Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Joseph Sikora

Joseph Sikora

Chicago,IL

Summary

Experienced and driven artist and teacher with a proven track record of successful art exhibitions and a passion for providing quality education. Extensive knowledge of fine art techniques, materials, history, and trends. Highly productive and organized, dedicated to delivering top-notch service to clients while maintaining a creative edge. Proficient in various studio practices and design software, with particular expertise in Adobe Creative Suite. Business acumen with focus on sales, marketing, management, and strategy.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner

Art City
09.2023 - Current
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
  • Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
  • Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
  • Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
  • Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
  • Expanded business into new markets, cond
  • Elevated brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and digital platforms.
  • Led negotiations for major contracts, securing favorable terms that significantly reduced costs.
  • Optimized supply chain operations, negotiating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
  • Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
  • Achieved significant cost savings by implementing energy-efficient solutions across company facilities.
  • Improved team productivity by introducing innovative project management tools and techniques.
  • Streamlined operational processes to improve efficiency with comprehensive audits and restructuring.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans for revenue growth, focusing on diversification and market expansion.
  • Enhanced company's market position by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.

Server

Sal’s Trattoria
04.2018 - Current
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
  • Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
  • Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
  • Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
  • Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
  • Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
  • Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
  • Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.

Owner and Art Educator

Chicago Fine Art Salon
01.2018 - Current
  • -Facilitated traditional art instruction for individuals and small groups
  • -Encouraged the artistic success of students with individualized lesson plans
  • -Managed all financial, intellectual, and clerical responsibilities related to business operations
  • -Created and maintained a website and social media presence
  • -Designed advertisements and promoted business through virtual content

Owner and Art Teacher

Easely Painting
01.2015 - 12.2017
  • -Created original artwork to be used as a template for social painting classes
  • -Generated clients through social media and orchestrated art events
  • -Developed a website and social media campaign
  • -Handled all client relationships and business affairs
  • -Maintained all materials for classes and event operations

Art Instructor and Event Coordinator

Colors and Bottles
01.2013 - 12.2015
  • -Created original artwork to be used as a template for social painting classes
  • -Generated clients through social media and orchestrated local art events
  • -Maintained all materials for classes and event operations
  • -Managed instructors for art classes and events
  • -Provided excellent instruction for students with clear objectives

Education

MFA - undefined

Academy of Art University
San Francisco
12.2017

BFA - undefined

Herron School of Art, Indiana University
Indianapolis
05.2002

Skills

  • Leadership and Management
  • Effective Teaching
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Customer Service
  • Design Skills
  • Knowledge of MS Office
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Sales leadership
  • Sales management
  • Customer relations
  • Small business operations
  • Relationship building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Client service
  • Project management
  • Operations management
  • Business management
  • Business planning
  • Strategic planning
  • Project estimating
  • Staff management
  • Marketing
  • Team oversight
  • Financial management
  • Staff hiring
  • Business development
  • Business launch
  • Business administration
  • Business marketing
  • Consulting
  • Negotiation
  • Employee development
  • Product branding
  • Financial planning
  • Contract management
  • Bidding processes
  • Administrative oversight
  • Cost reduction
  • Budget development
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Talent development
  • Budget administration
  • Human resource management
  • Partnership development
  • Labor relations
  • Human resources
  • Quality management systems
  • Investor relations

Languages

English
French
Spanish
Italian

Timeline

Owner

Art City
09.2023 - Current

Server

Sal’s Trattoria
04.2018 - Current

Owner and Art Educator

Chicago Fine Art Salon
01.2018 - Current

Owner and Art Teacher

Easely Painting
01.2015 - 12.2017

Art Instructor and Event Coordinator

Colors and Bottles
01.2013 - 12.2015

MFA - undefined

Academy of Art University

BFA - undefined

Herron School of Art, Indiana University