Daniel R. Merritt
Kingston,NY
Summary
Motivated and adaptable culinary professional seeking to advance within Parkhurst Dining. Inspired by Katie Boyd’s twelve-year ascent to Resident District Manager, I aim to follow a similar trajectory by applying my leadership experience, operational insight, and commitment to excellence to higher-level roles in food service management.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook (Bravissimo Station)
Parkhurst Dining, Bard College
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
01.2025 - Current
- Prepare high-volume meals with consistency and creativity in a high-expectation collegiate environment
- Support service flow by maintaining organized, efficient station operations
- Collaborate with team to identify issues, reduce waste, and streamline prep processes
Line Cook / Kitchen Manager Trainee
Kingston Bread & Bar
Kingston, NY
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed team scheduling, ordering, and daily prep operations during transition to Kitchen Manager
- Lowered food costs by introducing scratch-made alternatives to premade items
- Helped train new staff and streamline BOH operations
Project Manager
Nordic Holdings
Hudson Valley, NY
01.2022 - 08.2024
- Managed multiple home renovation and flipping projects from start to finish
- Supervised up to 20 subcontractors; scheduled tasks, ordered materials, resolved on-site issues to avoid delays
- Maintained timelines and budgets through proactive planning and problem-solving
Foreperson
Nordic Wood Floors
Hudson Valley, NY
02.2019 - 01.2022
- Led a five-person crew in high-end residential flooring projects
- Trained team members in proper technique, quality standards, and safety compliance
- Optimized inventory and improved job site efficiency through better workflow design
Lead Carpenter
Pondside Nursery
Hudson, NY
04.2016 - 02.2019
- Promoted from laborer to Lead Carpenter within six months
- Trained apprentice carpenters and led high-end landscaping/carpentry installs
- Aligned project execution with company’s modern design standards
Assistant Manager
Shoe Dept. Encore
Kingston, NY
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Trained staff in sales and customer engagement, resulting in top regional performance
- Promoted from team member to Assistant Manager within nine months
- Handled customer concerns with empathy and professionalism
Head of Kitchen
C’est Cheese
Woodstock, NY
09.2011 - 01.2015
- Oversaw kitchen operations, prepared menu items, and managed food inventory
- Provided cheese education to customers and staff to enhance product knowledge and service
Skills
- 13 years of experience in team leadership, project management, and customer service
- 6 years in culinary roles, with a focus on food quality, cost control, and BOH efficiency
- Proven ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and implement cost-saving initiatives
- Consistently promoted and recognized for performance and leadership potential
- Scheduling & inventory management
- Cross-department collaboration
- Customer service excellence
Timeline
Cook (Bravissimo Station)
Parkhurst Dining, Bard College
01.2025 - Current
Line Cook / Kitchen Manager Trainee
Kingston Bread & Bar
08.2024 - 01.2025
Project Manager
Nordic Holdings
01.2022 - 08.2024
Foreperson
Nordic Wood Floors
02.2019 - 01.2022
Lead Carpenter
Pondside Nursery
04.2016 - 02.2019
Assistant Manager
Shoe Dept. Encore
01.2015 - 04.2016
Head of Kitchen
C’est Cheese
09.2011 - 01.2015