Jacob Willsey
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Professional in the hospitality industry, bringing valuable experience and a result-oriented mindset. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to changing needs. Skilled in time sensitive procedure adherence, with strong focus on guest experience and operational efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Front of House Employee
Max's South Seas Hideaway
Grand Rapids, MI
11.2022 - Current
- Bartended at Max's, producing and selling over 30 unique cocktails, accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, while ensuring a positive atmosphere and delegating tasks to support staff. Handled cash/card transactions and managed the drink kitchen, maintaining volume and efficiency during peak service with hundreds of drinks prepared on busy nights.
- Assisted guests based on their dining stage, maintaining a smooth flow in service.
- While food running I would often expo and garnish the dishes as they came up and communicate with the cooks to keep things on track. Food went upstairs and was served based on seat number before I answered any questions the table may have regarding their items.
- When bar backing, I would take care of up to 4 separate wells at once, stocking liquors, juices, ice, and syrups. During my rounds I kept things stocked and clean.
- Trained staff on bar back, server assistant, and food running roles, and managed bar prep by taking inventory and preparing 16 cocktail syrups, following recipes and optimizing use of tools to complete prep within time constraints.
Volunteer Farm Hand
Sustainable Agriculture Project
Grand Rapids, MI
07.2024 - 08.2024
- Volunteered at agriculture project run by Isak Davis through Grand Valley State University, contributing to sustainable farming practices. The farm itself was about a quarter mile from the school. I would show up at 9 am and leave for work around 2. Collaborated with an Environmental Sciences and Sustainability major and other farm employees to accomplish daily tasks. Such as: harvesting crops by hand both outdoors and within a greenhouse, and implementing organic pest control by removing beetle eggs from squash plants.
3D Modeler
Max's South Seas Hideaway
Grand Rapids, MI
12.2022 - 09.2023
- While working in the clay studio that produced limited edition tiki mugs for Max's South Seas Hideaway, I used ZBrush to sculpt and draft models that were then 3D printed and used to create molds for clay. I worked from my home office using a drawing tablet and personal ZBrush license.
- Incorporated feedback from studio team to refine models throughout the design process.
- Developed first model based on orthographic sketch from artist Shag, collaborating closely to ensure vision alignment, resulting in a sold-out product.
Server
Sagebrush Cantina
Lake Orion, MI
05.2021 - 10.2022
- Served food and beverages to patrons while offering selection guidance to enhance dining experience.
- Presented ordered choices promptly and suggested alternatives for patrons with dietary restrictions to ensure satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive dining experience for all patrons.
- Coordinated food and beverage orders efficiently, minimizing wait times during peak hours.
- Trained new staff on menu items and service protocols to enhance team performance.
Mobile Expert
T-Mobile
Oxford, MI
03.2020 - 04.2021
- Greeted customers, assessed needs, and matched services to resolve issues while managing stock, cash drawers, tech support, and problem-solving during Sprint merger using both systems daily.
- Coordinated appointments and customer calls while facilitating communication between T-Mobile locations.
- Managed inventory systems, ensuring accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
Dishwasher/Busser
Red Knapp's American Grill
Michigan
04.2018 - 02.2020
- Collaborated with team to maintain clean workspace, organized and prepared dishes for use, cleaned dishes by hand, optimized dish tank organization for maximum capacity, and scrubbed/bleached various items nightly to ensure operational efficiency
- Operated industrial dishwashing equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Maintained organized workstations, contributing to efficient kitchen operations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to support food preparation and service flow.
Education
Game Design (1.5 Years College) -
College for Creative Studies
Detroit, MI01-2022
High school diploma - undefined
Oxford High School
Oxford, MI05-2020
Skills
- Sanitation practices
- Spirits experience
- Bartending
- Serving
- Event coordination
- New staff training
- Organizational Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking
- Professional appearance
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Up-selling strategies
- Food safety knowledge
Certification
- Driver's License
- Certificate achieved for completing TIPS Michigan On-Premise Alcohol Server Training August 2024 to August 2027
- Food Handler Certification
Languages
English
Timeline
Volunteer Farm Hand
Sustainable Agriculture Project
07.2024 - 08.2024
3D Modeler
Max's South Seas Hideaway
12.2022 - 09.2023
Front of House Employee
Max's South Seas Hideaway
11.2022 - Current
Server
Sagebrush Cantina
05.2021 - 10.2022
Mobile Expert
T-Mobile
03.2020 - 04.2021
Dishwasher/Busser
Red Knapp's American Grill
04.2018 - 02.2020
High school diploma - undefined
Oxford High School
Game Design (1.5 Years College) -
College for Creative Studies