Denise Smith
Stuarts Draft,VA
Summary
- Dynamic and detail-oriented professional with a proven track record at The State Police Academy, excelling in organization and consolidation of just about anything. With my strong stomach I can clean up some pretty nasty messes and have. Recognized for enhancing customer satisfaction and streamlining kitchen efficiency, while mentoring new hires. Skilled in people pleasing and fostering teamwork, contributing to a positive and productive work environment. While also serving
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Traffic Control Technician
Rivers Utilities
- Played a key role in special events requiring additional traffic management support, such as parades or sporting events, ensuring public safety and smooth traffic flow.
- Reduced accident rates by designing and installing appropriate signage, pavement markings, and other traffic control measures.
- Assisted in the preparation of detailed reports for senior management, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement within the department.
- Collaborated with engineers to develop effective solutions for complex traffic issues, resulting in improved road conditions.
- Enhanced roadway safety by conducting regular maintenance and repairs on traffic control devices.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing traffic control systems, recommending changes as needed to optimize performance and safety.
- Performed regular inspections of work zones, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations for maximum safety.
- Assisted in the planning and implementation of major construction projects, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow during operations.
- Developed positive working relationships with contractors and vendors, facilitating seamless communication during project execution phases.
- Continuously monitored local weather conditions to adjust traffic control strategies as needed during periods of inclement weather.
- Communicated with team members using hand signals and radios.
- Assembled signs and cones to direct traffic through construction sites.
- Partnered with crew members to use stop and slow paddles for multi-directional traffic control.
- Controlled pedestrian movements to prevent intrusion into work zones.
- Placed cones, signs and barrels to keep vehicles out of dangerous spaces.
- Routed traffic around construction sites for worker and driver safety.
- Directed traffic in construction sites to maintain safe conditions for workers and motorists.
- Worked with foreman to create effective temporary traffic control schemes.
- Stood for Number hours with "Stop/Slow" paddle directing traffic.
- Trained new traffic controllers to properly use traffic control devices and apply best practices.
- Tested and troubleshot malfunctioning equipment to maintain traffic control devices in optimum condition.
Traffic Control Technician
Traffic Management Incorporated
Warehouse Manager
The Fabric Warehouse
- Cleaned and maintained warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict adherence to OSHA guidelines and company policies.
- Oversaw upkeep of equipment and physical condition of warehouse, identifying and ordering needed repairs, renovations, and replacements.
- Redesigned warehouse layout to accommodate new equipment, maximize space utilization, and optimize processes.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture that motivated employees to perform their best while maintaining high morale.
- Managed relationships with external partners such as suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries while minimizing disruptions in supply chain operations.
- Collaborated closely with sales department to address any issues related to product availability or shipment delays.
- Reduced product damage with improved packaging methods and training staff on proper handling techniques.
- Improved delivery plans with strong scheduling knowledge, organizational skills, and route development expertise.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings in procurement, renegotiating supplier contracts or seeking alternative sources when necessary.
- Facilitated smooth expansion of warehouse space to accommodate business growth, overseeing construction projects and integration of new systems.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
- Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
Server
Bufflo Wild Wings
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols, raising team's overall performance.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Enhanced team efficiency, collaborating effectively in high-pressure settings.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Built rapport with guests to enhance their dining experience and encourage return visits.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
- Assisted in planning and execution of special events, contributing to restaurant's reputation for hosting.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timely preparation of dishes.
- Increased sales by suggesting additional items like desserts and drinks based on customers' orders.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Managed inventory of dining supplies to prevent shortages during service.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Facility Service Associate
Lowes
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently providing high-quality food and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment.
- Followed all safety protocols and maintained a safe working environment, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Increased kitchen efficiency by streamlining workflow processes and implementing time-saving techniques during peak hours.
- Played an integral role in maintaining high health inspection scores through diligent cleaning practices and adherence to sanitation guidelines.
- Mentored and trained new hires, ensuring they quickly became valuable team members capable of meeting the high standards set by the company.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall efficiency, resulting in shorter wait times for customers.
- Received recognition for exceptional teamwork and collaboration, fostering a positive work atmosphere.
- Proactively addressed potential issues before they escalated into larger problems, ensuring smooth operation of the kitchen.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
Crew Kitchen Staff Member
The State Police Academy
03.2025 - 07.2025
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently providing high-quality food and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment.
- Followed all safety protocols and maintained a safe working environment, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Increased kitchen efficiency by streamlining workflow processes and implementing time-saving techniques during peak hours.
- Played an integral role in maintaining high health inspection scores through diligent cleaning practices and adherence to sanitation guidelines.
- Mentored and trained new hires, ensuring they quickly became valuable team members capable of meeting the high standards set by the company.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall efficiency, resulting in shorter wait times for customers.
- Received recognition for exceptional teamwork and collaboration, fostering a positive work atmosphere.
- Proactively addressed potential issues before they escalated into larger problems, ensuring smooth operation of the kitchen.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
Education
GED -
Waynesboro High School
Waynesboro VA 2298004.2012
Skills
- Organization and planning
- Food presentation
- Food storage
- Knife handling skills
Accomplishments
I have also a letter of recommendation from the state police academy and I've taken the CRC test as well.
Timeline
Crew Kitchen Staff Member
The State Police Academy
03.2025 - 07.2025
Traffic Control Technician
Rivers Utilities
Traffic Control Technician
Traffic Management Incorporated
Warehouse Manager
The Fabric Warehouse
Server
Bufflo Wild Wings
Facility Service Associate
Lowes
GED -
Waynesboro High School