Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

James Wolford

Howard,OH

Summary

At the Ohio Laborers Training Center, I elevated culinary standards, notably enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing food waste by 20%. My expertise in food safety and exceptional knife skills, combined with a talent for mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative environment, significantly boosted kitchen efficiency and creativity.

Overview

5
years of professional experience

Work History

Ohio Laborers Training Center

Chef
12.2019 - 12.2024

Job overview

  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
  • Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
  • Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
  • Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
  • Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
  • Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
  • Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
  • Implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent taste and presentation of dishes.
  • Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service, addressing and resolving any issues promptly.
  • Customized meal plans for guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring welcoming and inclusive dining experience.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency, implementing new inventory management system.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.
  • Reduced food waste significantly, introducing composting program and revising portion sizes.
  • Achieved consistent on-time service, optimizing kitchen workflows and staff scheduling.
  • Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on high-quality ingredients, balancing costs without compromising standards.
  • Developed signature dish that became bestseller, combining innovative flavors with classic techniques.
  • Improved kitchen safety, conducting comprehensive training on proper equipment use and emergency procedures.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by introducing feedback system to gather insights and make informed improvements.
  • Boosted team morale and productivity with regular training sessions on culinary techniques and customer service standards.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Managed successful kitchen remodel, selecting equipment that increased productivity and met evolving needs.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.

Education

Highland High School
Sparta, Ohio

Yes from College Prep
06.1984

Skills

  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Customer service
  • Knife skills
  • Cooking techniques

Timeline

Chef

Ohio Laborers Training Center
12.2019 - 12.2024

Highland High School

Yes from College Prep
James Wolford