Jed Michael Willett
Orange,CA
Summary
Culinary and sales professional with strong skills in recipe development and profit management. Led kitchen operations at RH Newport, improving customer satisfaction and staff training. Achieved 50% growth in online sales at Amazon through effective strategic planning and communication. Demonstrated ability to manage teams and enhance performance in dynamic environments.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Line Cook, Garde Manger/Caviar
RH Newport
Newport Beach, CA
11.2024 - Current
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during peak hours, ensuring timely service for high customer volume.
- Trained new kitchen staff on cooking techniques and operational procedures, enhancing team effectiveness and consistency.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment, ensuring high customer satisfaction rates.
- Maintained stocked stations, supporting seamless operations and reducing downtime during service.
Lead Line Cook, Chef Garde Manger
Newport Beach Country Club
Newport Beach, CA
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Directed kitchen staff, assigning tasks and evaluating performance to optimize workflow.
- Trained new cooks on recipe preparation methods, safety procedures, and sanitation guidelines.
- Created and updated recipes, maintaining high standards of food quality and consistency.
- Managed inventory and supply ordering, ensuring timely availability for daily kitchen operations.
Line Cook
CHAAK Kitchen
Tustin, CA
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Managed multiple orders during peak hours to ensure timely service and customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to streamline order delivery and enhance service flow.
- Prepared high-quality dishes to maintain consistency and meet customer expectations.
Line Cook
Lido Bottle Works
Newport Beach, CA
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods, ensuring timely service.
- Operated fryers and grills to uphold safety standards and food quality.
- Adapted to changing menus and special requests, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Line Cook
Saddle Ranch Chop House
Orange, CA
07.2021 - 11.2021
- Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver timely service during peak hours, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and maintained food safety standards, ensuring a hygienic kitchen environment.
Director, Sales Operations
ATLANTIC REPRESENTATIONS
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Grew online business 50% at Amazon in 2019 and managed the marketing team.
- I set pricing and was responsible for profitability; maintained profitability goals in 2019 amid tariff pressures with China.
- Achieved profitability goals throughout 2019 amid challenging market conditions.
- Oversaw management of third-party selling and advertising firms for optimal performance.
- Coordinated thirty-party selling and advertising firms for effective collaboration.
Event Chef
24 Carrots Catering
Costa Mesa, CA
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Collaborated with event planners to create tailored menus, aligning culinary offerings with client visions.
- Prepared high-quality dishes for events, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards, ensuring compliance and guest health.
Sales Manager, E-Commerce
LEEF
01.2017 - 11.2017
- Coordinated online distributors, set pricing, and managed direct-to-consumer Shopify platform for Leefco.com.
- Managed all aspects of on-line sales and marketing at Leef.
- Hired and managed third-party optimization and advertising firms, resulting in reduced advertising costs.
Director, Online Services
MONSTER DIGITAL
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Managed online sales and marketing initiatives, overseeing P&L for Monster Digital's online business.
- Optimized online catalog for Amazon SEO; developed Brand Store on Amazon's Seller Central.
- Collaborated with external applications and agencies to improve product review visibility.
Sales Manager, Consumer Markets Group
KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY
01.2000 - 12.2014
- Pioneered e-commerce initiative at Kingston, establishing partnerships with key customers like buy.com and Amazon.
- Developed long-term, high-revenue retail programs with mass merchant retailers, including Target, Staples, Walmart, and Kroger, driving significant market presence.
- Created promotional strategies for US consumer market across flash memory, DRAM memory, and solid-state drives; established promotional pricing for all major calendar selling events.
Owner/Chef
Garrigue Garage Catering
Santa Ana, CA
01.2000 - 12.2008
- Designed custom menus reflecting client preferences and dietary requirements.
- Cultivated strong client relationships to identify and address catering needs.
- Oversaw daily catering operations for diverse events, ensuring seamless execution.
Food & Beverage Promoter
Long Beach Marriott
Long Beach, CA
01.1994 - 12.1994
- Promoted hotel events through targeted social media campaigns and engaging marketing materials.
- Coordinated with team members to ensure seamless operations during large events.
- Managed promotional materials and displays to significantly enhance guest experience.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication/Public Address
Vanguard University
Costa Mesa, CA01.1994
Skills
- Sales and marketing
- Team management
- Cost forecasting
- P&L management
- Presentation skills
- Effective communication
- Inventory management
- Pricing strategy
- Accounting interface
- Food safety and culinary techniques
- Menu development
- Catering management
References
- Jennifer DiLuzio, Director of Sales at Atlantic, Colleague also at Kingston Technology, jenniferdiluzio1@gmail.com, 714-227-4459
- Mike Estey, Principal Owner of TSI sales firm, Colleague, mestey@tsirepfirm.com, 949-500-1720
- Joel Gutierrez, Executive Chef at Lido Bottle Works, Current employer, 714-425-4901
- Gabby Patrick, Executive Chef / Owner - Gabby's, CHAAK Kitchen, 657-699-3019
- Aric Mattson, Executive Sous Chef - Newport Beach Country Club, 562-331-3721
- Will Mouchet, Executive Chef - RH Newport, 704-719-0423
Associations And Interests
- Avid home chef, line cook and occasional caterer
- Coached son's soccer team, Tustin AYSO BU12
- Interested in food wine, woodworking, home design/improvement, art, and film
Certification
Food Safety - ServSafe Certified
Timeline
Lead Line Cook, Garde Manger/Caviar
RH Newport
11.2024 - Current
Line Cook
CHAAK Kitchen
01.2022 - 07.2022
Lead Line Cook, Chef Garde Manger
Newport Beach Country Club
01.2022 - 12.2024
Line Cook
Lido Bottle Works
09.2021 - 03.2022
Line Cook
Saddle Ranch Chop House
07.2021 - 11.2021
Director, Sales Operations
ATLANTIC REPRESENTATIONS
01.2018 - 03.2020
Sales Manager, E-Commerce
LEEF
01.2017 - 11.2017
Event Chef
24 Carrots Catering
01.2016 - 12.2017
Director, Online Services
MONSTER DIGITAL
01.2014 - 12.2016
Sales Manager, Consumer Markets Group
KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY
01.2000 - 12.2014
Owner/Chef
Garrigue Garage Catering
01.2000 - 12.2008
Food & Beverage Promoter
Long Beach Marriott
01.1994 - 12.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Communication/Public Address
Vanguard University