Blake Bolen
Oxford
Summary
I have very good people skills and I enjoy being around others. I'm very patient, persistent and determined. I have a very competitive spirit but I also love to enable others to succeed with me.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Olive Garden Restaurant
The Villages
09.2024 - Current
- Prepared and served beverages to diverse clientele in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area and equipment daily.
- Managed inventory levels and restocked supplies as needed for smooth operation.
- Provided excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Trained new bartenders on procedures, safety protocols, and customer interaction techniques.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Monitored customer behavior to ensure compliance with legal drinking age regulations.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with POS system.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Poured wine, beer, and cocktails for patrons.
- Maintained inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other beverage items.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Managed bar area, cocktail design and menu and handled inventory, regulation compliance, and customer relationships.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings, and special promotions.
- Balanced daily registers and generated sales reports for management.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Collected and organized daily till totals and tips.
- Cleansed glasses with sanitizing solution after each use.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment, and sanitation standards.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss goals and objectives set by management.
- Introduced bar staff to precision pouring and waste reduction tactics to lower liquor costs.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Made friendly conversation with customers to provide enjoyable bar experience.
- Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
- Managed accurate bar tabs and processed cash and credit card transactions.
- Arranged bottles and glasses behind bar to make attractive displays.
- Described drink flavors and taste profiles to customers to help with ordering decisions.
- Cleaned up spills and broken glassware and safely disposed of sharp pieces.
- Neatly sliced and pitted fruit for garnishing drinks.
Gutter Installer
A-Action Seamless Gutters
Oxford
01.2023 - Current
- I was responsible for measuring the homes and hanging up gutters.
- I also had to maintain the truck organization and take inventory on the supplies each week.
Personal Trainer
Anytime Fitness
Lady Lake
03.2018 - 06.2022
- I was responsible for making a schedule every week for each client.
- Keeping clients on track and helping them with weekly/monthly goals.
- I needed to be positive and help build up my clients and my coworkers which helped things run much smoother.
- I also instructed large Group Workout classes throughout my training.
Bartender and Server
Harbor Hills Country Club
Lady Lake
06.2017 - 06.2022
- I was responsible for giving my guest the best customer service while also keeping wait times on drinking as short as possible.
- I had to multitask a lot while behind the bar or serving guest.
- I also had to maintain a clean area even when I became very busy.
- Prepared and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to club members.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area throughout shifts.
- Assisted in managing inventory levels and ordering supplies as needed.
- Engaged with patrons to provide excellent customer service and recommendations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service during events.
- Trained new bartenders on cocktail recipes and proper serving techniques.
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately for services rendered.
- Monitored guest behavior to uphold a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with POS system.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Poured wine, beer, and cocktails for patrons.
- Maintained inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other beverage items.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Managed bar area, cocktail design and menu and handled inventory, regulation compliance, and customer relationships.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings, and special promotions.
- Balanced daily registers and generated sales reports for management.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Collected and organized daily till totals and tips.
- Cleansed glasses with sanitizing solution after each use.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment, and sanitation standards.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay updated on new products or trends.
- Introduced bar staff to precision pouring and waste reduction tactics to lower liquor costs.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Made friendly conversation with customers to provide enjoyable bar experience.
- Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
- Managed accurate bar tabs and processed cash and credit card transactions.
- Arranged bottles and glasses behind bar to make attractive displays.
- Described drink flavors and taste profiles to customers to help with ordering decisions.
- Cleaned up spills and broken glassware and safely disposed of sharp pieces.
- Neatly sliced and pitted fruit for garnishing drinks.
- Communicated with security staff to de-escalate customer conflicts and remove customers if necessary.
- Studied industry trends to inform planning of bar menu and development of new drink recipes.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure guest satisfaction and comfort.
- Assisted in menu knowledge to recommend food and beverage pairings effectively.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely order delivery and accuracy.
- Managed dining area cleanliness and organization for a welcoming atmosphere.
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately at the register.
- Trained new servers on procedures, standards, and customer service expectations.
- Responded promptly to guest inquiries and resolved complaints professionally.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss service improvements and guest feedback.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
- Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers, and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
Gym Manager
Anytime Fitness
Summerfield
01.2019 - 01.2021
- I had to maintain a positive remit each month, sell memberships and personal training.
- I was responsible for keeping the gym clean and disinfected for member safety.
- I was expected to make phone calls and answer the phone throughout my shift.
Military Police Officer
Army National Guard OH
Middletown
12.2008 - 10.2013
- Enforced laws and regulations to maintain safety and security on military installations.
- Conducted investigations into criminal activities and reported findings to superiors.
- Managed traffic control and ensured compliance with safety protocols during exercises.
- Developed and implemented security plans for the protection of critical assets and infrastructure.
- Participated in joint operations with civilian law enforcement agencies when required.
- Responded to emergency calls for service, providing immediate assistance and coordinating with other emergency response teams as necessary.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior officers on procedures and protocols.
- Enforced military laws and regulations.
- Adhered to all state and federal laws while performing duties as a Military Police Officer.
- Provided physical security and law enforcement services to military personnel, facilities, and resources.
- Interacted with members of the public in a professional manner while representing the US Army.
- Supervised military police activities including patrol operations, traffic control points, and special events.
- Provided crowd control during large public events or demonstrations.
- Developed plans for responding to terrorist incidents or other high-risk scenarios.
- Provided 24-hour armed internal security for multiple events by monitoring security equipment and operational logbooks to control building access.
- Investigated complaints from military personnel regarding alleged violations of UCMJ or other regulations.
- Mitigated risk with immediate emergency response security.
- Managed law enforcement, criminal investigations, safety protocols and civil disturbances.
- Coordinated with legal, medical, and mental health professionals to address the needs of victims and suspects.
- Administered first aid and emergency medical treatment to injured persons until medical personnel arrived.
- Partnered with team members to implement service initiatives and achieve team objectives.
- Supported positive relationships between community leaders and general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens and visitors.
Education
High school Diploma -
Carlisle High school
Carlisle, OHSkills
- Customer service
- Food service
- Restaurant experience
- Time management
- Computer literacy
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Guest services
- Personal training
- Cleaning
- Beverage preparation
- Inventory management
- Cash handling
- Mixology knowledge
- Event planning
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Sales techniques
- Multitasking efficiency
- Customer service expertise
- Performance improvement
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Food running
- Salesmanship
- Identification verification
- Dining room management
- Craft cocktail preparation
- Glassware management
- Suggestive selling
- Highly reliable
- Anticipating guest needs
- Excellent judgment
- New hire training
- Strong multitasking
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Proficient in mixology
- Recipe and menu memorization
- Bar operations management
- Inventory
- Classic cocktails
- Aloha POS
- Bar restocking
- Maintaining a clean bar
- Changing beer kegs
- Hospitality service expertise
- Payment processing
- ABC regulations
- Team player attitude
- Responsible alcohol service
- Safe food handling procedures
- Clear and effective communication
- Sales expertise
- Staff management
Timeline
Bartender
Olive Garden Restaurant
09.2024 - Current
Gutter Installer
A-Action Seamless Gutters
01.2023 - Current
Gym Manager
Anytime Fitness
01.2019 - 01.2021
Personal Trainer
Anytime Fitness
03.2018 - 06.2022
Bartender and Server
Harbor Hills Country Club
06.2017 - 06.2022
Military Police Officer
Army National Guard OH
12.2008 - 10.2013
High school Diploma -
Carlisle High school