Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Ben Ross

Iowa City,IA

Summary

Efficient worker with experience in fast-paced retail environments. Known for accuracy in handling financial transactions and balancing cash drawers. Skilled at customer service, offering prompt and friendly checkout experiences. Improved transaction times through effective communication and organization skills, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Groundskeeper

Siroos Shirazi
Solon, IA
06.2023 - Current
  • Worked independently as a groundskeeper for property owned by Siroos Shirazi.
  • Designed and built flower beds and retaining walls.
  • Tasked with laying bricks for patios and pressure washing outdoor concrete.
  • Took care of regular outdoor maintenance, such as mowing, weeding, and tree trimming.
  • I spent most of my time working alone, and I was expected to complete the given tasks independently.

Barista

Dodge Street Coffeehouse
Iowa City, IA
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Managed coffee grinding and brewing equipment, performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of coffee bean varieties, roasting processes, and brewing methods.
  • Trained new baristas on coffee-making techniques, customer service standards, and operational procedures.
  • Recommended pastries and sandwiches to pair with customers' beverages.
  • Managed morning rush of customers daily with efficient, levelheaded customer service.

Server

Bluebird Cafe
North Liberty, IA
11.2022 - 06.2023
  • Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
  • Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
  • Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Assisted in training new servers.
  • Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
  • Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.

Host Manager

Bluebird Cafe
North Liberty, IA
07.2020 - 07.2021
  • Contributed to recruiting, interviewing and hiring processes to fill open hostess roles.
  • Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally.
  • Supervised activities of hostesses and busboys.
  • Increased restaurant sales through top-quality reception, greeting and seating service.
  • Greeted guests and provided excellent customer service.
  • Coordinated hostess schedules, workflows, and daily assignments to leverage team strengths.

Host

Bluebird Cafe
North Liberty, IA
07.2017 - 07.2020
  • Communicated with servers about new tables, changes in food availability and customer comments.
  • Managed dining room layout to maximize efficiency of staff members.
  • Delivered outstanding service and support from initial interaction to final departure, maintaining loyal clientele.
  • Provided excellent customer service by anticipating customer needs.
  • Managed guest expectations by relaying information regarding hours, wait times and specials.
  • Greeted incoming guests to escort to assigned dining area and present menus.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration

Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
05-2025

High School Diploma -

Liberty Highschool
North Liberty, IA
05-2021

Skills

  • Food handling safety
  • Order management
  • Guest service
  • Order entry
  • Self-motivating
  • Food safety practices
  • Menu recommendations
  • Guest issue resolution
  • Guest satisfaction

Accomplishments

  • Successfully created host manager position to enhance employee training and efficiency.
  • Interviewed, hired, and trained new staff.
  • Grew a customer base of repeat and referral customers by continually offering exceptional customer service.

Timeline

Barista

Dodge Street Coffeehouse
08.2023 - 06.2024

Groundskeeper

Siroos Shirazi
06.2023 - Current

Server

Bluebird Cafe
11.2022 - 06.2023

Host Manager

Bluebird Cafe
07.2020 - 07.2021

Host

Bluebird Cafe
07.2017 - 07.2020

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration

Kirkwood Community College

High School Diploma -

Liberty Highschool
Ben Ross