Manuel Valdez
Miami Gardens,FL
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in customer service and team leadership, honed at Cindy Lou's Cookies. Proven track record in inventory management and effective communication, enhancing workflow optimization. Successfully implemented strategies that reduced shrinkage by 15%, fostering a positive team environment and driving exceptional service standards.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Cashier Manager
Cindy Lou's Cookies
Miami, FL
08.2025 - Current
- Processed payments by totaling purchases; processing checks, cash, credit cards or automatic debits; issuing change or receipts.
- Resolved customer complaints, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Enhanced store ambiance to create an inviting shopping experience.
- Implemented inventory controls to minimize shrinkage and waste.
- Fostered positive team environment through regular communication and support.
- Developed custom orders for clients and monitored progress throughout the ordering process.
Lead Food Runner
COTE Korean Steakhouse
Miami, Florida
09.2023 - 08.2025
- Managed team of Food Runners, guiding on proper procedures to ensure consistent service quality.
- Trained new staff on food running protocols and service standards.
- Monitored guest satisfaction, promptly addressing concerns to maintain high service standards.
- Coordinated efficient food delivery from kitchen to dining area, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Ensured proper presentation and temperature of all dishes before serving.
- Adhered to all health code regulations regarding food storage, sanitation, and temperature control.
Server
Itamae
Miami, Florida
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Coordinated dining room floor operations with Servers’ Assistants and Service Manager to enhance guest experience
- Served dinner to 100-150 guests each night in a busy restaurant environment.
- Provided excellent customer service to diners with superior knowledge of a rotating menu
- Managed customer orders accurately using point-of-sale systems.
- Developed strong relationships with regular patrons to enhance their experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and service stations.
- Executed opening and closing duties, including setting up dining area and restocking supplies to ensure smooth service
- Contributed to team meetings to identify strategies for improved service efficiency and communication
Pastry Chef & Customer Associate
Blueprint Cookies
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Maximized sales by implementing a customer service model focused on building relationships with customers
- Assisted Pastry Chefs with prep work and baking of cookies, contributing to efficient kitchen workflow
- Managed opening and closing functions for both cookie shops, ensuring smooth daily operations
Assistant Pastry Chef
RED South Beach
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Developed weekly dessert specials for approval by Executive Chef alongside Executive Pastry Chef
- Supported Executive Pastry Chef in daily operations, including cake construction and preparation tasks
- Facilitated dinner service accommodating 100-200 guests each night
Customer Associate
Anthropologie
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Delivered exceptional customer service to enhance customer satisfaction
- Managed cash register operations for seamless Point of Sale transactions and efficient returns/exchanges
- Maintained visual merchandising standards to create an inviting shopping environment
Line Cook
KYU
04.2021 - 11.2021
- Served dinner service for 300-400 guests per night, ensuring timely and quality meal delivery
- Executed garde manger, fryer, smoker, grill, sauté, and pastry techniques to enhance menu offerings
- Coordinated food preparation, cooking, and kitchen cleaning to maintain high standards of hygiene and efficiency
Shopper
Shipt
07.2020 - 04.2021
- Selected and gathered groceries based on customer orders through mobile app.
- Trained in selecting highest quality produce, meat, dairy, and grocery products to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Communicated with customers to clarify preferences and special requests.
- Managed time effectively to ensure timely deliveries of orders.
- Adapted to dynamic work environments to maintain service quality and meet customer needs.
In-Store Shopper
Instacart
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Delivered exceptional service promptly, addressing customer needs and maintaining quality standards
- Achieved high performance ratings through consistent evaluation and skill development
- Collaborated with team to achieve common goals while also working independently on individual tasks
- Completed quality and safety training programs
Lead Flight Attendant
Eastern Airlines
04.2018 - 09.2019
- Trained as lead flight attendant for diverse charter flights, ensuring adherence to safety and service standards.
- Managed paperwork and duties as lead flight attendant, including passenger manifests and international travel declarations, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Delivered tailored inflight service for passengers on charter flights, enhancing overall travel experience.
- Show proficiency and understanding of emergency procedures and how to use emergency equipment
- Passed Eastern Airline’s qualification flight attendant training for Boeing 767 200 & 300 series
Pre-suit Secretary
Morgan & Morgan (Personal Injury Department)
12.2017 - 04.2018
- Managed and organized heavy case loads for multiple paralegals, streamlining workflow and enhancing case management
- Ensured accuracy and confidentiality of customers' information while communicating case updates
- Maintained regular communication with numerous clients and service providers to ensure timely updates and effective case progression
- Effective problem solving and analysis
- Strong leadership, analytical, management, organizational, communication and administrative skills
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Florida International University
Miami, FL05-2028
Associate of Culinary Arts -
Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute
Coral Gables, FL06-2026
High School Diploma -
Hialeah Gardens Senior High School
Hialeah, FL05-2014
Skills
- Cash handling techniques
- POS system operation
- Inventory management
- Sales report analysis
- Food safety
- Menu planning
- Store layout optimization
- Quality assurance
- Workflow optimization
- Team leadership
- Team training and development
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Customer service
Professional References
- Jeffrey Beauchamps, Chef de Partie COTE Korean Steakhouse, (786) 237-8542
- Florangel Rodriguez, Lead Flight Attendant, Eastern Airlines, (954) 822-0960
- George Berger, Pastry Chef and Instructor, MMCI, Georges.berger@mmci.edu
- Melena Brooks, Executive Pastry Chef, RED South Beach , (340) 344-2094
- Raheem Sealey, Executive Chef, KYU Shiso, (954) 589-3759
Timeline
Cashier Manager
Cindy Lou's Cookies
08.2025 - Current
Lead Food Runner
COTE Korean Steakhouse
09.2023 - 08.2025
Server
Itamae
10.2022 - 09.2023
Pastry Chef & Customer Associate
Blueprint Cookies
07.2022 - 12.2022
Assistant Pastry Chef
RED South Beach
12.2021 - 05.2022
Line Cook
KYU
04.2021 - 11.2021
Customer Associate
Anthropologie
03.2021 - 12.2021
Shopper
Shipt
07.2020 - 04.2021
In-Store Shopper
Instacart
10.2019 - 07.2020
Lead Flight Attendant
Eastern Airlines
04.2018 - 09.2019
Pre-suit Secretary
Morgan & Morgan (Personal Injury Department)
12.2017 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Florida International University
Associate of Culinary Arts -
Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute
High School Diploma -
Hialeah Gardens Senior High School