Benjamin Bryce Preston
Salem
Summary
Self-Motivated leading professional with a strong track record of developing good work ethics and motivating fellow team members to accomplish a common goal! Diligent Server with solid background in providing exceptional customer service in high-paced environments. Effectively managed tables and collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations and satisfied patrons. Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities and attention to detail, ensuring seamless dining experience. Also experienced with managing tables and providing top-notch service to guests in fast-paced environments. Utilizes excellent communication skills to collaborate with team members and create welcoming atmosphere. Track record of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency, ensuring positive dining experience for all patrons.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event Coordinator, Bartender. Server
Arcane North West Catering, Sassy Onion
State St.
07.2021 - Current
- Coordinated logistics for various events, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors to secure optimal services and pricing.
- Managed event budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring adherence to financial guidelines.
- Designed event layouts and timelines, enhancing attendee experience through strategic planning.
- Trained junior team members on best practices in event coordination and client communication.
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
- Increased brand visibility through strategic placement of promotional materials at high-profile events.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
- Evaluated feedback from attendees after each function, utilizing insights gained to inform improvements in subsequent endeavors.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Crafted a diverse range of cocktails and beverages to meet customer preferences.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste while ensuring adequate stock availability.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
Server, Manager, Host, Caterer, Bartender
Sassy Onion
Market St. State St.
07.2021 - 05.2026
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new staff on customer service protocols and menu knowledge.
- Implemented efficient workflows to enhance team productivity during peak hours.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage and reduce labor costs effectively.
- Trained servers on order management, food service quality and how to build rapport with guests.
- Welcomed and greeted guests before presenting special menu items to clients.
- Led team of servers to consistently meet customer service and sales targets.
- Cultivated guest satisfaction and loyalty through consistent commitment to quality service.
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating needs and addressing concerns promptly.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently while maintaining high service standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and processed payments swiftly to minimize wait times.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
Server, Manager, Host, Bartender
Almost Host Restaurant
Market St.
03.2016 - 07.2021
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
- Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Adaptable individual with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for building relationships. Known for delivering outstanding service and enhancing client satisfaction. Focused on fostering positive interactions and creating collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Goal-oriented professional with proven success in applying analytical skills to solve complex problems and overcome challenges. Dedicated to enhancing team performance and driving business success.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Versatile professional with strong problem-solving skills and history of adapting to diverse challenges. Applies innovative solutions and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results. Committed to streamlining processes and advancing organizational objectives.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
Server, Manager, Bartender, Trainer
Ventis Taphouse
Commercial St.
02.2013 - 03.2016
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Implemented efficient workflow processes to enhance service delivery and reduce wait times.
- Resolved customer concerns promptly, maintaining positive dining experiences and loyalty.
- Managed multiple servers across diverse platforms, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability.
- Trained junior team members on server management techniques and procedures, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- 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.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
Server, Manager, Shift Leader, Corporate Trainer,
On The Border Restaurant
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2008 - 03.2013
- Trained and mentored servers to enhance service quality and team performance.
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring adherence to service standards and protocols.
- Developed and implemented staff schedules to optimize coverage during peak hours.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and resolve service issues quickly.
- Implemented strategies that improved employee retention and satisfaction within the team.
- Handled guest complaints in positively and offered appreciation tokens to build customer loyalty.
- Reduced downtime with proactive maintenance and regular system checks for optimal server functionality.
- Established team strengths and weaknesses and exploited opportunities to boost employee output and customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in implementing new service procedures that improved overall operational efficiency.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Applied for Table Busser position, Was hired as a Server.
- Received Team Member of the Month Award September 2008.
- Promoted to Shift Leader November 2008.
- Promoted To Trainer December 2008.
- Promoted to Bartender January 2009.
Canvasser
Hansons Home Repairs
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2007 - 08.2007
- Conducted door-to-door outreach to promote home repair services and generate leads.
- Engaged potential customers through effective communication and persuasive techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and feedback for follow-up actions.
- Collaborated with team members to strategize outreach efforts and improve engagement rates.
- Trained new canvassers on best practices for effective communication and lead generation strategies.
- Developed and maintained relationships with potential customers to drive engagement.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering long-lasting relationships and future business opportunities.
- Strengthened brand reputation by delivering exceptional customer service during all interactions.
- Utilized persuasive skills to overcome objections, ultimately converting leads into satisfied customers.
- Increased sales leads by implementing effective canvassing strategies and engaging with potential customers.
- Improved lead generation rates by conducting thorough market research and adjusting sales tactics accordingly.
- Traveled by foot or automobile to deliver or sell merchandise or services.
- Used scripts or persuasive sales techniques to convince clients in purchasing Windows
- Door t Door Appointment Setting.
Warehouse Manager, Furniture Associate.
Furniture Warehouse
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2003 - 11.2006
- Oversaw daily warehouse operations ensuring optimal efficiency and safety compliance.
- Implemented inventory management systems improving stock accuracy and reducing discrepancies.
- Streamlined order fulfillment processes decreasing turnaround times and improving customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with vendors to secure timely deliveries, maintaining seamless supply chain operations.
- Conducted periodic audits of inventory levels to ensure accuracy, identifying discrepancies for swift resolution.
- Boosted customer satisfaction through timely order fulfillment and accurate inventory tracking.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture that motivated employees to perform their best while maintaining high morale.
- Collaborated closely with sales department to address any issues related to product availability or shipment delays.
- Optimized shipping and receiving operations, ensuring timely dispatch and receipt of goods with minimal delays or damage.
- Oversaw Shipping and Receiving, Inventory, Assembly, Customer Service.
- Applied for General Labor Position, Was hired as a Floor Remodeler.
- Promoted to Warehouse Inventory 2003.
- Promoted to Shipping and Receiving 2004.
- Promoted to Warehouse Manager 2005.
Canvasser
Kent County Republicans
Grand Rapids, MI
03.2002 - 11.2002
- Analyzed customer needs to tailor service presentations effectively, resulting in higher interest levels.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline canvassing operations, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Mentored junior canvassers, fostering skill development and increasing team performance metrics.
- Raised awareness for key political campaigns by distributing informative materials and engaging in persuasive conversations with residents.
- Maintained a positive attitude and high energy levels throughout long hours of door-to-door outreach, contributing to team morale.
- Improved campaign visibility by strategically placing yard signs, posters, and other promotional materials throughout the community.
- Boosted fundraising efforts for various organizations through persuasive dialogue and personal connections with potential donors.
- Increased voter registration rates by effectively communicating the importance of civic participation during door-to-door canvassing.
- Responded to customer questions and objections to address concerns and build rapport.
- Built relationships with customers to support ongoing sales and customer retention initiatives.
- Navigated challenging conversations with diplomacy, successfully addressing objections while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Met and exceeded daily and weekly sales targets to contribute to overall business success.
- Followed up with customers to verify satisfaction with products and services.
- Knocked on doors in targeted neighborhoods to spread information for enhanced public knowledge.
- Built strong relationships with community members, fostering trust and increasing campaign visibility.
- Door to Door Surveys, Absentee Ballots.
Dishwasher, Host, Busser
New Beginnings Restaurant
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2000 - 07.2002
- Operated dishwashing equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitation compliance.
- Maintained organized workspace to enhance efficiency and workflow.
- Assisted kitchen staff by providing clean dishes in a timely manner.
- Trained new employees on proper dishwashing techniques and safety protocols.
- Implemented best practices for waste disposal and recycling within the kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and efficient kitchen area.
- Kept dishes, utensils and glassware clean and rotated following safety standards set by restaurant.
- Completed extra cleaning work on garbage cans, racks, dry storage areas, and other fixtures to keep kitchen spotless.
- Completed additional cleaning tasks within the kitchen area, contributing to an overall sanitary work environment.
- Cleared, washed and stacked all plates, dining utensils, and trays quickly and without breaking.
- Scraped, washed and efficiently restacked dishware, utensils, and glassware to keep kitchen ready for customer demands.
- Collaborated effectively with servers and bussers to ensure timely clearing of tables, enhancing guest experience throughout their visit.
- Helped team meet expected demands by restocking work areas throughout restaurant such as server stations, salad bars, and supply cupboards.
- Wash dishes, Greet Guest, Buss and reset tables.
Education
No Degree -
Creston High School
Grand Rapids, MI05-2003
High School Diploma -
Creston High School
Grand Rapids, MI05-2003
Skills
- Event planning
- Time management
- Guest relations
- Room setup and breakdown
- Business growth
- Catering coordination
- Workflow management
- Quick Learner
- Dependable
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Leadership
- Dedicated
- Hard Worker
Certification
- Food Handlers Card
- OLLC License
Daytime Phone Number
971-718-9808
Message Number
971-707-5508
Timeline
Event Coordinator, Bartender. Server
Arcane North West Catering, Sassy Onion
07.2021 - Current
Server, Manager, Host, Caterer, Bartender
Sassy Onion
07.2021 - 05.2026
Server, Manager, Host, Bartender
Almost Host Restaurant
03.2016 - 07.2021
Server, Manager, Bartender, Trainer
Ventis Taphouse
02.2013 - 03.2016
Server, Manager, Shift Leader, Corporate Trainer,
On The Border Restaurant
08.2008 - 03.2013
Canvasser
Hansons Home Repairs
01.2007 - 08.2007
Warehouse Manager, Furniture Associate.
Furniture Warehouse
01.2003 - 11.2006
Canvasser
Kent County Republicans
03.2002 - 11.2002
Dishwasher, Host, Busser
New Beginnings Restaurant
01.2000 - 07.2002
No Degree -
Creston High School
High School Diploma -
Creston High School