JOHNNY CALHOUN
Lake Wales,FL
Summary
Motivated and dependable professional with strong experience in culinary operations, customer service, and technical support. Known for excelling under pressure, learning quickly, and delivering high-quality service. Seeking opportunities to grow my skills while contributing value to the team.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator, Catering / Meal Prep Specialist
Foundation Meal Prep
01.2024 - Current
- Prepared weekly meal prep menus with consistent quality, portion accuracy, and attention to nutrition.
- Assisted with catering for private events, ensuring timely setup, presentation, and customer satisfaction.
- Packed, labeled, and organized meals for delivery and customer pickup.
- Worked efficiently in fast-paced environments with strict deadlines.
- Developed and implemented efficient meal preparation workflows to enhance operational productivity.
Kitchen Manager
Grand Academy / QIV Tech
01.2017 - Current
- Managed and supervised kitchen staff, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Created menus and coordinated meal planning.
- Maintained inventory, managed budgets, and shopped for monthly goods.
- Oversaw the sanitation team, including planning, purchasing supplies, and ensuring compliance.
- Developed and implemented efficient workflows to optimize food preparation and service delivery.
Team Lead
DripJar Cafe
04.2021 - 07.2023
- Prepared and cooked menu items with consistency, accuracy, and attention to presentation.
- Took customer orders and provided friendly, efficient service during busy periods.
- Helped develop and test new menu items to improve variety and guest satisfaction.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally to ensure a positive dining experience.
- Maintained a clean, organized workstation and upheld all food-safety standards.
Team Lead / Line Cook
Eseeola Lodge
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Prepared and cooked menu items with consistency and quality.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the facility.
- Helped innovate and test new menu items to increase customer satisfaction.
Line Cook / Private Event Chef / Buffet Griller
Mountain Lake
01.2013 - 05.2020
- Prepared high-quality dishes for daily service, private events, and large hotel buffets.
- Opened and closed the establishment, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Excelled in high-pressure environments while maintaining food safety and quality.
- Used Excel to price recipes, calculate portions, and plan kitchen production.
- Trained new employees in prep procedures, safety, and service standards.
- Delivered exceptional customer service and memorable experiences.
Lawn Technician / Equipment Operator
Hermins Pest Control
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Operated lawn and pest-control machinery for spraying insects and applying fertilizers.
- Mixed chemical solutions following safety guidelines.
- Performed equipment maintenance to ensure safe, reliable operation.
- Provided courteous service to residential and commercial clients.
Student Tech Advisor
Lake Wales High School
01.2014 - 01.2014
- Programmed iPads and MacBooks with security restrictions.
- Logged and tracked devices using Microsoft Excel.
- Set up mass-download routes for efficient app installation.
- Assisted teachers with projectors and Promethean boards.
- Provided tech support to students and staff.
Operations Manager / Cook
Beans & Brushes
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Opened and maintained daily store operations.
- Managed inventory and organized work areas.
- Delivered friendly customer service.
- Assisted with food preparation and general store upkeep.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lake Wales High School
Lake Wales, FL06.2015
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration (Sophomore)
Polk State College
Winter Haven, FLSkills
- Core Skills
- Customer Service & Support
- Conflict Resolution
- Strong Multitasking & Time Management
- High-Pressure Problem Solving
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Reliable and Detail-Oriented
- Effective Verbal & Written Communication
- Technical & Operational Skills
- Fast Computer Navigation & Data Entry
- Microsoft Excel (Menu Pricing, Inventory, Reports)
- Equipment and Device Troubleshooting
- Workflow & Organization Management
- Inventory Coordination and Planning
- Leadership & Staff Training
- Process Improvement
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Timeline
Owner/Operator, Catering / Meal Prep Specialist
Foundation Meal Prep
01.2024 - Current
Team Lead
DripJar Cafe
04.2021 - 07.2023
Team Lead / Line Cook
Eseeola Lodge
05.2020 - 10.2020
Kitchen Manager
Grand Academy / QIV Tech
01.2017 - Current
Lawn Technician / Equipment Operator
Hermins Pest Control
01.2015 - 01.2016
Student Tech Advisor
Lake Wales High School
01.2014 - 01.2014
Line Cook / Private Event Chef / Buffet Griller
Mountain Lake
01.2013 - 05.2020
Operations Manager / Cook
Beans & Brushes
01.2013 - 01.2014
High School Diploma -
Lake Wales High School
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration (Sophomore)
Polk State College