Christopher Burgess Jr
West Columbia,SC
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with exceptional customer service skills honed at Southern Way Catering. Proven ability to enhance guest experiences through effective communication and problem-solving. Recognized for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization while adapting to fast-paced environments. Committed to building rapport and achieving sales goals through relationship-driven strategies.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Server
Southern Way Catering
01.2022 - 11.2024
- Assisted in event setup and teardown, ensuring a smooth transition between functions.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Enhanced guest experience by providing exceptional service during catered events.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes in menu items, guest count, or event timeline to maintain a high level of service quality.
- Loaded and unloaded tableware, catering supplies and meals to and from catering vehicles to comply with catering logistics.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Received positive feedback from clients regarding attention to detail, promptness, and overall professionalism during catered events.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Loaded and unloaded delivery van carefully to maximize efficiency.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery of menu items.
- Contributed to team success by cross-training in various roles such as bartender, server assistant, or line cook when necessary.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Utilized proper food handling techniques to establish safety and quality of food served.
- Sanitized tableware and chafing dishes before catering event to avoid infection and comply with hygiene standards.
- Supported the creation of memorable experiences for guests by delivering exceptional tableside service at weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
- Maintained tidy and organized dining room, kitchen and serving stations to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Streamlined event operations by coordinating closely with catering manager on guest headcounts, serving schedules, and equipment needs.
- Maintained proper food temperature control, preventing spoilage and ensuring optimal taste quality for guests.
- Developed rapport with clients through attentive listening and effective communication skills, leading to repeat business opportunities.
- Wrapped silverware and folded napkins according to standard procedures or in requested arrangements.
- Supported catering team morale by consistently bringing a positive attitude and strong work ethic to each event assignment.
Sales Associate
Hibbett Sports
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
- Developed new client relationships by actively engaging with potential customers and highlighting the benefits of our product offerings.
- Enhanced team productivity by fostering a positive work environment and providing support to colleagues as needed.
- Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
- Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
Education
Diploma - Highschool
Airport Highschool
West Columbia, SC05.2025
Skills
- Stress tolerance
- Guest service
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Strong communication skills
- Equipment management
- Cleaning skills
- Exceptional customer service
- Flexible schedule
- Customer service
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving skills
- Listening skills
- Multi-tasking strength
- Problem-solving
- Excellent people skills
- Reliable and punctual
- Goal oriented
- Relationship building
- Cash handling
- Outgoing personality
- Money handling
- Verbal/written communication
- Cash register operation
- Stocking and receiving
- Cash handling accuracy
- Client service
- Conflict resolution
- Store opening and closing
- Sales expertise
- Product sales
- Customer needs assessment
- Complex Problem-solving
- Sales strategies
- POS system operation
- Meeting deadlines
- Professional demeanor
- Retail store operations
- Adapt to diverse groups
- Cleaning techniques
- Guest relations
- Sales training
- Payment processing
- Strategic planning
- Inventory tracking
- Sales development
- Building rapport
- Inventory control
- Policy and procedure adherence
- Merchandise display
- Product recommendations
- Order processing
- Sales goals attainment
- Display setup
- Brand promotion
- Point of sale operation
- Negotiation tactics
- Relationship selling
- Product promotions
Accomplishments
Very acceptable employee never had a problem with employment and very reliable.
Timeline
Sales Associate
Hibbett Sports
03.2023 - 05.2024
Catering Server
Southern Way Catering
01.2022 - 11.2024
Diploma - Highschool
Airport Highschool