James Goforth
Asheville,NC
Summary
Dynamic and professional individual with a proven track record in guest relations and event management, notably at The Farm Golf Club. Experienced in leading teams to exceed sales goals and enhance customer satisfaction through exceptional service and adaptability. Demonstrates expertise in managing multiple projects with a keen focus on meeting deadlines and fostering vendor relationships. Possesses a unique blend of creativity and strategic planning to consistently deliver outstanding results. Dedicated and hardworking restaurant management professional with extensive experience in daily planning and operations. Skilled in staff training and development.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Spectrum
07.2024 - Current
- Greeted customers warmly and offered assistance
- Helped customers find and select products
- Kept work area clean, organized and free of clutter at all times
- Operated cash register and POS to handle purchases, refunds, and exchanges for customers
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills, resolving customer complaints efficiently and courteously
- Handled customer complaints and inquiries in a courteous and efficient manner
- Engaged with guests to understand and anticipate customer service needs
- Established a positive rapport with customers by delivering friendly, personalized service
- Performed cash register operations accurately according to company guidelines
- Provided accurate information about products, prices and availability both in person and over the phone
- Built relationships with potential customers by providing helpful advice on product selection
- Encouraged customers to make additional purchases and suggested relevant items
- Utilized active listening techniques to identify customer needs and provided appropriate solutions
- Followed checklist to complete retail store opening and closing activities
- Opened and closed cash registers, balanced cash drawers, and made deposits
- Developed an in-depth understanding of the product line and was able to effectively communicate features and benefits to customers
- Kept signage and merchandise displays organized and up-to-date, promoting visual presentation standards
- Cultivated relationships with new and existing customers to drive sales
- Enticed customers with sales and promotions to boost sales
- Placed special orders, submitted online orders, or contacted other stores to find desired items
- Resolved conflicts arising from incorrect orders or damaged goods promptly and professionally
- Used product knowledge for handling objections
- Demonstrated product features and capabilities to potential buyers
- Maximized profits through effective cross-selling strategies during checkout process
- Employed persuasive sales techniques to close deals while adhering to company standards for profitability
- Generated sales reports and tracked customer data to ensure sales goals were met
- Conducted regular price comparisons between competitors in order to maintain competitive pricing structures
- Tracked customer data and created sales reports, using data to identify opportunities and improve sales
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store policies regarding payments, returns, exchanges and security practices
- Performed sales floor work, such as greeting and assisting customers, stocking shelves and taking inventory
- Rented merchandise to customers
- Estimated and quoted trade-in allowances
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Worked to meet or exceed special targets for credit card applications, special donations and specific product promotions.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
- Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
- Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
Inn Room Dining Captain
Inn at The Biltmore Estate
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible
- Worked with coworkers to complete tasks
- Trained new employees on company policies, procedures and work ethics
- Supervised and coordinated activities of staff to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and standards
- Motivated employees to reach highest professional potential
- Resolved conflicts between team members and departments
- Monitored workflow processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness of deliverables
- Initiated creative solutions to resolve customer complaints and issues
- Notified employees of policy and procedure changes to promote overall compliance
- Conducted disciplinary action when needed in accordance with company policy
- Encouraged collaboration among team members through positive reinforcement techniques such as praise or rewards programs
- Created detailed reports summarizing daily operations, progress towards objectives, and potential areas of improvement
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization in order to enhance services provided by the department
- Prepared reports to summarize operational results and financial performance
- Ensured that safety protocols were followed at all times by all staff members
- Trained and coached staff on proper food handling techniques, customer service skills, and product knowledge
- Managed employee scheduling to ensure adequate staffing levels during peak times
- Analyzed daily reports to track progress against goals set by management team
- Resolved customer complaints promptly in a professional manner
- Evaluated staff performance on an ongoing basis providing constructive feedback where necessary
- Implemented systems to increase efficiency in order taking processes
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills, managing staff of up to 10 employees
- Reconciled receipts at end of shift to verify accuracy of POS system data
- Developed systems to track reservations, take-out orders, delivery requests
- Coordinated special events such as holiday parties or private functions
- Performed cashiering duties such as processing payments, issuing refunds
- Resolved conflicts between staff members in an amicable fashion
- Provided excellent customer service and resolved customer complaints in a timely manner
- Exhibited leadership ability through empowerment and understanding of position responsibilities
- Observed and evaluated workers and work procedures to check quality standards and service and complete disciplinary write-ups
- Presented bills and accepted payments
- Responded quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment
- Focused on learning new skills and staying updated with industry changes
- Provided efficient and courteous service to customers at all times
- Met deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables
- Managed and coordinated multiple projects while ensuring timely completion
- Collaborated with departmental leaders to establish organizational goals, strategic plans and objectives
- Troubleshot minor problems and reported larger technical issues
- Experienced with social media and communications platforms
Event Coordinator
The Farm Golf Club
06.2018 - 10.2022
- Oversaw display setup and breakdown for events and trade shows
- Participated in pre-event meetings to review expectations and resolve last-minute issues with customers
- Oversaw event day tasks and responded to last-minute changes and challenges
- Managed event planning and execution using strong attention to detail and communication skills
- Developed calendar, tracking tasks to achieve event objectives
- Developed and trained new team members on planning strategies and standard procedures
- Conferred with staff at chosen event site to coordinate details
- Determined how future events could be improved
- Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences and conventions
- Monitored event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants and resolution of any problems that arise
- Managed event promotions and strategy in concert with management
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
Food Preparation Worker
The Buckin Burrito
04.2014 - 07.2015
- Loaded trays with eating utensils, napkins and condiments
- Set food trays over food warmers for immediate service or stored in refrigerated storage cabinets for future service
- Verified freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality and rotating stock
- Peeled and cut fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving
- Used manual or electric appliances to slice and cut meat, fish and poultry
- Seasoned and cooked food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience
- Packaged take-out foods and served food to customers
- Put food in designated containers and storage to prevent spoilage
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes and silverware
- Made special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches
- Assisted cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed and provided cooks with needed items
- Portioned and wrapped food or placed directly on plates for service to patrons
Bag Boy
The Green Spot
08.2010 - 07.2013
- Developed knowledge about products and sales items to answer shopper's questions
- Carried packed bags or sacks or used pushcart to transport purchases to customer's vehicle
- Cleaned checkout areas by frequently disposing of trash and wiping down belts
- Packed grocery items in sacks or cartons, arranging heavy and bulky items at bottom
- Refilled and rotated items on shelves during downtime to maintain well-stocked inventory
- Collected empty carts from parking lot and around store to return to cart corral
- Scanned shelves and product cases for expired stock, discarding outdated or spoiled items
- Facilitated smooth checkout process by frequently replenishing plastic and paper bag supply
- Placed customer purchases into bags, maximizing space while avoiding overloading
- Contributed to team goals by cross-training in shipping and receiving tasks
- Adhered to quality and quantity standards prior to releasing goods
- Inspected products and removed defective items from conveyor line
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Journalism
University of Mississippi
University, MS05.2017
Skills
- Guest Relations
- Managing Events Start to Finish
- Event Supervision
- Schedule Management
- Event Staffing
- Project Management
- Events Requirements Gathering
- Special Event Planning
- Time Management
- Meeting Planning
- Food Service Regulations
- Event Logistics Management
- Volunteer Management
- Accurate Documentation
- Fundraising Events
- Team Mentorship
- Staff Management
- Serve Client Needs
- Creativity and Adaptability
- Inspect Facilities
- Workflow Management
- Event Preparation
- Team Leadership and Motivation
- Exceptional customer service
- Task prioritization
- Meeting deadlines
- Relationship selling
- Friendly and outgoing
- Energetic self-starter
- Supervisory skills
- Staff scheduling
- Customer-oriented
- Operations management
- Organization and prioritization
- Staff management
- Team management
- Complaint resolution
- Customer loyalty
- Shift management
- Point of sale (POS) system operation
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Food service background
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Catering coordination
- Adaptable
- Reservation handling
- Food plating and presentation
- Performance improvement
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Order delivery practices
- Menu development
- Regulatory compliance
- Pre-shift walk-through
- Take-out service
- Customer service best practices
- Table management
- Wine history
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Reliable and responsible
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Recruitment and hiring
- Safe food handling
- Training and onboarding
- Active listening
- Staff supervision
- Quality assurance
- Professionalism
- Team building
- Health code compliance
- Calm and pleasant demeanor
- Employee schedule management
- Staff motivation
- Staff training and development
- Point of sale systems
- Health and safety compliance
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Promoted to Event Coordinator/ Clubhouse managers assistant after only 3 months of employment.
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Sales Associate
Spectrum
07.2024 - Current
Inn Room Dining Captain
Inn at The Biltmore Estate
09.2023 - 05.2024
Event Coordinator
The Farm Golf Club
06.2018 - 10.2022
Food Preparation Worker
The Buckin Burrito
04.2014 - 07.2015
Bag Boy
The Green Spot
08.2010 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Journalism
University of Mississippi
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