Justin Todd Rakes
Apex,NC
Summary
Creative culinarian offering 20+ years' experience making impactful, fresh and innovative content. Offers talent for storytelling and the capacity to handle technical editing, business operations and team leadership requirements. Successful at taking concepts and producing exceptional products with a good understanding of logistics, design and inventory requirements.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Consultant
SYSCO Food Services
11.2023 - Current
- Advised clients on appropriate product selections based on their unique needs, ensuring optimal satisfaction levels upon purchase.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
- Developed long-lasting client relationships by consistently exceeding expectations with exceptional service.
- Grew territory sales to $2M in the first year
Director of Dining Services
Wolfspeed
10.2013 - 10.2023
- Managed ordering, inventory levels, receiving, invoice settling and equipment maintenance.
- Leveraged market knowledge and studied competitive landscape to drive revenue.
- Achieved CFE certification through operational excellence
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Managed food service sales, costs and budget administration to keep operations in line with financial targets.
- Increased employee engagement by fostering positive relationships among team members and addressing concerns proactively.
Chef De Cuisine
Snake River Grill
06.2011 - 10.2012
- Directed daily production and cleanliness of 20 kitchen associates
- Achieved exceptional food and labor cost (32%-22%) through guided labor projections and creative menu offerings
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted in a $4.5 million annual sales restaurant
- Liaised with vendors to purchase optimal recipe ingredients at cost-effective rates.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and exceptional dining experiences for all customers.
Executive Chef
Four Square Restaurant
05.2004 - 05.2011
- Utilized local, fresh food products to support local economies and showcase community support.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
- Coordinated and executed menu planning, recipe development and daily restaurant operations.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
- Fostered a positive working environment among kitchen team members that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and open communication.
Education
Associates degree with honors - Culinary Arts
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY04.2002
Skills
- Purchasing and Procurement
- Performance Monitoring
- Quality Assurance
- Cost Reduction and Containment
- Performance Improvements
- Staff Leadership
- Business Leadership
- Sanitation Standards
Additional Information
ACTIVITIES / ACHIEVMENTS
- Stages completed at McCrady’s, Town House, The Woodlands Inn, Ashby Inn, Aureole, NYC
- Salaried Manager of the Year South Eastern Region with Eurest in 2015
Timeline
Sales Consultant
SYSCO Food Services
11.2023 - Current
Director of Dining Services
Wolfspeed
10.2013 - 10.2023
Chef De Cuisine
Snake River Grill
06.2011 - 10.2012
Executive Chef
Four Square Restaurant
05.2004 - 05.2011
Associates degree with honors - Culinary Arts
The Culinary Institute of America
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