Blake Nielsen
Monterey,CA
Summary
Self-motivated and dependable professional. Proficient in customer service and interpersonal interactions with a decade long history in hospitality but looking to expand into new fields.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Manager/Server
Passionfish
Pacific Grove, CA
11.2021 - 09.2023
- Assisted in selections of beer, wine, and craft sodas
- Maintained thorough knowledge of menu ingredients and terminology to answer customer questions and adjust for allergies
- Assisted in interviewing potential employees and hiring/termination decisions
- Helped other servers correct mistakes with complimentary items and coaching when needed
- Weekly homework to learn about wine in order to help customers navigate our extensive wine list
- Trained new servers
Server
Zion Mountain Ranch
Mount Carmel, UT
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials, wine and desserts to increase profits.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and anticipating condiments, napkins and other needs.
- Cleared table and bussed dishes to allow for quick setups.
- Stocked server areas with supplies before, during and after shifts.
Server
Switchback Grille
Springdale, UT
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Educated guests on daily specials and appetizers, entrees, desserts and other menu items.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and anticipating condiments, napkins and other needs.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Communicated effectively with patrons to establish preferences and dietary restrictions and make food and beverage recommendations.
- Answered phone inquiries to schedule and confirm reservations, record takeout orders and respond to service questions.
Lube Technician
Kwik Kar Lube & Tune
Denton, TX
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Tracked mechanical and repair problems and discussed solutions with shop leadership.
- Communicated advanced mechanical information to non-mechanical people in easy-to-understand terms.
- Performed routine and reparative maintenance for company freight and trucks.
- Communicated with customers to explain estimates and provide expected delivery and repair timelines; addressed customer questions or concerns to enhance customer satisfaction.
Brand Ambassador
Metroplex Management Group
Irving, TX
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Processed purchases using POS systems to complete cash and credit card transactions.
- Created positive and rewarding client experiences through warm and friendly customer interactions.
- Maintained consistent visual merchandising standards to highlight product features, attract customers and boost sales.
- Promoted various products, including electricity, cell phones, and home automation by educating customers and prospects about offerings.
- Monitored all sales activity and assessed customer satisfaction with purchases by tracking completed sales and cancellations.
Lead Server
Alpine Country Club
Highland, UT
05.2012 - 01.2019
- Managed bar inventory, selected spirits, beer, and wine and created signature cocktail menu.
- Used Microsoft Publisher to create custom menus for special events.
- Assisted in preparing for special functions and banquets by setting up and taking down tables and chairs and decorating.
- Made recommendations concerning daily specials, wine selections and desserts to guide patrons toward more profitable items.
- Trained 20 new employees on proper food handling, guest expectations and restaurant protocols.
- Managed closing duties, including restocking items and reconciliation of cash drawer.
- Cleaned, sanitized and organized food speed racks, bins and dry storage racks to keep food storage areas neat and prevent food-borne illness.
- Managed and collaborated with servers and staff members and effectively fostered team-oriented environment.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
Grocery Clerk
Sprouts Farmers Market
Orem, UT
02.2012 - 05.2012
- Completed daily cycle counts and monthly audits of specified segments to keep inventory current and accurate.
- Reviewed current planograms and end cap placements to properly merchandise items.
- Prepared products for sales floor by adding tags and readying pallets or restocking.
- Verified invoices against delivered merchandise to check shipment accuracy.
- Assisted customers based on currently available product, promotional and policy information.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with retrieving and locating products throughout store.
- Reviewed the quality of displayed products and removed old or poor quality merchandise.
- Placed new produce orders based on expected demand.
- Followed company guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing all work surfaces and equipment.
Inside Sales Representative
Vivint Smart Home
Provo, UT
09.2010 - 01.2011
- Calculated total costs for service delivery, including production, delivery and installation requirements.
- Collaborated with customers after sales to identify and resolve service, account or technical product issues.
- Educated customers about product features and technical details to highlight benefits and correct misunderstandings.
- Gathered information on sales and service issues to provide effective resolutions.
- Set up customer accounts in computer system with complete information.
Deli Clerk
Kohler's Food Stores
Highland, UT
05.2010 - 07.2010
- Followed recipes and customer request details to prepare high-quality, delicious meals.
- Prepared for busy periods by organizing ingredients and restocking supplies for expected loads.
- Protected food from spoilage by storing according to safety procedures.
- Created aesthetically pleasing food arrangements for special orders and party trays.
- Stayed calm and professional in all situations and resolved conflicts to customer satisfaction.
- Maintained work areas by cleaning surfaces, equipment and floors, removing trash and providing machinery upkeep.
- Answered telephone inquiries about available menu items, products and services and delivered appropriate information so customers could make valid choices.
- Closely adhered to food safety and sanitation procedures established by company and regulatory agencies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lone Peak High School
Highland, UT2007
Some College (No Degree) - Engineering (Pre-Engineering)
Utah Valley University
Orem, UTSkills
- Effective customer communication
- Liquor, wine and food service
- Buffet setup and takedown
- Conflict and dispute resolution
- Interpersonal skills
- Team leadership skills
Timeline
Assistant Manager/Server
Passionfish
11.2021 - 09.2023
Server
Zion Mountain Ranch
08.2021 - 10.2021
Server
Switchback Grille
09.2019 - 09.2021
Lube Technician
Kwik Kar Lube & Tune
06.2019 - 08.2019
Brand Ambassador
Metroplex Management Group
03.2019 - 06.2019
Lead Server
Alpine Country Club
05.2012 - 01.2019
Grocery Clerk
Sprouts Farmers Market
02.2012 - 05.2012
Inside Sales Representative
Vivint Smart Home
09.2010 - 01.2011
Deli Clerk
Kohler's Food Stores
05.2010 - 07.2010
High School Diploma -
Lone Peak High School
Some College (No Degree) - Engineering (Pre-Engineering)
Utah Valley University