Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline

Daniel Opelka

Mount Pleasant Home
McHenry,IL
35
years of professional experience

Creative chef with a strong focus on food safety, menu development, and team collaboration. Proven ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and mentor staff through effective training.

I am a hard worker, I don't use my phone at work, I can stand for many hours straight, I get along with other workers, I am a team player,

Work History

Chef

2 Years 10 Months
Mount Pleasant Home | 02.2023 - 12.2025
  • Prepared diverse menus catering to resident preferences and dietary needs.
  • Ensured food safety and sanitation standards were consistently met in kitchen operations.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing efficiency.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on operational procedures and best practices for food handling.
  • Developed seasonal recipes that incorporated fresh, locally sourced ingredients for improved quality.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.

Cook

4 Years 5 Months
Dubuque Rescue MIssion | 08.2018 - 01.2023

cooking cleaning dishes garden customer service trainer

Painter/labouror

15 Years 7 Months
Christopher Robin Painting | 06.2000 - 01.2016
  • Executed precise surface preparation for optimal paint adhesion and finish quality.
  • Led team in maintaining safety protocols and efficient workflow during project execution.
  • Applied various painting techniques, including spray, brush, and roller methods, ensuring high standards.
  • Coordinated color matching and selection to meet client specifications and preferences.
  • Mentored junior painters on best practices for application techniques and equipment handling.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes for paints and supplies to reduce waste.
  • Oversaw quality control inspections to ensure adherence to project specifications and timelines.
  • Developed training materials for new hires on operational procedures and safety compliance.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, minimizing disruptions for clients during projects.
  • Prepared surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and repairing defects to ensure smooth results.
  • Prepared trim, walls and ceilings for painting by cleaning, smoothing, and priming.
  • Applied putty, wood filler, spackling, and caulks to prep uneven surfaces and fill in holes.
  • Applied primer, paints, varnishes and lacquers to walls and surfaces using traditional and sprayer methods.
  • Delivered high-quality painting services on time and within budget for a variety of clients.
  • Climbed scaffolding, staging, ladders, and planks to reach work area surfaces and observed safety protocols to prevent falls.
  • Consistently met safety regulations while working on-site at both residential and commercial properties.
  • Worked holidays and weekends depending on shifting needs of project.

Paper Stuffer

6 Years
Chicago Tribune | 01.1991 - 01.1997

Education

GED

McHenry County College | Crystal Lake, IL | 06-1995

Timeline

Chef

Mount Pleasant Home
02.2023 - 12.2025Read More

Cook

Dubuque Rescue MIssion
08.2018 - 01.2023Read More

Painter/labouror

Christopher Robin Painting
06.2000 - 01.2016Read More

Paper Stuffer

Chicago Tribune
01.1991 - 01.1997Read More

McHenry County College

GED
Read More
Daniel Opelka