Don "Austin" Elder
Lexington,KY
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Charter Foods
Lexington, KY
02.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards pertaining to operations management.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
Manager
Sedona Taphouse
Lexington, KY
05.2023 - 02.2024
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Managed in house money to keep track of daily earnings
- Learned every position to maintain a level of service
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Truck orders and inventory checks
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
Sales/Heavy Equipment Operator
Woodford Seal Coat
Versailles, KY
03.2023 - 05.2023
- Performed pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and accurately completed reports to support company policy.
- Provide bids to potential clients
- Market to new clients
- Closed deals
- Learned about new equipment and related attachments while maintaining knowledge of items used daily to meet job requirements.
- Drove and maneuvered equipment in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation or rocks.
Salesperson
United Motorsports
Lexington, KY
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Gathered information from clients to create solutions that achieved business needs and desires.
- Used CRM database to track referral and appointment data.
- Acquired new customers and identified unique needs to deliver relevant products.
- Leveraged CRM system to manage sales activities and track sales performance.
Sales Associate
Total Wine & More
Lexington, KY
03.2020 - 03.2022
- Developed trusting relationships with customers by making personal connections.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions and offered product advice.
- Arranged new merchandise with signage and appealing displays to encourage customer sales and move overstock items.
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Sold various products by explaining unique features and educating customers on proper application or usage.
Server/Bartender
J.Alexanders
Lexington, KY
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Presented menus to patrons to answer questions about offered items and make suitable recommendations.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
Server
Malones
Lexington, Kentucky
02.2016 - 03.2019
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
Education
Bachelor of Business and Communications -
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05.2022
Hospitality - Food & Wine Specialist
Bluegrass Hospitality Group University
Lexington, KY06.2016
High School Diploma -
Woodford County High School
Versailles, KY06.2013
Skills
- Business Negotiations
- Conflict Management
- Mediation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Advanced Communication
- Sales Closing
- Staff Development
- Problem Resolution
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Book keeping
Timeline
General Manager
Charter Foods
02.2024 - Current
Manager
Sedona Taphouse
05.2023 - 02.2024
Sales/Heavy Equipment Operator
Woodford Seal Coat
03.2023 - 05.2023
Salesperson
United Motorsports
03.2022 - 03.2023
Sales Associate
Total Wine & More
03.2020 - 03.2022
Server/Bartender
J.Alexanders
03.2019 - 03.2020
Server
Malones
02.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Business and Communications -
University of Kentucky
Hospitality - Food & Wine Specialist
Bluegrass Hospitality Group University
High School Diploma -
Woodford County High School