- Baking
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Road Trips
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Wine Tasting
- Animal Care
- Reading
Candace Lewis
Ocean Pines,MD
Summary
Dynamic Director of Business Specialist with a strong culinary background and extensive experience in food sales, driving revenue growth and market expansion within the foodservice industry. Skilled in building lasting relationships with customers, vendors, and sales team to deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop strategic sales plans, and identify emerging market trends. Passionate about leveraging culinary expertise and business acumen to advance into a Director of Local Sales role, focused on growing regional sales and strengthening brand presence in the competitive food market.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director Business Specialist- Regional
Sysco
08.2022 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved Customer experience through Specialty partnerships
Culinary Specialist
Sysco
01.2016 - 08.2022
- Develop customer and broker relationships
- Culinary operation and development, internal and external
- Coordinate events, trainings, seminars
- Deep dive through customer operations and menu development
- Sysco brand expert, and advocate for market growth
- Managed and mentored night crew
General Manager
Steamers Restaurant
01.2014 - 07.2016
- Manager FOH and BOH operations, banquets executions and coordination
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Executive Chef - Multi Unit
Firestone Walker Brewery
01.2013 - 12.2013
- R/D team for emerging concepts
- P and L creation, management, presentation
- Layout and systems analysis for current and expanding concepts
- Vendor relations and concept analytics
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
Executive Chef
Twenty99 Bistro
01.2010 - 12.2012
- facilitatied two expansion projects
- Community advocate for Culinary change, and innovative engagement
- Culinary classes developed for community outreach
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
Education
MBA - Organizational Management
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA- GLOBAL
01.2021
BS - Operations Management
ASHFORD UNIVERSITY
01.2019
Associate Occupational Studies - Le Cordon Bleu, Culinary Art
CALIFORNIA CULINARY ACADEMY
01.2006
Skills
- Sales training and leadership
- Problem-solving
- Networking
- Customer engagement
- Partnership development
- Competitive intelligence
- Cooking techniques
- Attention to detail
- Effective communications
- Wine tasting expertise
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
Certification
- Serve Safe Certification, Managers 2018
- Certified Angus Beef, MBA 2017
- TIPS certification, 2015
- Sommelier Certification, 2012
- Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Certification, 2006
- Dietary Nutrition Certification, 2005
Hobbies and Interests
Travel enthusiast, Sommelier instructor, Continual learning / personal development, DIY craftsman and artist, Baking for family and friends, Family and dogs
Interests
Timeline
Director Business Specialist- Regional
Sysco
08.2022 - Current
Culinary Specialist
Sysco
01.2016 - 08.2022
General Manager
Steamers Restaurant
01.2014 - 07.2016
Executive Chef - Multi Unit
Firestone Walker Brewery
01.2013 - 12.2013
Executive Chef
Twenty99 Bistro
01.2010 - 12.2012
BS - Operations Management
ASHFORD UNIVERSITY
Associate Occupational Studies - Le Cordon Bleu, Culinary Art
CALIFORNIA CULINARY ACADEMY
MBA - Organizational Management
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA- GLOBAL
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