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
North Georgia Technical College
09.2004 - 10.2006
Restaurant Crew Member/Supervisor Trainee
Wendys
07.2004 - 02.2008
High School Diploma -
Fannin County High School
08.2000 - 05.2004