Katherine Dotson
Bettendorf,IA
Summary
High energy and adaptable professional with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced sales, customer service, and restaurant environments. Successful at handling tasks of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Highly reliable, adaptive, and communicable. Driven to meet customer needs, ensure satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Representative
Panda Exteriors
Reston, VA
11.2025 - 02.2026
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for growth.
- Developed and maintained relationships with potential clients to drive lead generation.
- Trained junior representatives on best practices in sales techniques and customer engagement.
- Consistently met or exceeded sales targets, contributing significantly to the overall success of the team.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of company products and services to provide top-notch expertise to customers.
- Evaluated competitive landscape to refine positioning strategies and maintain an edge over rivals in the market space.
Server/Restaurant Hostess
Maker's Union
Reston, VA
05.2023 - 10.2025
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area and restocking supplies.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers in a timely manner.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about the restaurant's menu and products.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Assisted in training new staff members on restaurant operations and procedures.
- Offered seating and other special accomodations to the customers according to preferences and dining area volume.
- Gained broad base knowledge in restaurant operations, both front-of-house and back-of-house.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
Barista
Starbucks
Reston, VA
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Updated signage and displays, defining new and expanded products and services.
- Welcomed customers and answered questions regarding menu items and preparation methods.
- Prepared and served coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees and teas.
- Maintained clean and healthy environment by following proper safety and sanitation regulations.
- Accomplished new and different drink requests, enhancing coffee shop reputation.
- Followed operating instructions and troubleshot breakdowns, keeping equipment operational.
- Cleaned and restocked dining room and bar areas and performed dishwashing and sanitation tasks.
Cashier
Target
Bettendorf, IA
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Greeted and informed customers of products, fostering positive store experiences.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with co-workers.
- Leveraged POS system to perform purchase transactions for team members and customers.
- Greeted customers and provided assistance with the self-checkout process.
- Provided troubleshooting support when technical issues arose during checkout transactions.
- Monitored self-checkout area to ensure smooth operations and compliance with safety guidelines.
Assistant Manager
Rocket Fizz
Leesburg, VA
03.2019 - 07.2021
- Directed employee tasks and time management, improving customer experiences.
- Built employee knowledge with training and mentoring.
- Created work schedules to maintain top-quality customer service and lower labor costs.
- Assisted in recruiting process, hiring and retaining top talent.
- Led floor sets following plan-o-grams to update store appearance.
- Held employees accountable and corrected issues to achieve high standards.
- Highlighted sale items and promotions with proper signage and display.
- Maintained organized store environment for customer and employee health and safety.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned specific duties.
- Planned and led store layouts and designs.
- Demonstrated and supported continuous improvement and growth mindset.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the store, including customer service, inventory management and staff scheduling.
- Oversaw daily cash handling procedures, reconciling discrepancies as necessary.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner and addressed any issues that may arise during store hours.
- Supervised a team of employees and provided ongoing training to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Provided leadership support during peak business hours by motivating staff members to meet targets.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
- Checked monthly sales and performance reports to support operational planning and strategic decision-making.
Education
High School Diploma -
Tuscarora High School
Leesburg, VA06.2020
Skills
- Ability to Adapt and Learn Quickly
- Team Leadership
- Hospitality and Professionalism
- Guest Engagement and Satisfaction
- Product Advocacy and Suggestive Selling
- Cash and Sales Management
- Complex Problem-solving
- Project management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Strong work ethic
Education and Training
other
Timeline
Business Development Representative
Panda Exteriors
11.2025 - 02.2026
Server/Restaurant Hostess
Maker's Union
05.2023 - 10.2025
Barista
Starbucks
03.2022 - 12.2022
Cashier
Target
08.2021 - 11.2021
Assistant Manager
Rocket Fizz
03.2019 - 07.2021
High School Diploma -
Tuscarora High School