Kristen Mode
Cornelius,NC
Summary
Detail-oriented and approachable professional with over twenty years of diverse experience in bartending, customer service, education, retail, and animal care. Creative and energetic leader skilled in team management, restaurant operations, lesson planning, and instructing summer camps and art classes. Recognized for strong attention to detail and a robust work ethic, ensuring high-quality service delivery in fast-paced environments. Committed to enhancing customer satisfaction by consistently striving for professionalism and fostering enjoyable experiences.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Barista and Bartender
Lost Worlds Brewery
Cornelius, NC
08.2025 - Current
- Open/close brewery as a key holder
- Prepared and served high-quality beverages to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations for optimal efficiency.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely restocking of supplies and ingredients.
- Developed seasonal drink specials to attract new customers and drive sales.
- Fostered a new loyal customer base by remembering regulars' orders and preferences, making them feel valued.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
Bartender and Server
Iron Key Brewing Company
Columbus, NC
08.2020 - 08.2025
- Key holder
- Counted drawer/money
- Insure guests are having a positive and enjoyable experience; their food and drinks are coming out correctly and timely
- Time management between guests, whether that be having a 12 to 15 table section or 14 bar seats and creating drinks for entire restaurant
- Trained new bartenders on operational procedures and customer service excellence.
- Cultivated strong relationships with regular customers, enhancing loyalty and repeat business.
- Open or close bar/floor area; making sure we are set up for success and stocked for the day ahead, or everything is cleaned and reset for the next day
Art / Nature Instructor
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
Tryon, NC
07.2019 - 08.2025
- Organizing creative and educational lesson plans and activities
- Taking children on nature hikes to identify native plant and animal species, tracks, bird sounds, trail safety and poisonous plants
- Keeping 4 counselors and over 30 campers organized
- Prepared for any minor cut, injury or bug bite/sting
- Problem solve when children are not getting along, not wanting to engage in activity or not listening
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups.
Head Server and Bartender
The Purple Onion
Saluda, NC
08.2015 - 06.2025
- Key holder
- Counted money, made deposits, wrote checks, checked in orders, assisted with inventory
- Insured the over 250 guests under my care had a enjoyable dinning experience, reservations handled properly, food and drinks correct and timely
- Time management of caring for my own 7 tables and 10bar customer seats while handling multi managerial duties
- Open or close restaurant; making sure everything is stocked, cleaned and prepared for each shift
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring seamless coordination between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
- Trained and mentored new staff on service standards and customer engagement techniques.
- Handled high-pressure situations with poise, ensuring a positive experience for both staff and customers.
Co-Owner and Artist
Earthly Minds Gallery
Saluda, NC
06.2021 - 06.2025
- Managed day to day operations of business
- Took pictures, creative writing for all social media posts and engagements
- Managed 40 plus artists a month; thru sales, payments, emails, marketing
- Established partnerships with artists and collectors to enhance gallery reputation and visibility.
- Curated diverse art exhibitions that showcased emerging talents and attracted new clientele.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase foot traffic and online engagement through social media
- Developed unique artistic techniques, pushing creative boundaries and innovation.
- Participated in community art initiatives, promoting local culture and engagement.
- Created diverse artwork using various mediums, enhancing visual storytelling.
Pet Care Lead
Petsmart
Charlotte, NC
01.2009 - 05.2013
- Supervised daily operations of pet care services, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory of pet supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels while minimizing waste.
- Established strong relationships with clients through clear communication, trust-building, and consistent followup.
- Maintained clean facilities by implementing thorough cleaning protocols, reducing the risk of disease transmission among pets
- Trained and mentored new staff on best practices for pet handling and care techniques.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer and balanced end-of-day reports.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, ensuring satisfaction and retention.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
East Stroudsburg State University
East Stroudsburg, PABachelor of Fine Arts - Photography
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NCHigh School Diploma -
Pocono Mountain East High School
Swiftwater, PA06.2009
Skills
- Class instruction
- Innovative lesson planning
- Special needs teaching
- Customer service
- Strong multitasking
- Sales expertise
- Staff management
- Bar operations management
- Time management
- Leadership
- Friendly and outgoing
- Adaptive and creative
Timeline
Barista and Bartender
Lost Worlds Brewery
08.2025 - Current
Co-Owner and Artist
Earthly Minds Gallery
06.2021 - 06.2025
Bartender and Server
Iron Key Brewing Company
08.2020 - 08.2025
Art / Nature Instructor
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
07.2019 - 08.2025
Head Server and Bartender
The Purple Onion
08.2015 - 06.2025
Pet Care Lead
Petsmart
01.2009 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
East Stroudsburg State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Photography
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
High School Diploma -
Pocono Mountain East High School