Erica Cyrus
Chicago Heights,IL
Summary
Dynamic Owner/Operator at The Littlest Chef B.F.F. with a proven track record in strategic planning and customer relations. Expert in optimizing operations and enhancing brand identity, resulting in significant revenue growth. Adept at staff training and development, fostering a collaborative team environment while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
The Littlest Chef B.F.F.
Chicago, IL
01.2003 - Current
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Oversaw staff hiring, initiating new training and scheduled processes to streamline operations.
- Developed business and marketing plans and prepared monthly financial reports.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Trained teams on specific operations and requirements for each job site, including applicable procedures and techniques.
- Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
- Promoted store offerings through newspaper advertisements, catalogs and brochures to attract new customers.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Monitored supplier operations to verify quality, delivery schedule and conformance to contract specifications.
- Secured long-term accounts, managing sales presentations to promote product and brand benefits.
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
- Assessed, optimized and elevated operations to target current and expected demands.
- Negotiated with vendors to gain optimal pricing on products resulting in substantial increase in profit margin.
- Analyzed client business needs and assisted in determining appropriate resources and strategies.
- Hosted fundraising events for various charities to boost brand awareness and community engagement.
Resident Insurance Producer
State Farm
Flossmoor, Illinois
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Collaborated with other agents within the organization in order to provide comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Monitored renewal dates for all accounts ensuring that each policy was renewed prior to expiration date.
- Researched market trends, competitive products, and pricing structures in order to stay abreast of industry changes.
- Participated in weekly team meetings discussing performance metrics, challenges faced in the field.
- Provided administrative support such as filing claims paperwork, preparing reports, and maintaining records.
- Ensured compliance with state laws governing property and casualty insurance transactions.
- Utilized multiple software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems for daily tasks.
Resident Insurance Producer
State Farm
Berwyn, Illinois
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted periodic reviews of existing policies to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Educated customers on the importance of having adequate insurance coverage by providing information sessions at events.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to increase customer base.
Patient Care Coordinator
Fertility Centers of Illinois
Tinley Park, IL
01.2021 - 06.2023
- Coordinated patient care services with the medical team to ensure quality and timely delivery of care.
- Provided ongoing communication with patients, families, and other healthcare providers regarding treatment plans and progress.
- Assisted in creating a positive environment for patients, family members, and staff by providing excellent customer service.
- Scheduled appointments for patients and coordinated follow-up visits as needed.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient care activities using electronic health record systems.
- Educated patients on proper nutrition guidelines to promote healthy lifestyle habits.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate the physical condition of patients prior to admission or discharge from hospital or clinic setting.
- Provided emotional support and counseling to patients during difficult times.
- Assisted physicians in performing various procedures related to patient care needs.
Customer Service Assistant
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, IL
4 2018 - 11.2021
- Providing the highest level of customer service assistance to transit customers aboard CTA vehicles, in and around transit facilities with a friendly, pleasant, and congenital manner.
- Assisting transportation personnel as required
- Testing all Turnstiles and High Barrier Gates.
- Routinely performing station inspections for cleanliness, equipment functionality, and customer safety.
- Documenting station statuses , occurrences, and inspections .
- Interacting with as many customers as possible.
- Providing assistance to customers with disabilities.
Service Appointment Coordinator/Hybrid BDC
Heritage Cadillac
Lombard, IL
7 2016 - 2 2018
- Responsible for making all outbound follow up CSI calls
- Received all inbound service calls with the ability to convert inquiries into solid service appointments
- Generating appointments by means of proactive outbound prospecting, and lead activity in an effort to market to potential customers
- Responding to all incoming internet email or phone leads immediately in a professional well spoken manner
- Determining each customer's vehicle needs by answering questions and listening to customer
Customer Service Appointment Coordinator/ Accounts Payable and Receivable
Fields Bmw
Northfield, IL
03.2015 - 05.2016
- Greeted customers and effectively answered questions regarding their appointment
- Scheduled service appointments and coordinated alternative methods of transportation for customers in need
- Introduced customers to the appropriate personnel
- Ensured that customers remained happy with their service
- Received and verified all invoices for Enterprise Car Rentals
- Authorized all payments to vendor
- Input all invoice information into company computer system
- Printed and filed all paperwork pertaining to vendor invoices
Senior Care Aide
Health Care Plus
Chicago, IL
06.2014 - 03.2016
- General non-medical in home care to the elderly
- Meal preparation and planning
- Housekeeping
- Personal care assistance
- Companionship and conversation
Beauty Advisor
Macy's
Skokie, IL
10.2010 - 05.2014
- Consulted with customers about their skin care and beauty concerns
- Inspired customers to purchase more than the originally intended
- Consistently achieved or exceeded performance expectations
- Maintained high energy and enthusiasm when seeking out customers to promote the brand
Human Resources Assistant
Target Corporation
Melrose Park, IL
06.2006 - 04.2008
- Payroll
- Terminations
- Staffing and development of all team members
- Timesheet corrections
- Planning of special events
- Weekly supply ordering
- Team member counseling
- Store schedule edits
- Daily office procedures and paperwork
- Assistance to other areas when needed
Daycare Assistant
Youlanda's Romper Room
Chicago, IL
07.2005 - 06.2006
- Aided in the care and well being of children
- Cooking well balanced meals
- Ensuring that the daycare remained a safe, clean, and hazard free environment
Customer Advisor
Delta Sonic Carwash
Melrose Park, IL
06.2003 - 06.2005
- Encouraged customers to purchase carwash interior/exterior detailing packages
- Assisted with store inventory and cleanliness
- Cashiering
Education
Josephinum
2002
Skills
- Fast, fun, and friendly
- Excellent organizational skills
- Able to work well with others
- Active listening skills
- Strong verbal skills
- Sharp problem solver
- Telecommunication skills
- Opening/ Closing procedure knowledge
- Dependable
- Adaptive team player
- Customer service expert
- Invoice processing
- Energetic work attitude
- Courteous demeanor
- Top service performer
- Store maintenance ability
- Seasoned in conflict resolution
- Telephone inquiries specialist
- Labor relations
- Strategic planning
- Design coordination
- Quality management systems
- Cash flow optimization
- Product branding
- Staff training and development
- Program creation and implementation
- Customer relations
- Project estimating
- Strategic project planning
- Cost reduction
- Employee development
- Marketing tactics
- Sales leadership
- Food and beverage pairing
- Budgeting and cost control
- Portion and cost control
- Banquets and catering
- Waste control
- Food preparation techniques
- Verbal and written communication
- Regulatory compliance
- Resource management
- Meal preparation
- Grilling and deep frying skills
- Kitchen equipment and tools
- Cleaning and sanitizing methods
- Company safety standards
- Pantry restocking
- Purchasing
- Dish preparation
Career Overview
Dedicated Customer Service Representative and Chef who is motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to company success.
Professional Value Offered
Exceptional Client Service
- Researched, calmed, and rapidly resolved client conflicts to prevent loss of key and new clients
- Worked with company systems such as ADP, TSD Loaner, Vin Solutions, UCS, Auto Alert, and Global Connect to diligently complete all assigned tasks, working overtime if needed
Customer Interface
- Greeted customers upon entrance and handled all cash and credit transactions
- Assisted customers over the phone regarding store operations, products, promotions, and orders
Sales
- Consistently generated additional revenue through skilled sales techniques
Hobbies
- Dancing
- Rollerblading
- Karaoke
- Gymnastics
- Nail tech
- Outdoor activities
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Resident Insurance Producer
State Farm
03.2025 - 08.2025
Resident Insurance Producer
State Farm
06.2024 - 08.2024
Patient Care Coordinator
Fertility Centers of Illinois
01.2021 - 06.2023
Customer Service Appointment Coordinator/ Accounts Payable and Receivable
Fields Bmw
03.2015 - 05.2016
Senior Care Aide
Health Care Plus
06.2014 - 03.2016
Beauty Advisor
Macy's
10.2010 - 05.2014
Human Resources Assistant
Target Corporation
06.2006 - 04.2008
Daycare Assistant
Youlanda's Romper Room
07.2005 - 06.2006
Customer Advisor
Delta Sonic Carwash
06.2003 - 06.2005
Owner/Operator
The Littlest Chef B.F.F.
01.2003 - Current
Customer Service Assistant
Chicago Transit Authority
4 2018 - 11.2021
Service Appointment Coordinator/Hybrid BDC
Heritage Cadillac
7 2016 - 2 2018
Josephinum