Keale Kaolulo
Marquette,MI
Summary
Passionate individual that is well-versed in procuring goods and driving business success by using exemplary research skills to determine sales trends. I have been with the Marquette Food Co-op since October 2020 and currently serve as the Meat & Seafood Assistant Manager. Proficient in managing purchasing needs in high-volume retail operation. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership. Looking to use smart and creative solutions to tackle new challenges within an organization. With nearly four years of experience in buying and category management, I thrive on optimizing product selection, streamlining inventory, and prioritizing operational efficiency within the department. I enjoy the strategic and analytical side of purchasing always aiming to balance efficiency with quality. When I’m not immersed in procurement and inventory planning, you’ll find me outside—mountain biking, skiing, swimming, or unwinding with some knitting on the porch.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Meat and Seafood Assistant Manager
Marquette Food Cooperative
07.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of meat and seafood department, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock rotation to minimize waste and enhance freshness.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain product integrity and customer satisfaction.
- Ensured consistent execution of company policies regarding employee performance evaluations, maintaining an accountable workforce focused on continuous improvement.
- Improved team productivity by providing ongoing training, coaching, and support for staff members in cutting techniques, merchandising, and customer service best practices.
- Increased department sales by introducing new and unique meat and seafood items to cater to diverse customer preferences.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment, adhering to strict health and safety regulations to ensure food safety compliance.
Replenishment Buyer
Marquette Food Cooperative
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Streamlined ordering processes to reduce lead times, ensuring consistent product availability for customers.
- Analyzed sales trends to anticipate seasonal fluctuations in demand, allowing for proactive adjustments in replenishment activities.
- Enhanced supplier relationships through effective communication, building trust for long-term partnership opportunities.
- Mitigated supply chain risks by diversifying supplier base and proactively addressing potential disruptions or shortages.
- Coordinated promotional activities with marketing team, ensuring adequate stock levels were maintained during high-demand periods.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify new products or suppliers that aligned with company goals and customer preferences.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
Ski Instructor/Rental Technician/Park Crew
Marquette Mountain
12.2018 - 03.2025
- Skilled in providing exceptional customer service by assisting customers with selecting and fitting ski equipment based on their preferences and ability levels
- Promoted a positive learning environment with clear communication, patience, and encouragement throughout each lesson.
- Experienced in managing ski rental inventory, ensuring that equipment is properly stored, cleaned, and ready for customer use
- Strong knowledge of ski and snowboard equipment, including boots, bindings, skis, and poles, with the ability to adjust and repair equipment as needed
- Exceptional communication skills, able to educate customers on equipment usage, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning ski equipment quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal downtime for customers
- Able to assess terrain conditions and make necessary adjustments to park features, maintaining a high standard of safety and fun for all users
- Strong knowledge of terrain park features, including jumps, rails, and halfpipes, with a focus on safe construction and regular maintenance
- Skilled in crowd management and communication, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors in the ski park
- Passionate about winter sports and terrain park design, consistently striving to create innovative and exciting features while prioritizing rider safety
Cheese Specialist/Buyer
Marquette Food Co-operative
10.2022 - 07.2024
- Monitored product quality through regular tastings to ensure freshness and adherence to established standards.
- Greeted customers to educate, answer questions and prepare cheese.
- Leveraged strong supplier relationships for access to exclusive cheeses not readily available elsewhere in the market area.
- Created informative signage highlighting specific cheeses'' characteristics, origin stories, or pairing suggestions for enhanced browsing experience.
- Responsible for the creation of visually appealing cheese displays, drawing customer attention and increasing sales.
- Coordinated with other departments, such as deli or bakery, to create cross-promotional opportunities and maximize overall sales potential.
- Trained new employees on best practices related to cheese handling, cutting techniques, sanitation procedures, and customer service expectations.
- Implemented efficient merchandising strategies, showcasing featured products and optimizing store layout for ease of navigation.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
FOH Supervisor
Marquette Food Co-operative
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Streamlined FOH operations for increased efficiency and enhanced guest experience.
- Implemented new training programs for FOH staff, resulting in improved performance and reduced turnover rates.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
- Supported marketing initiatives to attract new customers while retaining loyal patrons through excellent service standards.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues quickly to maintain a positive dining experience.
- Collaborated with the kitchen team to address any concerns or issues promptly, enhancing overall quality.
Cashier/Expeditor
Border Grill
06.2017 - 10.2020
- I serve customers of all ages with speed, efficiency, and accuracy and of course a friendly smile
- Consistently I engage with all tasks around the restaurant such as cooking, cleaning, expediting food and cashiering
- I take pride in working hard in all areas and completing duties to the best of my ability
- Most often, I am an expeditor which illustrates my knowledge of the ingredients in all items on our menu and how presentation of our food will lead to guest satisfaction
- I am certain to consistently maintain a clean and well sanitized area in accordance with food safety guidelines, avoiding cross-contamination of raw and prepared food products
- I excel in money handling services as well as maintaining efficiency in the processing of cash, credit, debit and coupon services
Ticket Scanner Lead
Park City Mountain Resort
12.2018 - 04.2018
- I was assigned to a specific lift each day and monitored the area for signs of distress and immediately moved into action when any situation occurred such as expired passes, unhappy guests and fraudulent activity
- I regulated the breaks with the ticket scanners who were assigned to my lift each day and I consistently complied with regulations and policies while encouraging the scanners to adhere to the guidelines
- I worked affirmatively with each and every staff member to create an enjoyable and safe place for our guests to relish what they love, skiing
- Increased guest satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and courteously during the ticket scanning process.
Cashier
Krispy Kreme
02.2017 - 06.2017
- I am very committed to helping people have the best time they possibly could even if its only to come in and grab a single doughnut
- Outstanding customer service is my number one priority as well as engaging and conversing with all
- I am very diligent and accurate with money handling
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI12-2024
High School Diploma -
Vista Murrieta High School
Murrieta, CA05-2017
Skills
- Supply chain optimization
- Merchandising operations
- Advanced functions in Microsoft excel
- Verbal and written communication
- Merchandising strategies
- Multi-tasking strength
- Purchase order management
- Supplier relationship management
- Inventory monitoring
- Pricing analysis
- Purchasing expertise
- Adaptable and quick to learn
Timeline
Meat and Seafood Assistant Manager
Marquette Food Cooperative
07.2025 - Current
Replenishment Buyer
Marquette Food Cooperative
07.2024 - 07.2025
Cheese Specialist/Buyer
Marquette Food Co-operative
10.2022 - 07.2024
FOH Supervisor
Marquette Food Co-operative
10.2020 - 10.2022
Ski Instructor/Rental Technician/Park Crew
Marquette Mountain
12.2018 - 03.2025
Ticket Scanner Lead
Park City Mountain Resort
12.2018 - 04.2018
Cashier/Expeditor
Border Grill
06.2017 - 10.2020
Cashier
Krispy Kreme
02.2017 - 06.2017
High School Diploma -
Vista Murrieta High School
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies
Northern Michigan University