Kari O’Brien
Hoffman
Summary
Focused on giving customers positive experiences every visit. Skilled at helping new employees serve customer needs to build loyalty and earn repeat business. I pride myself on making the customer experience my number one priority. I am very calm under pressure and can handle heated situations with poise and respect.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Barista Trainer
Stop and Shop Supermarket / Starbucks
Monroe
08.2023 - Current
- Trained new baristas on beverage preparation and customer service techniques.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff knowledge and skills.
- Conducted regular skill assessments to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Collaborated with management to identify training needs and gaps.
- Encouraged teamwork among staff to improve overall store performance.
- Worked with new employees on procedures and policies, interacting with customers, cleaning areas and making orders.
- Conducted on-site trainings for baristas in proper brewing techniques and customer service etiquette.
- Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts and provided change.
- Prepared and served coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees and teas.
- Created complex, hand-crafted beverages based upon customer preferences.
- Greeted guests with pleasant smile and superior customer service.
- Prepared numerous varieties of hot and iced drinks with high accuracy and consistently strong customer satisfaction.
- Memorized official and off-menu coffee and tea preparations.
- Demonstrated safe working environment protocols while instructing baristas on how to properly operate espresso machines, grinders, brewers.
- Gave samples of popular coffee and tea blends to create sales opportunities.
- Checked temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, and heating equipment.
- Protected customers by regularly cleaning and sanitizing work areas and equipment.
- Ensured compliance with local health regulations related to food preparation, storage, sanitation.
- Listened to customer desires and needs to recommend optimal products.
- Repaired minor issues with equipment and handled troubleshooting tasks to keep coffee machines operational.
- Maintained calm demeanor during high-volume periods and special events.
Picker Packer
Petco Warehouse
Cranbury
04.2021 - 02.2023
- Picked and packed orders accurately for timely shipment at Petco Warehouse.
- Operated pallet jacks and forklifts to move merchandise efficiently in the warehouse.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work area to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Followed safety protocols consistently to minimize risks in a fast-paced environment.
- Trained new employees on packing techniques and warehouse procedures to ensure consistency.
- Fulfilled orders quickly to accomplish challenging daily objectives.
- Picked orders according to customer specifications, utilizing order sheets, pick lists, and item numbers.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area, equipment and supplies used in picking process.
- Worked additional hours and shifts to meet tight deadlines during peak periods.
- Picked up heavy objects using proper lifting techniques to avoid personal injuries.
- Reported any damaged products to supervisor immediately upon discovery.
- Loaded boxes onto conveyor belts for sorting into correct shipping destinations.
- Followed all safety protocols while operating warehouse machinery and driving forklifts.
- Trained new employees regarding warehouse procedures and standards.
Server / bartender / Assistant Manager
Olive Garden Restaurant
East Brunswick
03.2015 - 04.2020
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance dining experience.
- Assisted in training new servers on restaurant policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area throughout shifts.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently during peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to ensure satisfaction.
- Recommended menu items based on guest preferences and dietary needs.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Provided excellent customer service by engaging with patrons at the bar.
- Stocked bar supplies and organized inventory for efficient service.
- Monitored guest satisfaction and addressed any concerns promptly.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Resolved guest complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction.
- Made friendly conversation with customers to provide enjoyable bar experience.
- Managed staff schedules and coordinated shift assignments to optimize service.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts (focus, Painting And Photography)
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ 09.1999 - 05.2004
Skills
- Beverage preparation
- Equipment maintenance
- Training development
- Customer service
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Barista Trainer
Stop and Shop Supermarket / Starbucks
08.2023 - Current
Picker Packer
Petco Warehouse
04.2021 - 02.2023
Server / bartender / Assistant Manager
Olive Garden Restaurant
03.2015 - 04.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts (focus, Painting And Photography)
Ramapo College of New Jersey
09.1999 - 05.2004