Justin Donaldson
Dallas,PA
Summary
I am a high energy, and outgoing person. Professional with strong background in food sales, bringing results-driven approach to every task. Proven ability to build relationships with clients, adapt to market changes, and collaborate with team members to achieve sales targets. Skilled in customer service, inventory management, and product knowledge. Known for reliability, flexibility, and focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.
Experienced with engaging customers to drive food product sales and ensure satisfaction. Utilizes persuasive communication and product knowledge to enhance customer experience. Track record of maintaining high standards of service and fostering teamwork.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef/Owner
Self-employeed
Dallas, PA
06.2023 - Current
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
- Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
- Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on high-quality ingredients, balancing costs without compromising standards.
- Boosted team morale and productivity with regular training sessions on culinary techniques and customer service standards.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Worked on sales models, and monitoring closely how to sell specific items in current situations
Route Service Sales Representative
Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply
Jessup, PA
06.2021 - 2023
- Increased sales revenue by consistently upselling products and services during routine customer visits.
- Continuously updated product knowledge through ongoing training sessions, enabling informed conversations with clients about features and benefits of offerings.
- Supported fellow route service representatives by providing backup coverage during absences or vacations, ensuring seamless customer experiences.
- Collaborated with team members to devise strategies for achieving sales targets and improving overall route performance.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure timely restocking of products and minimize shortages.
- Implemented effective time management strategies to maximize productivity during daily routes.
- Developed strong client relationships, resulting in repeat business and long-term partnerships.
- Conducted regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure safety and reliability during service routes.
- Adhered to all safety regulations while operating company vehicles to ensure a safe working environment for both employees and clients.
- Utilized strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing agreements with vendors, resulting in increased profit margins for the organization.
- Maintained accurate records of deliveries, invoices, and payments, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Identified potential new customers within assigned territory through market research and cold calling techniques.
- Facilitated clear communication between customers and company management to resolve any issues or concerns quickly.
- Provided exceptional customer service by actively listening to client needs and offering tailored product recommendations based on their requirements.
- Participated in regular meetings with supervisors to discuss performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans for success.
- Maintained positive relationships with customers using good communication and follow-through abilities.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of products and services to address customer inquiries
- Developed and implemented promotional strategies to boost sales and customer loyalty.
- Analyzed sales and customer data to identify buying trends and offer recommendations.
- Managed product transitions from warehouse to customer site, loading, and unloading in alignment with specifications.
- Used excellent listening and problem-solving skills to work with customers and quickly resolve concerns.
- Maintained positive relationships with customers to promote continued business opportunities.
Executive Chef Manager
Scalleat Hospitality
06.2020 - 2021
- Fostered a positive work environment where employees felt valued and motivated to perform at their best, contributing to the team''s success.
- Consistently met revenue targets even during challenging economic periods by closely monitoring market trends and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for improved efficiency, reducing food waste and increasing overall productivity.
- Managed budget effectively by carefully tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities within the operation.
- Led menu development efforts, incorporating seasonal ingredients to provide fresh and exciting options for guests yearround.
- Spearheaded successful special events planning initiatives such as wine dinners or themed nights that attracted new clientele while delighting regular patrons alike.
- Enhanced dining experience by creating innovative and diverse menus for various occasions and events.
- Built strong partnerships with local farmers'' market vendors to ensure access to the freshest produce available throughout the season.
- Evaluated and updated kitchen equipment regularly, ensuring that all pieces were in peak working condition for optimal efficiency.
- Delivered consistently exceptional culinary experiences by focusing on quality control in every aspect of food preparation and presentation.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts for bulk purchases and timely deliveries.
- Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Instituted positive kitchen atmosphere for staffers through effective communication, consistent training and skill development.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Recruited and hired employees to build effective culinary team for $Amount annual revenue-producing restaurant.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Worked on creating sales outside of the normal during COVID to keep producing revenue.
Sous Chef
Peculiar Culinary Company
Pittston, PA
06.2012 - 2020
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
Supervisor
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
06.2011 - 2012
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
Chef
Marywood University
06.2009 - 2011
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
Education
GED - General
Dunmore High
Dunmore, PANo Degree - General Studies
Luzerne County Community College
Wilkes-Barre, PASkills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Team collaboration
- Kitchen operations
- Effective communications
- Attention to detail
- Kitchen management
- Ingredient knowledge
- Verbal and written communication
- Hospitality service expertise
- Sanitation guidelines
- Inventory management
- Staff coordination
- Portion and cost control
- Menu planning
- Cost control
- Culinary expertise
- Vegetarian cooking
- Food service operations
- Complex Problem-solving
- Utensils and equipment
- Food cost analysis
- Food inventories
- Operations management
- Resource management
- Purchasing
- Vendor relations
- Business management
- Order delivery practices
- Multitasking and organization
- Time management
- Schedule implementation
- Sales and customer service
- Getting the customer info on new products, and how to implement them
- Obtaining new clients through networking
- Increasing sales, and customer distribution through detailed customer relations
- Listening skills
- Multi-tasking strength
- Excellent people skills
- Reliable and punctual
- Goal oriented
- Exceptional customer service
- Relationship building
- Outgoing personality
- Cash handling
- Verbal/written communication
- Sales expertise
- Product sales
- Sales strategies
- Upselling
- Guest relations
- Sales training
- Inventory tracking
- Sales development
- Inventory control
- Product recommendations
- Sales goals attainment
- Brand promotion
- Relationship selling
- Product promotions
- Business development
Timeline
Chef/Owner
Self-employeed
06.2023 - Current
Route Service Sales Representative
Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply
06.2021 - 2023
Executive Chef Manager
Scalleat Hospitality
06.2020 - 2021
Sous Chef
Peculiar Culinary Company
06.2012 - 2020
Supervisor
Wilkes University
06.2011 - 2012
Chef
Marywood University
06.2009 - 2011
GED - General
Dunmore High
No Degree - General Studies
Luzerne County Community College