Brandon Lawin
Shelton
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience in various kitchen roles, beginning as a dishwasher at age 16 and thriving in high-volume environments and fine dining establishments. Culinary school training provides a solid foundation, complemented by hands-on expertise gained through years of dedicated service. A brief foray into carpentry and administrative support in HR enriched skill sets, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and employee training for over 850 staff members. Proven ability to adapt and contribute positively to team dynamics, ensuring excellence in every culinary endeavor.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Operations Manager
Budd Bay Cafe
Olympia, WA
03.2020 - Current
- Achieved successful reopening of Olympia Oyster House, resulting in promotion to oversee operations of three local restaurants: Olympia Oyster House, Budd Bay Cafe, and Rivers Edge Restaurant.
- Maximized operational efficiency through advanced spreadsheet and data analysis skills.
- Successfully managed five LLCs, including three restaurants and two commercial properties.
- Enabled companies to endure two COVID shutdowns and effectively navigate government loans and grants, securing full loan forgiveness.
- Played a vital role in all operations, managing payroll, accounting, hiring, termination, training, contract negotiation, purchasing, insurance, and building maintenance.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across multiple locations.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives, improving service delivery standards.
Executive Sous Chef
Olympia Oyster House
Olympia, WA
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Achieved a successful reopening of a prominent local seafood restaurant through effective management of menu and kitchen design. Optimized staffing and inventory processes while analyzing performance to enhance overall operational success.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to food safety and hygiene standards.
- Developed and executed seasonal menus reflecting local ingredients and culinary trends.
- Collaborated with front-of-house teams to enhance customer dining experience through menu knowledge.
- Streamlined kitchen operations, reducing food waste and improving ingredient utilization rates.
Food and beverage manager
Lake limerick country club
Shelton, WA
05.2016 - 01.2019
- I oversee all food and beverage operations for the company . 2 kitchens , catering , 1 bar, ordering , scheduling , training , staffing
- Oversaw daily operations of food and beverage service, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Developed and implemented innovative menus based on seasonal ingredients and member preferences.
- Managed inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste effectively.
- Trained and mentored staff on service standards, enhancing team performance and customer satisfaction.
HR Training coordinator
Little Creek Casino Resort
01.2014 - 04.2016
- Delivered information and assistance to employees and the public regarding HR activities and policies.
- Drafted various correspondence and memoranda.
- Organized and coordinated company-wide activities.
- Developed training programs to enhance employee performance and engagement.
- Coordinated onboarding processes to ensure smooth integration of new hires.
- Managed complex administrative duties related to personnel functions and employee orientation.
Chef
Little Creek Casino Resort
04.2010 - 06.2013
- Responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of staff.
- Responsible for training and evaluating performance of Main Kitchen Staff.
- Manages subordinate leads who supervise employees in the Main Kitchen.
- Also directly supervises non-supervisory employees.
- Responsible for ensuring accurate recording keeping relating to personnel issues.
- Carries out supervisor responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
- Implement ongoing skills training to ensure service standards are being upheld
- Perform Employee Evaluations with proposed action plans.
- Responsibilities include; interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
- Interpret company policies and provide a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with safety programs and job safety analysis.
Apprentice Carpenter
WG Clark Construction Co
Seattle, WA
04.2008 - 08.2011
- Started as a laborer and quickly moved up due to my ability to learn and troubleshoot . My previous experience working as a kid with my dad in the HVAC field also helped me move up as I had experience using tools .
Lead Line Cook
Little Creek Casino Resort
07.2006 - 04.2010
- Acts as immediate on Line Supervisors to all Cooks and Prep Cooks.
- Ensures line organization, cleanliness and sanitation.
- Ensures prep lists are prepared and line is stocked.
- Assigns line station rotation and leads line in all food production.
- Acts as a liaison between line cooks, Kitchen Manager and Assistant Kitchen Manager.
- Assists with coordination and training for all line activities, following Kitchen Manager and Assistant Kitchen Managers direction.
- Cooks and ensures line staff properly portions and prepares foodstuff and menu items in quantities according to menu items ordered and number of persons to be served.
- Consults with Kitchen Manager and Assistant Kitchen Manager on daily operations, recipes, staff, menu, preparation and presentation of food.
- Cuts meat according to portion control. May be required to bake breads and pastries.
- Plans menu taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.
- Ensures that daily specials are planned, developed and ready to serve on time.
- Orders supplies and keeps records and accounts.
- Monitors daily assignment shoots and line checklists.
- Monitors all aspects of food service in assigned area to ensure quality, sanitary preparation and presentation.
- Evaluates line cooking staff performance.
- Works on buffets or special events as required.
Sous Chef
Siena at the courtyard
08.2005 - 07.2006
- Spent 6mo in Colorado. It was a great experience and an awesome stage kitchen. One of the best Fine dining spots in the south Denver area.
Line Cook
Lake Limerick Country Club
01.2003 - 06.2005
- Privately owned Country Club that did a lot of weddings and also had a public dinning room
Line Cook
Flaming Lantern
05.2000 - 09.2002
- This was my first kitchen job in a busy steak house, I worked summer and weekends. I started as a dishwasher, but quickly moved up to fry cook and then eventually lead grill cook. This place is where I developed my ability to maintain under busy situations. Eventually I relocated to WA state
Education
High School Diploma - general
South Puget Sound Community College
01-2014
Leadership
Fallmouth Institute
01-2014
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Seattle
01-2007
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Warehouse management
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Project management
- Project planning and development
- HR policies and procedures
- Microsoft office proficiency
- Training and mentoring
- Employee relations
- HR analytics
- Diversity and inclusion
Certification
- Microsoft Access February 2015 to Present Crash Course in MS Access completed level 1-2
- Microsoft Excel March 2014 to Present crash course in MS Excel Completed Level 1-3
- ServSafe
- Driver's License
- Food Handler
Languages
English (Professional working proficiency)
Spanish (Limited working proficiency)
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Regional Operations Manager
Budd Bay Cafe
03.2020 - Current
Executive Sous Chef
Olympia Oyster House
01.2019 - 03.2020
Food and beverage manager
Lake limerick country club
05.2016 - 01.2019
HR Training coordinator
Little Creek Casino Resort
01.2014 - 04.2016
Chef
Little Creek Casino Resort
04.2010 - 06.2013
Apprentice Carpenter
WG Clark Construction Co
04.2008 - 08.2011
Lead Line Cook
Little Creek Casino Resort
07.2006 - 04.2010
Sous Chef
Siena at the courtyard
08.2005 - 07.2006
Line Cook
Lake Limerick Country Club
01.2003 - 06.2005
Line Cook
Flaming Lantern
05.2000 - 09.2002
Leadership
Fallmouth Institute
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Seattle
High School Diploma - general
South Puget Sound Community College