Christopher Merritt

As a worker in this field, need to be very social, interactive, attentive, but most of all, understanding. When it comes to this kind of customer service all of my previous stated attributes are required. People want the stores product, and you help facilitate that transaction, while assisting in any way you can to make that transaction a pleasant one. One of Cold-Stones primary objectives taught in training is the ACT method. Where we Acknowledge the customers presence by greeting them, Connect with the customer by talking to them, giving insight into our product, and thank them for coming to our establishment.

Good customer service means good business for the store, and Cold-Stones primary focus is just that. At this store I learned how to evoke an atmosphere tailored to the stores needs. This included going to great lengths to please customers, even singing.

While at this job i learned a great number of social skills, there is a whole system of different tasks that i had to learn quick to be an effective worker at this establishment.

Many tasks at this store included learning how to properly weigh/size the portion of ice cream being scooped while also taking into account the amount/sizes of toppings being mixed in. This process is a very particular one that had to be tailored to each different customer, meaning that to avoid confusion, or mistakes, this process had to become second nature. This task required memorization of the products both on display and in stock, and each variant of that products particular ingredients. When serving customers I also learned to be aware of various allergy's, and hindrances customers had. When customers have a specific allergy every tool, and ingredient had to be taken from stock to ensure their safety. When large cakes, or orders of ice cream were paid for by customers with physical hindrances, I helped them carry their items to their vehicles. Every customer deserves the best service, which is why i have to be the best worker I can be to ensure the success of the store.

Other tasks not particularly pertaining to ice cream directly had to be done when customers were not present. Effectiveness and productivity, even in in their absence, are essential in customer service to be prepared for when customers arrive. Tasks such as these included restocking ice cream, cups, spoons, napkins, spades, toppings, gloves, and blenders. Doing these tasks not only help customers have a smooth transaction without disruption, but they also help in pre-closing to leave the store in a timely manner.

Various tasks include:

• Oversaw inventory in buffet, reporting replacement needs to kitchen management.
• Resolved various issues quickly to satisfy customers and reduce wait times.
• Answered guest questions, delivering most accurate and updated information available.
• Maintained dining and food service areas in clean, safe and sanitary manner.
• Processed payments on cash register and counted back bills and change to patrons.
• Executed all daily tasks and assisted other team members when needed.
• Suggested new flavors and special offers to management based upon customer input.
• Demonstrated proficient knowledge of menus, services and promotions offered to assist customers and team members.
• Memorized menu items, identifying allergens to streamline service to customers.
• Interacted effectively with fellow employees to stage food trays for distribution to customers.
• Cleaned counters, tables and fountain equipment thoroughly to keep sanitary, following quality checkpoints.
• Provided information to customers regarding ice cream flavors, ingredients and nutritional information.
• Assisted customers, including answering questions and preparing orders.
• Assisted management with inventory and ordering supplies to provide uninterrupted sales.
• Assembled and served meals according to specific guest requirements.
• Delivered superior customer service focused on quality and meeting customer needs quickly and efficiently.
• Complied with safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain health and well-being of customers and other staff.
• Answered questions regarding ingredients and preparation techniques to educate customers before placing orders.
• Wiped counters and tables to remove dirt and food and maintain clean environment for guests.
• Warmly greeted visitors to promote great customer service and positive ordering experience.
• Chopped ingredients and prepped food items ahead of lunchtime and dinner rush periods.
• Sincerely welcomed and thanked guests to demonstrate appreciation for patronage.
• Reviewed orders against receipts so guests received requested items.
• Organized food preparation stations and replenished supplies to maximize efficiency.
• Assisted the general manager by coaching and new employees.
• Leveraged product knowledge to make recommendations for indecisive customers.
• Provided exceptional service that reflected restaurant standards and core values.
• Communicated with customer to provide menu offering details and assist with decision-making.
• Informed shift leaders or management of any obstacles or issues during each shift.
• Explained food preparation methods and ingredients to enable patrons with food allergies to make educated decisions.
• Wiped down tables and removed trash and dirty plates to provide clean, welcoming dining environment.
• Directed patrons to restrooms and other amenities within facility.
• Processed cash and credit card payments, promptly returning receipts, coin, bills and payment cards to customers.
• Created eye-appealing, delicious-tasting ice cream treats to keep customers coming back.
• Talked pleasantly with customers while taking orders and promoted positive image for business.
• Performed end-of-day duties
• Used POS system expertise to complete sales transactions with accuracy and efficiency.
• Memorized seasonal menu options and flavors to provide customers with updated information on new items and offerings.
• Restocked napkins, condiments and utensils at self-service areas during slow periods.
• Tailored orders to address customer allergies and gluten concerns.
• Cleaned and organized all areas, including utensil and napkins station and restroom facilities.

Working at this establishment made me realize you have to be understanding of others emotions in order to make a connection. This applies to both customers and coworkers. Not every day is the best, some customers come in upset, or in a rush. Sometimes your coworkers do not feel like they are at 100%. I had to learn to be the best person I could be to fully be the best worker I became.

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Store Associate (Brand Ambassador) is responsible for generating sales by engaging and connecting with customers and maintaining a neat, clean and safe working and shopping environment.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Creates a positive, welcoming experience for customers• Demonstrates a customer first mindset while working in the store• Educates customers on our product, offers, promotions• Connects with customers by asking open-ended questions• Speaks with knowledge and confidence to customers about styles and fit.Delivers customer service to increase sales• Drives store sales by suggesting items to meet needs.• Upholds all store policies and procedures.Ensures that merchandise and store are easy to shop and accessible to customers• Maintains the store to meet brand standards.• Executes all operational processes effectively.Contributes to a positive working environment• Demonstrates values and behaviors consistent with our culture.• Provides support to employees through sharing of knowledge.• Assists team members in customer interactions.• Completes tasks as directed by a leader.

Qualifications
• Previous experience in retail preferred.• Ability to demonstrate strong customer focused service on.• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and employees.• Ability to receive feedback and take action when appropriate.• Ability to meet brand availability requirements.• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs.• Ability to maneuver around sales floor and stockroom.

As a worker in this field, I had to be vigilant, attentive, and productive. Failure to do so could have resulted in injury, property damage, or a loss in profit. I had many responsibilities such as handling various tools and equipment (i.e. hammers, screw guns, electronic sanders, power washers, ladders, scaffolding, drills, crowbars, etc.) Many tasks that i did were supportive, helping my boss with minor or major jobs. These jobs included demolition of various surfaces for renovation, window, and door installation, floor removal, floor installation, insulation installation, digging pathways for irrigation and over flooding, bathroom renovation/demolition, water damage prevention, and installing siting.

Other responsibilities included:

-Loaded and unloaded vehicles with supplies needed on job sites and kept accurate daily counts of all materials used.
-Decreased safety accidents by closely monitoring coworkers, tasks and construction areas.
-Used organizational skills to meet productivity requirements.
Constructed and removed support structures such as scaffolding, ramps and braces.
-Collected and removed debris from work sites to maintain team productivity and minimize safety hazards.
-Moved various materials by using manual shovels and heavy equipment.
-Signaled equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery, equipment, and materials.

These jobs required good listening skills to make production as optimal as possible. In this field i realized that when you take the time to do tasks both big and small, putting in that extra effort, customer satisfaction increases exponentially. Many times me and my brother would be offered water, or snacks from the owners of houses we were working at.

My best attributes at work included my attentiveness, my listening skills, my eagerness to be hands on, and definitely my humor. It could get really stressful some days, with temperatures reaching up to 102, and do not get me started on the humidity. Overall, working in this field not only strengthened me physically, but mentally, it was my first job, and was imperative to my future success in other working opportunities.

• Assisted in the preparation of construction sites, including clearing and cleaning surfaces, setting up scaffolding, and erecting temporary structures.
• Organized materials for construction projects, ensuring that all supplies were accounted for and stored properly.
• Installed exterior finishes such as siding and roofing shingles.
• Utilized a variety of hand tools such as saws, drills, hammers, levels, squares.
• Maintained clean worksites by disposing of debris from job site on a daily basis.
• Collaborated with other tradespeople to coordinate construction activities efficiently.
• Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress updates on assigned tasks.
• Followed established safety protocols when handling hazardous materials or operating machinery.
• Provided assistance with demolition tasks such as removing drywall or tearing out old flooring.
• Worked at heights using ladders or scaffolding to access areas requiring repair or maintenance.
• Moved materials, tools and supplies from trucks to job site to prepare for work day.