John Starnes
Yorktown,VA
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in hospitality, notably as Head of Waitstaff at Jade Bowl, where I enhanced customer satisfaction through exceptional service and effective team training. Proficient in conflict resolution and adept at managing high-pressure situations, I consistently drove operational excellence and fostered a positive dining environment.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Waitstaff
Jade Bowl
Hampton, VA
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Supervised waitstaff to ensure excellent customer service at busy dining establishment.
- Oversaw front of house operations, welcoming customers, taking orders, and serving food at tables to enhance dining experience.
- Trained new employees in restaurant procedures and service standards effectively.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage during peak hours and events.
- Investigated career advancement opportunities within organization to foster professional growth.
Customer Service Representative
Play it again sports
Newport News, VA
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Delivered customer service, completed sales transactions, and managed cash handling to ensure efficient operations. Acquired used equipment from customers for resale, enhancing inventory for future sales. Organized packages for shipment and assembled to-go orders, contributing to timely order fulfillment. Took and edited photos for the online catalog.
- Executed sales transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems to ensure accuracy.
- Guided customers through selection of sports equipment and apparel to meet their needs.
- Addressed customer inquiries and resolved complaints to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Reason for leaving: The owner and I did not always get along greatly and we both agreed it would be better if I stepped away.
Customer Service Associate
Wawa
Yorktown, VA
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Worked as a customer service associate at Wawa for one year, assisting customers and maintaining store operations. Prepared sandwiches and meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; managed holiday food preparations; maintained cleanliness of store and restrooms; removed trash from fuel pumps; stocked and organized new merchandise on sales floor and in storage areas.
- Reason for leaving: I was in a motorcycle accident and medical leave was only able to cover for so long. I was asked not to return after my procedures had taken place.
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced convenience store environment.
- Assisted customers with product selection and resolved inquiries efficiently.
- Operated cash register and processed transactions accurately and quickly.
Ship Store Shift Lead
Hampton Marina & Dry Storage
Hampton, VA
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Led daily operations in Ship Store, including opening and closing, handling payments, maintaining website accuracy, fueling boats, stocking inventory, and deep cleaning store and boats.
- Supervised daily operations and coordinated staff schedules for efficient workflow.
- Managed inventory levels and organized storage to optimize space utilization.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Reason for leaving: other opportunities at the time had presented themselves, and I wished to pursue something different.
Waiter
Pho Diner
Yorktown
01.2022 - 09.2022
- Provided attentive service to guests in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Served food and beverages to customers in busy restaurant, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction. Handled opening and closing duties, cash management, customer service, and deep cleaning.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area throughout shifts.
- Reason for leaving: I went to college and when I asked for my job back for breaks they said they had unfortunately filled all their positions
Shift Lead
Surge Adventure Park
Newport News, VA
01.2021 - 09.2021
- Supervised daily operations and staff activities in a fast-paced adventure park.
- Managed store activities in absence of permanent manager, overseeing supply orders, customer order collection, team member supervision, cash transactions, bank deposits, and deep cleaning tasks to ensure smooth operations.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols for guests and team members.
- Trained new employees on park procedures and customer service standards.
- Left position due to injury requiring recovery. I had fractured a bone in my neck at the time and felt it was best for me to not work at a trampoline park while in a neck brace needing to recover.
Education
None -
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA05-2023
Advanced High School Diploma -
York High School
Yorktown, VA06-2022
Skills
- Food safety training
- Customer service training
- Order management
- Sanitation practices
- Janitorial operations
- Leadership
- Leadership development
- Event coordination
- Working under pressure
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Computers and technology
- Basic math skills
- Writing
- Conflict resolution
LANGUAGES
English, College level Spanish, German small talk
PROJECTS
- Meals On Wheels — Delivering meals for people who cannot afford them, Every year before school starts my dad and I go on our route to deliver meals at least 3 times a week to those who cannot afford to eat or unable to go and get their food.
- Help A Kid Shop — Taking underprivileged kids back to school shopping, Like the Meals On Wheels, my dad and I will sign up to take an underprivileged child back to school shopping and let them get clothes and school supplies they like and need for their upcoming school year.
AWARDS
Captain York Varsity Soccer - Given the captain's band by my coach from 2020-2022., Captain Legacy Soccer Club - Captain of every team I played for inside of the Legacy Organization., Academic Award of Excellence - Awarded for my final GPA in high school, as well as my testing scores., Most Inspirational Player - Awarded for lifting my team's spirits to carry us to win a Trophy., Spanish National Honor Society - Seal given on my diploma, Leadership Award of Excellence - Given to me my freshman year of college at CNU
Certification
- NIMS I.S. 100
- NIMS I.S. 200
- NIMS I.S. 700
- NIMS I.S. 800
- Stress And First Aid
- Texas A&M HAZMAT
Timeline
Head of Waitstaff
Jade Bowl
09.2025 - 05.2026
Customer Service Representative
Play it again sports
05.2025 - 08.2025
Customer Service Associate
Wawa
01.2024 - 01.2025
Ship Store Shift Lead
Hampton Marina & Dry Storage
05.2023 - 09.2023
Waiter
Pho Diner
01.2022 - 09.2022
Shift Lead
Surge Adventure Park
01.2021 - 09.2021
None -
Christopher Newport University
Advanced High School Diploma -
York High School