Jose Esqueda
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Passionate and detail-oriented cook with a lot of experience in fast-paced kitchen environments. Skilled in preparing high-quality dishes, maintaining food safety standards, and collaborating with chefs to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Adept at managing multiple stations, reducing prep time, and ensuring consistent flavor and presentation.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Paint Department Associate
Home Depot
Phoenix, AZ
05.2024 - 04.2026
- Operated mixing machines to create custom paint colors according to customer specifications.
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided expert advice on paint applications.
- Maintained inventory of paint supplies, ensuring stock levels met demand for peak sales periods.
- Streamlined order processing by utilizing company software effectively for data entry and tracking purposes.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, resulting in increased repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Mixed paint colors to create custom blends, using paint mixing machine and spatulas.
- Maintained stock shelves by fronting, facing and straightening products throughout shift.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
Line/Prep Cook
The Broken Yolk
Phoenix, AZ
06.2022 - 05.2024
- Prepared ingredients, chopped produce, portioned proteins, and followed standardized recipes to maintain consistency.
- Operated grill, fry, sauté, or pantry stations during high-volume service with accuracy and speed. Followed detailed recipes and plating guides to ensure consistent quality.
- Set up & broke down stations, restocked ingredients, maintained clean and organized work areas.
- Followed safe standards, monitored temperatures, labeled and dated food, and prevented cross-contamination.
- Successfully handled rush periods, producing X+ dishes per shift with minimal errors.
- Maintained consistent plating and flavor profiles, reducing remakes or customer complaints.
- Worked closely with chefs, servers, and dish staff to keep service running smoothly.
- Prepped vegetables, proteins, and garnishes by chopping, slicing, marinating, and portioning according to recipe standards.
- Used professional knife techniques to prep ingredients quickly, safely, and consistently.
- Followed prep sheets and standardized recipes to maintain consistent flavor and presentation.
- Prepared large batches of soups, sauces, and sides to support high-volume service.
- Set up prep stations with organized, fully stocked ingredients to support smooth line operations.
Lead Man/Residential & Commercial
TCS PAINTING LLC
Phoenix, AZ
02.2016 - 05.2022
- Lead man for a small painting company working in both Residential and Commercial. Worked, Nights and weekends in the Phoenix Metro area and outlying cities in AZ.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure project timelines and quality standards were met.
- Developed efficient workflow processes that improved team productivity and reduced material waste.
- Coordinated scheduling and resource allocation for multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices in painting techniques and safety protocols.
- Resolved client concerns promptly through effective communication, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business.
- Applied primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
- Performed minor repair tasks like patching holes or sanding rough areas before painting to ensure a smooth and even final result.
- Completed interior and exterior painting for variety of residential and commercial clients.
- Used brushes, spray guns and paint rollers to paint surfaces.
- Improved overall project efficiency by ensuring proper surface preparation and timely application of paint.
- Maintained clean job sites by promptly disposing of debris, unused materials, and cleaning tools.
Education
High School GED -
Alhambra High School
Phoenix, AZ06-1987
Skills
- Back of house
- Prepare menu items
- Food prep experience
- Fry cook
- Execute tickets consistently
- Food handlers card
- Maintain clean workstation
- Dishwasher
- Attention to detail
- Knife skills
- Customer service
- Strong work ethic
- Kitchen experience
- Cleaning and organization
- Safe food handling
- Teamwork and collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Paint Department Associate
Home Depot
05.2024 - 04.2026
Line/Prep Cook
The Broken Yolk
06.2022 - 05.2024
Lead Man/Residential & Commercial
TCS PAINTING LLC
02.2016 - 05.2022
High School GED -
Alhambra High School