Laura Vander Ven
East Helena,MT
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with proven leadership in operations, enhancing team performance through effective training and problem resolution. Adept at fostering collaborative environments to drive customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Professional leader with comprehensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Serviced-focused and dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Retreat Kitchen and Bar
Helena, MT
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Managed daily operations to ensure optimal efficiency and quality service.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to enhance team performance.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring product availability and minimizing waste.
- Coordinated customer service initiatives to improve guest satisfaction ratings.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork among staff members.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations in food preparation areas.
- Enhanced vendor relationships to optimize supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
Assistant General Manager
Retreat Kitchen and Bar
Helena, MT
10.2024 - 06.2025
- Assisted in managing daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain high-quality food standards and presentation.
- Implemented inventory management practices to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Trained new employees on operational procedures and customer service protocols.
- Monitored customer feedback to enhance service offerings and dining experience.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
Line Cook
Retreat Kitchen and Bar
Helena, MT
02.2024 - 10.2024
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, maintaining cleanliness and adherence to health regulations.
- Assisted in meal plating and presentation, enhancing visual appeal of dishes served.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes during peak hours.
- Maintained inventory levels by monitoring stock and reporting shortages to management promptly.
- Participated in training new staff on kitchen procedures and safety protocols efficiently.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
- Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
Line Cook
Grub Steak
Helena, MT
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Adapted recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and customer preferences effectively.
- Contributed to menu development by providing feedback on popular dishes and customer preferences.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
Cook
Sodexo Campus Services
Helena, MT
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Prepared diverse menu items following established recipes and safety standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring availability of fresh ingredients.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations to enhance efficiency.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes and reduce waste.
- Trained new team members on food safety protocols and operating procedures.
- Monitored cooking times and temperatures to ensure quality standards were met consistently.
- Implemented improvements in food presentation that enhanced customer satisfaction levels.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
Recreation Aide
Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center
Lewistown, MT
04.2003 - 07.2010
- Facilitated therapeutic recreational activities to promote mental and emotional well-being of residents.
- Assisted in developing personalized activity plans aligned with individual needs and preferences.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for residents.
- Monitored resident participation and engagement, adjusting activities as needed for maximum benefit.
- Organized special events and outings, enhancing community integration and social interaction among residents.
- Implemented safety protocols during activities, ensuring a secure environment for all participants.
- Enhanced participant enjoyment by planning and implementing diverse recreational activities.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and company policies by thoroughly understanding guidelines and adhering to protocols.
- Delivered recreational programs to meet needs and preferences of diverse resident population.
- Set up and broke down equipment and supplies used in activities, focusing on safe handling and storing.
- Led group activities that promoted physical fitness, mental well-being, creativity, social interaction, or skill development among participants.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of special events, such as holiday celebrations or community gatherings, resulting in memorable experiences for attendees.
- Assisted individuals with special needs, ensuring an inclusive environment for all participants.
- Supervised volunteers during events or programs as needed, providing clear instruction and guidance to ensure success in their roles.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, incident reports, and equipment inventory for effective management of resources.
- Performed light custodial duties to provide clean and inviting facilities.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Management
Walden University
Phoenix, AZ03.2008
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Time management
- Staff management
- Customer relations
- Relationship building
- Inventory control
- Employee scheduling
- Verbal and written communication
- Motivation
- Vendor relationships
- Performance evaluations
- Organizational development
- Quality management
- Sound judgment
Certification
- ServSafe Certified
- Manager Alcohol ServSafe Certification
Languages
English
Professional Working
Timeline
General Manager
Retreat Kitchen and Bar
06.2025 - 01.2026
Assistant General Manager
Retreat Kitchen and Bar
10.2024 - 06.2025
Line Cook
Retreat Kitchen and Bar
02.2024 - 10.2024
Cook
Sodexo Campus Services
09.2022 - 04.2023
Line Cook
Grub Steak
01.2022 - 05.2023
Recreation Aide
Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center
04.2003 - 07.2010
Associate of Science - Business Management
Walden University