Jessica Forster
Port Jervis,NY
Summary
Dedicated and meticulous solutions consultant with several years of experience excelling at prioritizing, completing multiple tasks simultaneously and following through to achieve project goals. Flexible and focused team player with expertise in customer relationship management, document control, time management and complex problem-solving. Dependable self-starter seeking to leverage background into role with a progressive organization. Adaptable professional with a quick-learning ability and a talent for adjusting to new environments. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Travel Agent
Self Employed-Agency Owner
Port Jervis, NY
04.2022 - Current
- Monitored evolving travel trends and technologies to optimize service quality.
- Attended seminars, trade shows or conferences related to the tourism industry to stay up-to-date with new products or services available.
- Offered exemplary customer service to new and existing clients, which helped build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
- Organized complex itineraries for clients based on their budget, time constraints and preferred activities.
- Created travel itineraries, and made adjustments to meet client specifications.
- Negotiated competitive rates with travel suppliers to ensure the best deals for clients.
- Advised customers about necessary documents such as passports, visas, insurance policies needed for international travel.
- Maintained records of customer bookings and transactions in computer databases.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Completed ongoing training with company and travel partners.
- Responded immediately to clients' questions, issues, and complaints, and found effective solutions when required.
- Generated reports on sales performance metrics such as revenue generated per month or number of bookings made per quarter.
- Monitored changes in travel reservations and informed clients of any updates or adjustments.
- Computed costs of travel and accommodations using calculator, computer or quote package tour's costs.
- Managed financial transactions related to travel bookings, including invoicing and payments.
- Provided comprehensive information on travel destinations, including attractions, accommodation and transportation options.
- Asked open-ended questions to best understand client needs and determine best travel offerings.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, maintaining client profiles and updating inventory lists.
Bakery Assistant
Two Brothers Bakery and Cafe
Port Jervis , NY
08.2023 - 09.2025
- Contributed to menu creation through development of new or seasonal product ideas and recipes.
- Stored food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
- Baked cookies, muffins, breads, tarts, pies, cupcakes and other desserts.
- Operated cash registers, processed transactions, and handled cash accurately.
- Packaged bakery items and purchases in boxes and bags for customer carrying convenience.
- Trained new bakery employees to use POS system to document orders, process payments and check progress for customers.
- Set up fresh baked goods in front display, organizing for visibility and to showcase daily specials or items with limited availability or shelf-life.
- Worked closely with head baker to plan daily production schedules.
- Assisted bakers in retrieving supplies from storage areas to keep bakery operations smooth during high-volume periods.
- Greeted incoming patrons, offered menu advice and documented order details and special preferences.
- Organized raw ingredients and supplies in storage areas, moving and sorting large bags of flour, sugar, containers of cooking oil, and other ingredients.
- Demonstrated knowledge of proper food handling techniques when preparing ingredients.
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced bakery setting.
- Offered product recommendations and provided information on bakery items to customers.
- Followed recipes and baking instructions precisely for consistent product quality.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to monitor stock levels of baking supplies.
- Cleaned baking equipment, utensils, and work areas according to hygiene standards.
- Operated POS system to process bakery sales transactions.
- Monitored oven temperatures and baking times for optimal product outcomes.
- Processed cash and credit card payments, promptly returning receipts, coins, bills, and payment cards to customers.
Department Lead/Merchandiser
Hobby Lobby
Middletown, NY
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals, and promoting staff participation and team building.
- Executed targeted merchandising and promotional plans to meet department sales goals.
- Utilized excellent math skills to maintain accurate inventory levels.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and productivity.
- Utilized a document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date, and easily accessible data.
- Put together special displays and coached employees on latest promotions.
- Enforced safety rules and other policies to protect employees and minimize company liability.
- Oversaw storewide merchandising benchmarks to maintain operational excellence.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic initiatives that impacted the overall business objectives.
- Managed inventory levels by placing orders when necessary and monitoring stock levels throughout the year.
- Kept department on-target to meet sales and profit objectives by minimizing waste and pursuing revenue generation opportunities.
- Created plans to propose solutions to problems related to efficiency, costs, or profits.
- Supervised and delegated tasks to departmental personnel during manager's absence and busy periods.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner by identifying root causes of issues.
- Provided leadership, motivation, direction and support to team members in order to achieve individual success as well as team goals.
- Performed opening and closing duties as part of management team and handled cash management.
- Monitored employee performance, and provided feedback to ensure job expectations were met.
- Oversaw merchandising and display efforts, enhancing product visibility and appeal.
- Managed effective stock rotation and inventory placement.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure efficient workflow across the organization.
- Cleaned and organized display cases, shelves and aisles.
- Created retail displays to highlight particular products and drive sales according to corporate strategy.
Education
High School Diploma -
Port Jervis Senior High School
Port Jervis, NY06-2002
Associate of Arts - History/Secondary Education
Orange County Community College
Middletown, NY01-2010
Some College (No Degree) - History/Secondary Ed/Medieval And Renaissance
SUNY College At New Paltz
New Paltz, NYDisneys College of Knowledge
Orlando, FLUniversalandU
Orlando, FLRoyal Caribbean University
Orlando, FLSkills
- Administrative tasks
- Travel research
- Company guidelines and procedures
- Travel insurance
- Client networking
- Itinerary development
- Relationship management
- Interpersonal communications
- Marketing
- Social media
- Retail sales
- Bookkeeping
- Phone reception
- Letter writing
- Filing experience
- Keyboarding skills
- Spreadsheet management
- Appointment scheduling
- Calendar management
- Quickbooks, Excel and Google expertise
Affiliations
- Vice President and Secretary of the Port Jervis Little League
- Member of the Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary and Port Jervis Middle School PTA
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Bakery Assistant
Two Brothers Bakery and Cafe
08.2023 - 09.2025
Travel Agent
Self Employed-Agency Owner
04.2022 - Current
Department Lead/Merchandiser
Hobby Lobby
01.2017 - 01.2022
High School Diploma -
Port Jervis Senior High School
Associate of Arts - History/Secondary Education
Orange County Community College
Some College (No Degree) - History/Secondary Ed/Medieval And Renaissance
SUNY College At New Paltz
Disneys College of Knowledge
UniversalandU
Royal Caribbean University